C. F. Martin 00-21 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1927), made in Nazareth, PA, natural varnish finish, Brazlilan rosewood back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, black tolex hard shell case.
Overall length is 38 1/4 in. (97.2 cm.), 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 in. (10.2 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 13/16 in. (46 mm.). This is a lovely, very original example of this 1920's Martin classic, with some typical wear and repair but no ongoing issues. The original very thin varnish finish, small pyramid bridge and Waverly strip tuners are all original; only the bone nut appears replaced. The rosewood back and sides remain remarkably crack-free except for one tiny sealed check on the side in the upper bass bout area, and a nearly identical one on the lower bass side. There are several old repaired top cracks-one just off the center seam less than 1/2' long behind the bridge, and the seam itself has been resealed both in front of and behind the bridge. A third is about 3 1/2" long on the lower treble bout, off the back edge, with a small splice. All are cleanly sealed up but visible with just some minimal touch-up. All work done by T J Thompson.
The top finish itself shows wear overall, most notably pick marks from decades of play. The standard pickwear area below the high E string shows moderately heavy wear down through the finish into the grain of the spruce, and there are random strummarks into the finish over several areas of the top. The back of the neck also shows playing wear through the finish overall, but no major dings or dents. A small sticker appears to have been removed from the back of the headstock long ago. The guitar's back has very fine checking to the varnish, and some light wear spots. The original bar frets and fretboard show only very light wear, with one small divot between the second and third strings in the 4th fret area. This is simply a wonderful playing and sounding guitar, a splendid example of an early steel-string Martin 00. The sound is full and powerful as a fingerpicked guitar, and is surprisingly loud and crisp as a flatpicking instrument as well. These 1920's rosewood Martin 00's are simply some of the best balanced, finest sounding flat top guitars ever made, and this is a very fine example.
Previously owned by Ry Cooder. Overall Excellent - Condition.
