1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20
1969 Martin D12-20

1969 Martin D12-20

Regular price
Sold out
Sale price
$1,799.00

There's nothing quite like the full, harmonic sound of a played-in vintage 12-string.

Introduced in 1964, the Martin D12-20 maximizes the sonic potential of a 12-string with the bigger soundboard of a 12-fret dreadnought body. With the bridge positioned closer to the widest part of the lower bout (where it is more flexible), the top moves faster with less effort. That translates into quicker, more accurate response as well as increased sustain. This also lends itself to a warmer, more bass-oriented sound across the board. When you factor in the lush, harmonic content of a 12-string, the result is an enormous, powerful sound. 

Although it was never made in huge numbers, the D12-20 was offered until 1991. Because it's a dreadnought body with Mahogany back and sides, the D12-20 produces strong bass content, which gives a lot of balance to the overall sound. It has rich, nuanced 12-string tone that shimmers with complexity. 

This 1969 Martin D12-20 has the tone, feel, and character a broken-in vintage 12-string. It has a woody, balanced sound that remains true to the D12-20 reputation. It can be thunderous and powerful when you push it hard, but it can also be delicate and subtle.

The action teeters on the high side, but it's still playable, especially if you're just cranking out chords. It's a little lower when you tune down D to D, and the neck can handle the tension of standard E to E tuning. The neck was reset in the past, and with the saddle sitting low, it will likely need a neck reset to get the action down much lower. Other past repairs include a top crack by the center seam as well as the typical pickguard crack (the pickguard was likely replaced, too). There is also a repaired back crack. It has been refretted, too. The original nut and tuning machines still work like they should, and the back edge of the bridge is very faintly lifting up. Not enough to get paper underneath, but enough so you can see it. It's no where near needing a re-glue, but something to keep an eye on.

This 1969 Martin D12-20 includes a modern molded-plastic hardshell case. It is a versatile 12-string that brings a lot to the table. 

Sale

Unavailable

Sold Out