C. F. Martin D-12-20 Model 12 String Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1966), made in Nazareth, PA, serial # 208963, natural lacquer finish, mahogany back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black chipboard case.
This is an original and fairly early example of Martin's first production 12-string, the D-12-20. The model was launched in 1964, when Martin could no longer ignore the popular demand for 12-strings, something they had previously been reluctant to build. The D-12-20 was the result, basically a 12-fret D-18S with 12 strings braced rather more heavily for the extra tension as would be expected, with a larger maple bridgeplate.
The D-12-20 has features typically associated with Martin's Style 18; a spruce top, mahogany body and rosewood fingerboard and bridge with a slightly fancier backstrip presumably meriting the "Style 20" designation. Only 152 were sold in 1964, but 726 left Nazareth in 1965 and a further 376 in 1967, of which this is one. The sales totals went up dramatically again the next year and the guitar was considered a success at the time.
This third-year example is a somewhat lighter, more responsive guitar than the much more common 1970s 12-strings, which are noticeably more heavily built. It is fitted with openback Waverly strip tuners instead of the heavy cast "box" Grover Slimline pegs Martin later used, with a much lighter headstock and better handling as a result. This Martin 12-string has a smooth ringing sound, with more depth than some 12-strings but plenty of clarity on top. This model is not a hugely celebrated Martin, but is one of their nicer new-for-the 1960s designs and still a very player friendly guitar.
Overall length is 41 in. (104.1 cm.), 15 5/8 in. (39.7 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 15/16 in. (12.5 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 7/8 in. (48 mm.).
This 1966 D-12-20 has some general wear but plays and sounds great and is decently preserved for its 60 years on the planet. It is a nice example overall, showing some wear and careful repair but structurally solid and an excellent player. The all-original lacquer finish has some moderate checking and a number of small dings, dents, and scrapes, the majority of the pickwear is around the soundhole rim. There is an area of strap burn on the bottom sides near the endpin, and a few smaller scars on the back. The back of the neck has some small dents and dings but is relatively clean overall.
The original tortoise celluloid pickguard is intact with small sealed grain crack along the inside edge. There is a longer sealed grain split along the bass side of the center seam, with some visible touch-up added. On the sides there is a short mahogany grain crack along each waist, both previously cleated and topically sealed. Internally the original braces and big maple bridgeplate are still intact and the top shows little of the bulging or distortion many of these earlier 12-strings exhibit.
The original short-saddle bridge has been reglued with a new saddle; the guitar has had a neck reset with some minor scarring around the heel, new correct-spec frets and replaced bone nut so plays superbly with a low action for a 12-string. This one is not a closet queen but one of the friendlier playing Martin 12-strings we have had. It resides in an original period chipboard case. Overall Very Good + Condition.
