Martin 00-21 65287 (1937)

C.F. Martin serial number 65287 is this 00-21, made in 1937 and now on the market for the third time. It has been with its second owner for many decades and was last sold by the long-ago-defunct Cambridge Guitar Shop just down the road from us outside Boston.

65287 is a stunning example of a Golden-Era Martin, and a somewhat rare commodity since 12-fret guitars were not being produced in large numbers during that time (at least, not as their production numbers relate to their 14-fret brethren). But die-hard aficionados of the coveted pre-war sound know that 12-fret guitars offer what's arguably the sweetest, warmest variation of it. This particular guitar has brought a sly grin to the face of everyone here at TME: it's an instrument that explodes with "the sound" as soon as one note is struck. Strung with .011-.052 "custom" lights, it emits a velvety-sweet shimmer, retaining plenty of articulation and fat treble presence when played finger style. Strung it conventional light strings, it retains that voice and offers more bark, responding instantly to a flatpick and filling a room with woody punch.

This guitar has seen very little in the way of previous repairs. Luthier Steven Warshaw, a well-regarded classical builder in his day, reset the neck and replaced the bridge in 1982. It's possible he buffed the finish, but we're confident the original lacquer is intact and otherwise unmodified. The original frets have been dressed, and the original nut has been slightly reshaped. The inside of the guitar is squeaky clean, with all original braces and bridge plate present and healthy. There are no cracks aside from the expected lacquer checking. There's a very slight amount of air showing between the top and the bridge, but we have elected to leave the area as-is.

The guitar is priced with the only case it has had for the last 60 years--a standard-issue hardshell from the early 1970's. We can assist with the acquisition of a sturdier case, should the next owner desire one. Interested parties are encouraged to call us for an in-hand description of this wonderful guitar.