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Average Price: $11,653

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The 1948 Martin OOO-21 is a cherished piece of history that brings the rich, authentic sound of vintage acoustics to the modern musician's fingertips. Crafted during an era when Martin was refining its approach to acoustic guitar excellence, this model embodies the timeless craftsmanship and tonal depth that have made Martin a household name among guitar enthusiasts. Its OOO body size offers a perfect balance of comfort and resonance, making it suitable for fingerstyle players and strummers alike.

The solid spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides deliver a warm, balanced tone with clarity and projection that only improves with age. The 1948 Martin OOO-21's ebony fingerboard and bridge contribute to its smooth playability and sustain, allowing each note to ring out with precision. The instrument's dove-tail neck joint and hand-scalloped bracing are testaments to the meticulous construction techniques that ensure durability and a full-bodied sound.

For collectors and musicians alike, the 1948 Martin OOO-21 represents an opportunity to own a piece of musical history that not only looks beautiful but performs flawlessly. This guitar is more than an instrument; it's a time capsule that transports you to a golden era of acoustic guitar manufacture.

Key Features:

  • Solid spruce top with Brazilian rosewood back and sides
  • OOO body size for balanced tone and comfortable playability
  • Ebony fingerboard and bridge for enhanced sustain
  • Dove-tail neck joint and hand-scalloped bracing
  • Vintage 1948 construction with timeless Martin craftsmanship

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model 000-21
Finish Natural
Year 1946 - 1979
Made In United States
Categories OM and Auditorium Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Rosewood
Body Shape 000
Color Family Natural
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Martin 000-21
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Martin Post-War Era
Sides Material Rosewood
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the 1948 Martin OOO-21?

The 1948 Martin OOO-21 features rosewood for both the back and sides, contributing to its rich and resonant tonal qualities.

Is the 1948 Martin OOO-21 suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the 000 body shape of the 1948 Martin OOO-21 is well-suited for fingerstyle playing, offering a balanced tone and comfortable playability.

Does the 1948 Martin OOO-21 have a built-in pickup system?

No, the 1948 Martin OOO-21 does not have a built-in pickup system, as it is a traditional acoustic guitar without electronic components.

How does the neck profile of the 1948 Martin OOO-21 affect playability?

The neck of the 1948 Martin OOO-21 is made from mahogany, providing a smooth playing experience that is comfortable for both chord strumming and intricate fingerpicking.

What kind of top wood does the 1948 Martin OOO-21 have, and how does it affect the sound?

The 1948 Martin OOO-21 features a spruce top, which is known for its bright and clear sound, enhancing the guitar's overall projection and tonal clarity.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

17-year-old Connie Ryan playing a 1948 Martin 000-21 at Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 17-year-old Connie Ryan playing a 1948 Martin 000-21 at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

17-year-old Connie Ryan playing a 1948 Martin 000-21 at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Lily Kaplan playing a 1948 Martin 000-21 at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Lily Kaplan playing a 1948 Martin 000-21 at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Angela Petrilli playing our 1948 Martin 000-21 here at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Angela Petrilli playing our 1948 Martin 000-21 here at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional vintage Martin woody sound with warmth and articulation

  • Brazilian Rosewood back and sides for top-notch tone quality

  • Powerful "mystery top" surpasses standard spruce tops in sound production

  • Handles heavy right-hand strokes without breaking up

  • Offers great sound value in the vintage Martin 000 family

  • Similar sound quality to more expensive 000-28 model

  • Perfect for projects needing less bass, ideal for flatpickers

CONS

  • Limited availability, rarely seen in the market

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Joe Satriani uses 1948 Martin OOO-21

Joe Satriani

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Vintageguitar

"That has an interesting bit of modification – a Sunrise pickup, which I used quite a bit on a couple of records. I asked Gary to replace the bridge and put on one of those two-piece saddles. We used it for “Starry Night” and so many songs where there’s an acoustic bed. Me and my son, ZZ… it’s our favorite acoustic in the house."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1948 Martin OOO-21, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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