Martin D-21 1956, Natural

1956 was Martin's first official production year for the rare D-21 Model. This example comes from this run and spent the majority of its life with one owner in Canada. The original owner played in a rockabilly group in the late 50's and traded a Gibson J-50 and signed onto a payment plan to get the D-21. He wanted the similar Rosewood D-28, but it was too expensive. Little did he know that the guitar he bought and would bond with was one of Martin's most underrated designs. It's D-18 in binding aesthetics, but Brazilian Rosewood where mahogany would be. Inch per inch, it's the model that has the most Brazilian Rosewood. Because these were more affordable than D-28s, they tended to have more interestingly figured Rosewood backs; this is stable and straight grained, but with beautiful striping. The owner played this guitar heavily each week of his life and transitioned into bluegrass music; the rosewood is faded from the sun. In 2003, the owner cashed in on his warranty and had the guitar serviced at the Martin factory; it received a neck reset, fretboard plane and refret, new bone saddle, top overspray, and pickguard replacement. It has recently received another neck reset and is in excellent playing condition; especially for flat picking.

Comes with hardshell case.