C. F. Martin D-21 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1969), made in Nazareth, PA, natural lacquer finish, spruce top, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, mahogany neck, black tolex hard shell case.
This is a very clean example of a D-21 from the last year of Brazilian rosewood construction, the most noticeable feature of which is a spectacularly figured back. Martin usually had a penchant for straight and symmetrically grained woods, so this piece may well have been a reject until the shortage of Brazilian made using up everything in the shop a priority!
The book matched pieces have a spectacular asymmetrical burl figure in the center that is almost walnut-like and very dramatic graining, almost an "eye of the hurricane" effect. To today's eye this is a beautiful effect, and this would be considered a premium piece of wood.
The sides also carry a dramatic grain pattern. The D-21 often features unusually patterned woods as it was the lowest-priced rosewood Dreadnought, but this one is more dramatic than most.
Otherwise standard fittings for a D-21 of this era: black pickguard and body binding, rosewood fingerboard, headstock overlay and bridge, pearl dot inlay. Original Grover Rotomatic tuners, bone nut and saddle, pearl dot celluloid bridge pins and endpin.
Good sounding and playing example housed in a period HSC that it has been in for many years, but is not the stock Martin case.
Overall length is 40 1/2 in. (102.9 cm.), 15 5/8 in. (39.7 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.).
Overall fine condition; bridge top has been taken down somewhat but bridge still has plenty of meat to it. No top cracks and very little pick wear, minor dings and one small area of concentrated scratches on the back. Some minor capo wear to back of neck, average light fret wear. One deep check in the burl area of the back. Finish very well preserved.
Case has some scuffing and two large stickers applied.
