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Description

Step into a rich tradition of American craftsmanship with the Martin D-12-20, an acoustic guitar that has captured the hearts of musicians worldwide. This 12-string powerhouse is renowned for its full-bodied sound and robust projection, perfect for strumming and fingerpicking alike. Designed with the seasoned musician in mind, it combines vintage appeal with modern playability, making it a versatile addition to any guitarist's collection.

Crafted from a solid Sitka spruce top and genuine mahogany sides and back, the D-12-20 delivers a warm and resonant tone that matures beautifully over time. The dreadnought body shape enhances the guitar's bass response, providing a balanced sound profile that suits a wide range of musical genres. The rosewood fingerboard and bridge contribute to its smooth playability, while the low-profile neck shape ensures comfortable handling during extended sessions.

Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the D-12-20's intricate detailing, including its elegant tortoise-pattern pickguard and vintage-style open-gear tuners, offers a touch of classic elegance. With its blend of historical significance and contemporary functionality, this guitar stands as a testament to Martin's unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.

Key Features:

  • 12-string dreadnought body for enhanced sound projection
  • Solid Sitka spruce top for a vibrant tone
  • Genuine mahogany back and sides for warmth and depth
  • Rosewood fingerboard and bridge for smooth playability
  • Low-profile neck shape for comfort
  • Vintage-style open-gear tuners for precise tuning stability

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model D12-20
Finish Natural
Year 1964 - 1969
Made In United States
Categories 12-String Acoustic Guitars, Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Dreadnought
Color Family Natural
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Martin D-20
Model Sub-Family Martin D-12-20
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 19
Number of Strings 12-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Martin Post-War Era
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What is the body shape of the Martin D-12-20, and how does it affect its sound?

The Martin D-12-20 features a dreadnought body shape, which provides a rich, full sound with strong bass response, making it ideal for strumming and fingerpicking styles.

What materials are used for the back and sides of the Martin D-12-20?

The back and sides of the Martin D-12-20 are made from mahogany, contributing to a warm, balanced sound with clear mids and pronounced lows.

How many strings does the Martin D-12-20 have, and what type are they?

The Martin D-12-20 is a 12-string acoustic guitar, featuring steel strings that offer a bright, shimmering tone and increased volume compared to 6-string models.

Does the Martin D-12-20 come with a built-in pickup or preamp?

No, the Martin D-12-20 does not have a built-in pickup or active preamp, making it a purely acoustic instrument.

What is the neck material of the Martin D-12-20, and how does it affect playability?

The neck of the Martin D-12-20 is made from mahogany, providing a sturdy, comfortable feel and contributing to the guitar's overall warm tone.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1971 Martin D12-20 Twelve String

Video thumbnail for Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1971 Martin D12-20 Twelve String by Normans Rare Guitars

Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1971 Martin D12-20 Twelve String

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1970 Martin D-12-20 | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1970 Martin D-12-20 | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1971 Martin Guitar D12-20 | Guitar of the Day - Angela Petrilli by Normans Rare Guitars

1971 Martin Guitar D12-20 | Guitar of the Day - Angela Petrilli

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Folkway Music - 1965 Martin D12-20. Demo by Jason Fowler by Folkway Music

Folkway Music - 1965 Martin D12-20. Demo by Jason Fowler

Folkway Music

Folkway Music

Video thumbnail for Martin D12-20 | 1970 at The Fellowship of Acoustics by The Fellowship of Acoustics

Martin D12-20 | 1970 at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for Folkway Music - 1969 Martin D12-20 by Folkway Music

Folkway Music - 1969 Martin D12-20

Folkway Music

Folkway Music

Video thumbnail for 1967 Martin D12-20 12 String by Lawman Guitars

1967 Martin D12-20 12 String

Lawman Guitars

Lawman Guitars

Video thumbnail for Martin D12-20 Mahogany Spruce 12 String 1967 played by Milo Groenhuijzen | Demo by TFOA Demos

Martin D12-20 Mahogany Spruce 12 String 1967 played by Milo Groenhuijzen | Demo

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Reviews

PROS

  • Rich, balanced sound with a unique Martin 12-string character

  • Fuller, mellower tone from mahogany wood

  • Easier playability due to shorter scale length

  • Vintage appeal with charming wear that adds character

  • Exceptional for fingerpicking with its wide 12-string neck

  • Versatile for different musical styles, from folk to bluegrass

  • High-quality craftsmanship maintained over decades

  • Potential for modification, such as converting to a 6-string

  • Easy string changes despite slot head design

  • Excellent value for sound quality in vintage category

CONS

  • Tuner screws may require luthier adjustment

  • Limited fret access due to 12-fret neck design

  • Requires initial setup or re-fretting for optimal playability

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin D-12-20.

Setup and maintenance

  • A neck reset for a 1965 D-12-20 can cost $500 to $1200, with potential additional costs for loose braces, bridge plate, bridge, and fretwork.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Selling as-is might fetch $1100, as buyers may prefer handling repairs with their own luthier for a potentially higher resale value.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite its age, this guitar found a home with a bluegrass player, indicating its appeal in specific music genres.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Frusciante uses Martin D-12-20

John Frusciante

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via Photo

In this source you can see John Frusciante with a 1973 Martin D-12-20.

See how Alex Turner uses Martin D-12-20

Alex Turner

Guitarist

Arctic Monkeys

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo in the booklet for the Last Shadow Puppets album "Everything You've Come to Expect," Turner can be seen playing a Martin D-12-20.

See how Eric Clapton uses Martin D-12-20

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

Eric Clapton used this guitar on MTV's Unplugged for the songs 'Alberta' and 'San Fransico Bay Blues' and he hasn't sold it yet in the public eye.

See how Paul McCartney uses Martin D-12-20

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via YouTube

In 1:32 / 1:33 in the video you can see the lower part of a Martin D-12-20 in Paul McCartney's Guitar holder. In 3:37 you can see the Headstock of the guitar.

See how Keith Richards uses Martin D-12-20

Keith Richards

Singer, Guitarist

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via YouTube

Keith Richards is confirmed to use the Martin D-12-20 guitar during live performances, as evidenced by the 2006 concert at the Beacon Theatre where he played "As Tears Go By," documented in the YouTube video titled "The Rolling Stones - As Tears Go By (Shine a Light 2008) Full HD" uploaded by Алексей Рощупкин. Additionally, he used the same guitar on the 2015 Sticky Fingers tour while performing "You Gotta Move."

See how Mick Jagger uses Martin D-12-20

Mick Jagger

Singer

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via YouTube

Mick Jagger used a Martin D-12-20 during a live performance of "Let It Bleed" on November 20, 2021, as documented in a video by Matt Lee on YouTube.

See how Gilby Clarke uses Martin D-12-20

Gilby Clarke

Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via reverb.com

This 12-string acoustic guitar was sold on Gilby Clarke’s official Reverb.com shop. The listing’s description stated; “ This Martin D12-20 is owned by Gilby Clarke. There is some minor wear including light scratches, scuffs and dings throughout, but overall this guitar is in very nice cosmetic condition. It appears that the pick guard was possibly re-glued/replaced at some point, as some of the unfinished wood can be seen around the edges. The tuner hardware has some nice tarnishing. The guitar plays very nicely and has a comfortably low action. The 14th-18th frets are lifting slightly at the bass end—luckily this does not impede playability. Overall, this is a beautiful sounding guitar that could simply benefit from a fret polish and some new strings. Hardshell case included (one broken latch). All items in The Official Gilby Clarke Reverb Shop ship fully insured with delivery confirmation and a signed and embossed Certificate Of Authenticity.”

See how Glenn Frey uses Martin D-12-20

Glenn Frey

Singer, Guitarist

Eagles

...
Verified via Photo

he used this guitar from the start of the eagles to their breakup in 1980

See how David Hidalgo uses Martin D-12-20

David Hidalgo

Guitarist

Los Lobos

...
Verified via Photo

In this source David Hidalgo is pictured playing a vintage 1973 Martin D-12-20 acoustic guitar.

See how Neal Casal uses Martin D-12-20

Neal Casal

Singer, Guitarist

Phil Lesh and Friends

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In this 2016 interview Casal states that he plays a 1970 Martin D-12-20 12-string guitar.

See how Brad Delp uses Martin D-12-20

Brad Delp

Singer, Guitarist

Boston

...
Verified via YouTube

In the official HD video for "More Than a Feeling" by Boston, Brad Delp is seen playing a Martin D-12-20 guitar. This discovery is particularly exciting, as I had been searching for confirmation of the specific guitar model he used for four years. Interestingly, the Martin D-12-20 resembles a guitar produced by the Lviv factory in the USSR, which I had encountered previously.

See how Steve Tibbetts uses Martin D-12-20

Steve Tibbetts

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Acoustic Guitar

In an article by Blair Jackson for Acoustic Guitar, Steve Tibbetts discusses his use of the Martin D-12-20, highlighting its role in his unique instrumental sound.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Martin D-12-20, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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