Up for sale, a 1969 Martin D12-20 12-string dreadnought acoustic in excellent condition and in perfect working order. With an X-braced top and classic Martin tonewood combination, the D12-20 is akin to a 12-string version of a D-18, with a wider nut for more navigable string spacing.

This Martin benefits from all the maintenance due an acoustic of this vintage, recently serviced by Portland Fretworks. Service includes a neck reset, tall saddle, full refret with slender vintage-spec fretwire, and a new pickguard. A K&K Pure Mini passive pickup and corresponding 1/4" endpin jack has also been installed.

Tonewoods include a solid Sitka spruce top paired with mahogany back and sides, and this 12 string has exquisite chime, with the power, balance and tonal breadth inherent in the dreadnought body shape. This D12-20 sings with equal parts sweetness and cutting clarity, with a relaxed, open quality that befits an instrument of its vintage. This Martin weighs 4lbs 2oz, freshly restrung with bronze strings and professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with easy-playing action and optimal intonation.

Neck Specs:

• Wood: Mahogany
• Shape: Slender soft V, measuring .790” 1st fret, .955” 9th fret
• Fretboard: Rosewood, dot inlays
• Frets: Slender, refret, no wear
• Scale Length: 25.4”
• Nut: 1 7/8”
• Tuners: Open-gear
• Serialization: Stamp on neck block dates to ‘69

Body Specs:

• Wood: Sitka spruce, mahogany
• Bracing: X, straight (non-scalloped)
• Bridge: Rosewood belly
• Pickguard: Black (modern)
• Marquetry: Black Boltaron binding, simple rosette

The original nitro lacquer finish presents cleanly, with light birdseye figuring in the spruce top. Crack-free save for one short split beneath the new pickguard, this Martin shows an area of shallow buckle wear on the bass-side upper bout of the back, with a smaller area of buckle worming on the lower bout near the endpin. There is light pick scuffing across the soundhole, particularly between the pickguard edge and bridge, and some additional minor nicks and scuffs consistent with careful use. The gloss on the neck profile is clean and smooth.

A modern hardshell case is included.