This 1964 Martin 00-21 "New Yorker" has just come into the shop for consignment! Produced as a response to the folk music boom of the early 1960's, Martin's "NY" series was seen as a reissue of sorts ~ a tribute to their beginnings in New York City, when all of their guitars would've shared the small-body, 12-fret aesthetic popularized by Joan Baez. The style-21 New Yorkers can be particularly captivating: their Brazilian Rosewood bodies make them sought after by players from many stylistic backgrounds seeking the storied Martin richness of tone. And those produced in the old Martin factory (the pre-1965 models) retain hide glue construction and small maple bridge plates as well.
This lovely-sounding example of a 00-21NY remains in fine shape for its age. Its body shows the expected lacquer checking, alongside the signs of a musical life well lived (you'll find plenty of dings, scratches, pick wear, etc.). There's a small impact crack on the soundboard (bass side, lower bout) that does not go through the wood. There's also a back crack (treble side, lower bout) which has been glued superficially with accompanying finish touch-up. These models would have left the factory with a satin finish and while the finish on this one looks old and has the characteristic crazing of an old Martin, the finish is glossy and upon close inspection, there are brush marks where a thin overcaot of gloss was applied. Hard to hear that in the sound which pops and crackles like the best of those old 21's. All internal structural components (bracing & bridge plate) are original and very healthy. The Brazilian Rosewood bridge is original as well, and may have been reglued at some point in the past. We've performed a fresh setup, and the guitar plays as expected, with action at 3/32" (bass side) and 2/32" (treble side) and minimal neck relief. Priced with a non-original, period hardshell case. On consignment; shipping calculated at checkout.
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