Martin D-21 1957, Natural

When it comes to flatpicking, it’s tough to beat an old Martin Brazilian rosewood dreadnought, but that's certainly not all this guitar's good for. This 1957 D-21 is perfectly played in, with the kind of wear and aging that modern makers aim to emulate. As is often the case with vintage guitars, the line between mahogany tonal traits and rosewood ones is blurred, with this guitar having the best of both worlds in terms of warmth, sustain, and clarity. The Brazilian on this one has a beautiful reddish hue and unusual pattern in the grain; it's not wildly figured, but it's still pretty to look at. The Sitka top is supported by straight, rear-shifted bracing. Though forward-shifted and scalloped is the rage these days, this bracing pattern has its perks, too. Guitars from this era are direct and powerful. And as much as we love herringbone, we love the minimalist understatement of the 21-style, too.

This guitar has had a neck reset, refret, and bridge reglue. Five top cracks have been repaired, one cleated, and there was a little touch up done around heel. Other than that, this one is rarin' to go, and comes in a new hardshell case.