1975 Martin D12-35 Vintage 12-String Acoustic Guitar – Rosewood – Original Martin Hardshell Case

Vintage American-made Martin craftsmanship, beautiful rosewood, exceptional playability, and that unmistakable Martin 12-string sound!

Offered here is a beautiful 1975 Martin D12-35, serial number 362079, handcrafted in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.

This is a wonderful example of Martin’s highly regarded vintage 12-string guitars. Featuring a solid spruce top, solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, and Martin’s distinctive three-piece Style 35 back, this guitar offers the rich, full-bodied resonance and shimmering harmonics that make vintage Martin 12-strings so desirable.

At over 50 years old, this instrument has matured beautifully, both visually and musically.

Condition

This guitar is in excellent playing condition and presents beautifully for its age.

It has been carefully cleaned and inspected, and its overall appearance is remarkable for a vintage instrument.

There are some light scratches, handling marks, and normal signs of age and use, as should be expected from a guitar built in 1975. The spruce top has developed a beautiful warm vintage patina, while the rosewood back and sides display gorgeous natural grain and coloration.

Please examine the detailed photographs for the best representation of its cosmetic condition.

Exceptional Playability

One of the most impressive characteristics of this D12-35 is its remarkably comfortable action.

Action measures approximately 2/32” at the 12th fret on both the bass and treble sides.

The guitar is currently tuned down one full step to D standard (DGCFAD), a popular tuning for 12-string guitars that produces a wonderfully rich, resonant sound while reducing string tension.

Barre chords are exceptionally comfortable, even farther up the neck. For a vintage 12-string, the ease of playability is particularly impressive.

The guitar plays cleanly throughout its primary playing range. There is some minor buzzing in isolated upper-fret positions beyond the 12th fret with the current ultra-low setup. This does not interfere with normal chordal playing or the overall enjoyment of the instrument.

Tone

This guitar sounds absolutely wonderful!

It produces a rich, full, beautifully balanced 12-string voice with excellent resonance, sustain, and harmonic complexity.

The solid rosewood construction contributes warmth and depth, while the aged spruce top delivers clarity and sparkle.

Whether strummed or fingerpicked, this Martin produces the lush, shimmering sound that makes a great vintage 12-string so special.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: C. F. Martin & Co.
• Model: D12-35
• Year: 1975
• Serial Number: 362079
• Country of Manufacture: USA – Nazareth, Pennsylvania
• Body: 12-fret dreadnought
• Top: Solid spruce
• Back: Solid East Indian rosewood, three-piece construction
• Sides: Solid East Indian rosewood
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Bridge: Ebony
• Headstock: Traditional slotted design
• Finish: Natural gloss
• Tuning: Currently one full step below standard

Original Martin Hardshell Case Included

The guitar comes with its original Martin hardshell case, featuring the attractive blue plush interior shown in the photographs.

The case has protected this instrument well over the years and makes an excellent addition to this vintage Martin package.

Pictured Martin literature is also included.

Final Thoughts

Finding a vintage Martin 12-string that combines beautiful tone, outstanding resonance, comfortable action, and attractive cosmetic condition is always a pleasure.

This 1975 D12-35 delivers on all counts.

Its gorgeous three-piece rosewood back, aged spruce top, traditional 12-fret construction, and original Martin case make it a particularly appealing instrument for both players and vintage Martin enthusiasts.

A wonderful opportunity to own a beautifully aged, American-made Martin 12-string with exceptional playability and character.

Please review all photographs carefully, and feel free to reach out with any questions.

Thank you for looking