Martin 00-21 (1975)

Here's a surprisingly great-sounding mid-70's Martin 00-21. One doesn't think of small-bodied models from Martin during this period. The music world seemed so dreadnought-heavy, and maybe it was. Or maybe all the dread's made in that period were just exceptionally heavy! In any case, this 00, even though it still bears many of the 70's Martin trademarks--non-scalloped bracing, large rosewood bridge plate-- it sounds and plays like a much lighter guitar. There's a nice amount of roundness and woodiness to the tone, especially with a light, fingerstyle approach. Flat-picking also brings out some of its strengths: it's very open and chime-y with lovely sustain. All in all a very satisfying guitar to play.