Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,750

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Martin D-20/12 is a remarkable addition to any guitarist's collection, offering the rich, full-bodied sound that Martin guitars are renowned for. This 12-string acoustic guitar boasts a solid mahogany top, back, and sides, providing a warm, resonant tone that is perfect for both strumming and fingerpicking styles. The guitar's dreadnought body shape enhances its projection, making it ideal for performances both large and small.

Crafted with precision, the D-20/12 features a select hardwood neck and a rosewood fingerboard, designed to ensure smooth playability across its 20 frets. The satin finish not only adds to the guitar's aesthetic appeal but also allows the wood to resonate freely, contributing to its vibrant sound. The guitar is equipped with chrome enclosed gear tuners, ensuring that it stays in tune even through extended jam sessions.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or an enthusiastic beginner, the Martin D-20/12 offers a playing experience that is both engaging and rewarding. Its classic design and exceptional build quality make it a reliable choice for musicians who want an instrument that will grow with them through their musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Dreadnought body style for enhanced sound projection
  • Solid mahogany top, back, and sides for warm tonal quality
  • 12-string configuration for rich, harmonic sound
  • Rosewood fingerboard with 20 frets
  • Satin finish for aesthetic appeal and improved resonance
  • Chrome enclosed gear tuners for stable tuning
  • Select hardwood neck for smooth playability

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • The 1965 D12-20 often requires a neck reset and potentially a bridge fix, which can cost between $500 and $1200.

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  • Factory action is often high at 5mm on the 12th fret, requiring adjustments; optimal action should be around 2-3mm for comfort.

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  • Martins typically come with .013 gauge strings, but lighter .012-.054 strings can improve playability without significant tonal loss after setup.

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  • For optimal action, the saddle might need shaving, though excessive removal can affect break angle and tone.

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Value and pricing

  • A neck-reset D12-20 might sell privately for $1500-$2000, but selling as-is for $1100 could attract buyers who plan to invest in repairs.

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User experience

  • Some buyers prefer handling repairs themselves through a trusted, local Martin-certified luthier, especially for vintage guitars.

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  • Even new guitars might need adjustments like truss rod tweaks to fix action and playability without impacting return policies.

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Comparisons

  • Unlike Martins, Taylor guitars allow simple neck angle adjustments with shims, avoiding invasive procedures like neck resets.

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Build quality

  • The D-12 is expected to be PLEKed, but inconsistencies like high action might still occur from the factory.

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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Bruce Kulick uses Martin D-20/12

Bruce Kulick

Guitarist

Kiss

...
Verified via Kulick

"First up was my 12 String Martin D20 from 1970, which is VERY easy to play. Tuning, of course, is always hard on 12 string instruments, but we got a great sound from this Martin."

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 Martin D-20/12, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Gibson Southern Jumbo
Gibson Southern Jumbo Acoustic-Electric Guitars
1

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Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    kkolar
    kkolar

    Gear IQ 120856