Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $5,400

High-end/Boutique

$100

$601+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Martin 1969 N-20 is a classic piece of musical history that continues to capture the hearts of classical and nylon-string guitar enthusiasts. Crafted during a pivotal era for Martin Guitars, this vintage piece is renowned for its solid Brazilian rosewood back and sides, which contribute to its stunning tonal warmth and rich sound projection. The top is made of high-quality spruce, enhancing its resonance and clarity, making it ideal for both studio recordings and live performances.

This model is celebrated for its exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design. The neck is constructed from solid mahogany, providing stability and a comfortable playing experience. Its ebony fingerboard ensures smooth playability and adds to the guitar's elegant aesthetic. The Martin 1969 N-20's iconic status is further solidified by its association with legendary musicians, making it a prized possession for collectors and players alike.

Whether you're a seasoned musician or a guitar aficionado, the Martin 1969 N-20 offers an unparalleled blend of historical significance and superior sound quality. Its vintage appeal is complemented by modern playability, ensuring that it remains a beloved choice for musicians who appreciate the finer nuances of classical guitar craftsmanship.

Key Features:

  • Solid Brazilian rosewood back and sides
  • Spruce top for enhanced resonance
  • Solid mahogany neck for stability
  • Ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Vintage design with timeless appeal
  • Renowned association with legendary musicians

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model N-20
Finish Natural
Year 1968 - 1992
Made In United States
Categories Classical Guitars, OM and Auditorium Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Rosewood
Body Shape Orchestra
Color Family Natural
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Martin N-20
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 19
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Martin Post-War Era
Sides Material Rosewood
String Type Nylon
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What materials are used in the construction of the Martin 1969 N-20?

The Martin 1969 N-20 features a spruce top, rosewood back and sides, an ebony fretboard, and a mahogany neck. These materials contribute to its rich, warm tone and classic appearance.

Is the Martin 1969 N-20 suitable for classical guitar playing?

Yes, the Martin 1969 N-20 is a classical guitar designed for nylon strings, making it well-suited for classical and flamenco styles of music.

Does the Martin 1969 N-20 have any built-in electronics or pickups?

No, the Martin 1969 N-20 does not have built-in electronics or pickups. It is an acoustic classical guitar, designed to be played acoustically without amplification.

How many frets does the Martin 1969 N-20 have?

The Martin 1969 N-20 has 19 frets, providing a wide range for playing both classical and contemporary music pieces.

What is the body shape of the Martin 1969 N-20?

The Martin 1969 N-20 features an orchestra body shape, which is known for its balanced tone and comfortable size, ideal for fingerstyle playing.

Reviews

PROS

  • Iconic association with Willie Nelson adds legendary status

  • Sweet, snappy Martin tone that delights players

  • Beautiful body style and aesthetic appeal

  • Longer scale length and wider neck for unique playability

  • Easy to play with a perfect neck for many

  • Exceptional sound quality described as "beautiful"

CONS

  • Wide neck can be challenging for players with smaller hands

  • Original strings may not showcase its full potential

  • Discontinued model makes it harder to find new

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin 1969 N-20.

Comparisons

  • The Martin 1969 N-20 is compared to a 1940 000-18, suggesting the latter might offer better value in terms of sound quality for a similar price range.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Prices for the 1969 N-20 have increased significantly from $4,500 in 2012-2015 to $27,500, indicating potential appreciation but also highlighting market volatility.

    Source
  • Scarcity is a factor; only 262 short scale N-20s were made in 1969, which contributes to its high price alongside Willie Nelson's association.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners suggest confirming the originality of parts, especially the finish, and checking for cracks on critical areas like the headstock, neck, or heel, which can affect value.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Catch of the Day: 1969 Martin N-20 - Fretboard Journal

fretboardjournal.com

The 1969 Martin N-20 garners intrigue largely due to its association with Willie Nelson's iconic "Trigger." While its unique short scale and original design choices, like the squared headstock, might not appeal to classical purists, the rarity of early models and their Brazilian rosewood construction are undeniable highlights. However, its historical lack of commercial success and niche appeal might deter some buyers. Overall, it's a collector's gem rather than a player’s staple.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Willie Nelson uses Martin 1969 N-20

Willie Nelson

Guitarist, Singer

The Highwaymen

...
Verified via YouTube

Willie Nelson bought Trigger sight unseen in 1969 from Shot Jackson in Nashville according to this article from Texas Monthly.

"The guitar—a Martin N-20 classical, serial number 242830—was a gorgeous instrument, with a warm, sweet tone and a pretty “mellow yellow” coloring. The top was made of Sitka spruce, which came from the Pacific Northwest; the back and sides were Brazilian rosewood. The fretboard and bridge were ebony from Africa, and the neck was mahogany from the Amazon basin. The brass tuning pegs came from Germany."

Willie has said, “Roy Rogers had a horse named Trigger. I figured, this is my horse!”

Genre Usage

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

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