Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $11,610

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Martin 000-21 acoustic guitar is a testament to the harmonious blend of craftsmanship and tradition. This steel-string acoustic guitar is part of Martin's esteemed lineup, renowned for its warm, rich tones and exceptional playability. Featuring a smaller, auditorium-sized body, the 000-21 is designed to offer a comfortable playing experience without compromising on sound projection. Whether you're strumming in a cozy setting or performing on stage, this guitar delivers clear, articulate notes that resonate beautifully.

Crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides, the Martin 000-21 offers a balanced tonal range, perfect for fingerstyle players and flatpickers alike. The mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard provide a smooth, responsive touch, ensuring that every note rings true. With its vintage-inspired aesthetics and modern build quality, this guitar is as visually appealing as it is sonically impressive.

Key Features:

  • Auditorium-sized body for comfortable playability
  • Solid Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides
  • Mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard
  • Scalloped X-bracing for enhanced resonance
  • Vintage-style open-gear tuners
  • Gloss finish for a classic look and feel

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 Martin 000-21?

The Martin 000-21 features rosewood for both the back and sides, which contributes to its rich and warm tonal character.

How does the body shape of the Martin 000-21 affect its sound?

The 000 body shape offers a balanced tone with clear highs and defined lows, making it versatile for fingerstyle playing and light strumming.

Is the Martin 000-21 suitable for fingerstyle guitarists?

Yes, the Martin 000-21 is well-suited for fingerstyle due to its 000 body shape, which provides a balanced and articulate sound.

Does the Martin 000-21 come with a pickup system installed?

No, the Martin 000-21 does not come with a pickup system; it is a purely acoustic guitar without any electronics.

What is the top wood of the Martin 000-21, and how does it affect the tone?

The Martin 000-21 features a spruce top, known for its bright and clear sound, enhancing the guitar's overall projection and tonal clarity.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1943 Martin 000-21 | Guitar of the Day - Angela Petrilli

Video thumbnail for 1943 Martin 000-21 | Guitar of the Day - Angela Petrilli by Normans Rare Guitars

1943 Martin 000-21 | Guitar of the Day - Angela Petrilli

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional vintage tone with old Martin woody sound

  • Brazilian Rosewood offers warmth and articulation

  • "Mystery top" generates more power than standard spruce

  • Capable of handling heavy right-hand strokes without breaking up

  • Comparable in sound to more expensive models

  • Excellent playability for various musical styles

  • Offers great value for vintage Martin sound

  • Rarely available, indicating high desirability

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin 000-21.

Features and functionality

  • The De Armond pickup added in the 60s has a buzz issue, but the guitar is often played without it.

    Source
  • The 1953 model may include sitka spruce tops, but some feature a unique spruce type, identified as '53 "mystery top', contributing to their distinct sound.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Maintaining proper humidity is crucial for the longevity and playability of vintage Martin guitars like the 000-21.

    Source
  • A neck reset and compression refret are often necessary, estimated around $1,500, for optimal playability after long-term storage.

    Source
  • Gradual humidification is essential for maintaining the guitar's condition, especially after long periods in storage.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite being 71 years old, the Martin 000-21 remains highly playable and retains its quality sound, exemplifying Martin's durability over decades.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 000-21 is a legacy instrument, ideal for professional musicians, not recommended for beginners due to its high value and sensitivity.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Recent sales indicate a 1950s 000-21 can sell between $9,500 and $12,000, depending on condition and market demand.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some 1953 models may feature a rare spruce top, known as the "mystery top," potentially increasing value and offering a unique tonal quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 000-21 is valued significantly higher than similar models from the same era, partly due to historical and tonal factors.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Waylon Jennings uses Martin 000-21

Waylon Jennings

Singer, Guitarist

The Highwaymen

...
Verified via Saving Country Music

"1943 Martin Guitar 00021

Another guitar said to be played by Waylon often and used for songwriting, it is listed as a 1943 model, but says it was numbered in September of 1948. Sitka spruce top, mahogany neck and ebony fretboard. The original tuners have been replaced with Grover Rotomatics tuners. 'This was one of Waylon’s personal Martin Flattops,' says Guernsey’s. Serial number: 89206. Estimated $30,000-$40,000."

See how Zac Brown uses Martin 000-21

Zac Brown

Singer, Guitarist

Zac Brown Band

...
Verified via Chicago Music Exchange

This was a house instrument at Southern Ground Studio and has been used on recordings by Zac and many other great artists during its time in Nashville.

See how Norman Blake uses Martin 000-21

Norman Blake

Guitarist

Teenage Fanclub

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to the Premier Guitar's interview, one of the guitars Blake uses is the 1941 Martin 000-21.

See how John Shanks uses Martin 000-21

John Shanks

Guitarist, Composer

Bon Jovi

...
Verified via Johnshanks

This guitar was featured on the "guitars" section on his official website.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Martin 000-21, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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