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1943 Martin 000-21 Herringbone
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Serial #: 85813, stamped on neck block
Nut Width: 1 11/16" Scale length: 24.9"
Materials: Solid bookmatched figured Brazilian rosewood back, sides and headplate; solid bookmatched Adirondack spruce top; solid one-piece Honduras mahogany neck; solid ebony fingerboard; solid bone nut; rosewood bridge with compensated bone saddle; small maple bridgeplate; original open back tuners; original tortoise pickguard, original inlaid bridgepins; herringbone back binding and soundhole rosette.
Notes: The Style 21 is one of C.F. Martin's most venerable designs, dating to at least the 1850s. The 000-21 model made its debut in 1902 as a 12 fret guitar, and was redesigned in 1931 to it's current 14 fret configuration, with its 'Orchestra' style body. Wartime guitars are among the scarcest of the 20th century, and this rare example is one of a mere 96 of the 000-21 guitars produced in its model year. This handsome instrument has the most desirable features of classic era Martins: a solid Adirondack spruce soundboard, scalloped X-bracing, dark tortoise pickguard, slotted-diamond inlay, butterbean tuners and true herringbone trim on the soundhole and backstripe.
A wonderful crack-free example, the guitar has been maintained without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. The back and sides are crafted of sumptuously figured solid prewar Brazilian rosewood, which ranges in color from a medium coffee to deep chocolate. The translucent brown tortoise pickguard appears original, as do the open back Grover tuners, one of which has been replaced with another 40's vintage machine. Lovingly restored, the instrument has been fitted with a wartime style open-ended ebony bridge with bone saddle, small maple bridge plate, and a vintage correct true nitrocellulose finish, toned to a fine deep amber. Even the original well-worn Martin black 5-ply plush hardshell case remains with the instrument.
Tipping the scales at a mere 3lb. 14oz. the guitar is astoundingly lightweight and deeply resonant; open and responsive in a manner only decades of age can impart. The voice is even and balanced across the tonal range, and the neck profile is a gentle traditional light vee, easy as butter in the palm. Action is smooth and low over a clear straight ebony fingerboard, fine high bone saddle, and freshly dressed pro fretwork. One of the rarest of Martin's Orchestra style instruments, and graced with tonewood we're not likely to see again, this remarkable guitar represents an outstanding opportunity for the contemporary player.
Setup: This instrument is strung with light gauge bronze strings (.012-.054). The guitar will accommodate lighter strings, according to preference.
Case: Original Martin black hardshell case with plush lining.
