"This 00-21 is as exceptional an example of a pre-war Martin as you'll ever encounter." ~Andy

We first encountered this 1934 Martin 00-21 approximately ten years ago, when the family of the man who'd owned it since 1937 brought it to us for consignment. It was completely original; and we recognized its most notable feature right away. For only one year in the 1930's (roughly mid-1934 to mid-1935), Martin built their 12-fret 00 with 1 3/4" wide fingerboards in the first position (as opposed to the standard 1 7/8" fingerboard seen theretofore--and thereafter--on 12-fret models). For players who want the warmer, fatter sound and responsiveness of a 12-fret guitar and the playability of a 14-fret 000, these are grail-level guitars.

Martins made in 1934 were also the first one to incorporate modern "T" frets and the steel neck reinforcement that would come to be known as the standards for playability and tone associated with their "Golden Era" guitars produced up until 1939. This 00-21 is as exceptional an example of a pre-war Martin as you'll ever encounter. Its dynamic range is astonishing; and subtle changes in the player's attack and pick angle can coax glistening, complex overtones from every position on the fingerboard. It also exhibits the warm, dry power and bountiful midrange presence that's become the hallmark of a great vintage guitar. Even though its stature may be inadequate in a bluegrass jam, there's growl aplenty here for a seasoned player alongside a downright joyful response that simply doesn't exist elsewhere.

As vintage Martins go, we think it's fair to say this guitar is in near-excellent condition. There are two top cracks, repaired by luthier, Ken Fallon, who also replaced the first five frets and one fingerboard inlay. Our shop has reset the neck; and the guitar plays wonderfully, with standard action (3/32" bass side, 2/32" treble side) under tension of light gauge strings. All other structural components are clean and original. Priced with a Calton case.

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