1968 MARTIN D-12-20

Martin D-12-20 from 1968, in beautiful overall and playing condition.

This is an original 1960s example of Martin’s first 12-string guitar, the D-12-20. The model was launched in 1964, when Martin could no longer ignore the growing demand for 12-string guitars, a type of instrument they had previously been reluctant to produce. The D-12-20 is built on the same base as the D-18S with a 12-fret neck, with the internal structure reinforced to withstand the increased string tension. It features the typical elements of Martin’s Style 18: a spruce top, mahogany body, and rosewood fingerboard and bridge—with a slightly more ornate back joint, which likely earned it the “Style 20” designation. With 1,226 units sold in 1968, it enjoyed resounding success throughout the 1960s and into the late 1970s, when it was gradually phased out of the catalog once the trend had faded.

This 1968 model is much more responsive and sonically rich than the much more common 1970s models, which feature a more robust construction and a thicker rosewood bridge plate. It is equipped with open Waverly tuners instead of the heavy Grover tuners later used by Martin, which improves the instrument’s overall balance. Above all, we have taken great care to carry out all the necessary work to restore perfect playability to this instrument, which is rare to find in good playing condition since string tension will often have excessively increased the action over the decades. To address this systematic problem, we performed a neck reset on the instrument, readjusting the neck angle to recover ideal action and intonation. After a complete refret, the crafting of a new set of bone nuts and saddles, and the regluing of the bridge, the guitar is now playable as it was on its first day, with string angle on the saddle and accurate intonation.

Sold in its original hardshell case.