Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $7,575

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Discover the Martin D-21, a steel-string acoustic guitar that beautifully marries classic craftsmanship with modern innovation. This limited-edition masterpiece, with only 300 units available worldwide, is a testament to Martin's dedication to superior sound and aesthetics. Crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, this guitar delivers a resonant, full-bodied sound that's both powerful and nuanced. Whether you're strumming along to folk ballads or fingerpicking intricate melodies, the D-21's voice cuts through with clarity and warmth.

The forward-shifted scalloped bracing enhances projection and tonal balance, ensuring that each note rings true. Its high-performance neck, fashioned from mahogany with a Modified Low Oval profile, offers unmatched comfort and playability, making it an ideal choice for both stage performances and intimate studio sessions. Adding to its allure are the tasteful appointments like faux tortoise body binding, nickel open-gear tuners with Butterbean knobs, and a polished gloss finish that adds a touch of elegance.

This guitar's distinct sonic character and aesthetic charm make it a versatile companion for a wide array of musical genres. It’s not just a guitar; it’s a piece of history waiting to be part of your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Limited edition of 300 instruments worldwide
  • Solid Sitka spruce top and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides
  • Forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing for enhanced projection
  • High-performance mahogany neck with Modified Low Oval profile
  • East Indian rosewood fingerboard with Mother-of-pearl inlays
  • Nickel open-gear tuners with Butterbean knobs
  • Polished gloss finish on top, back, and sides; satin finish on neck

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model D-21
Finish Natural
Year 1964 - 1970
Made In United States
Categories Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Rosewood
Body Shape Dreadnought
Color Family Natural
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Martin D-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 is the tonewood combination of the Martin D-21 and how does it affect the sound?

The Martin D-21 features a spruce top and rosewood back and sides, delivering a balanced tone with clear highs and rich lows. This combination is known for producing a full-bodied sound, ideal for various playing styles.

Is the Martin D-21 suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Martin D-21's dreadnought body shape and rosewood fretboard provide a responsive and dynamic range, making it suitable for fingerstyle as well as strumming.

How does the Martin D-21 compare to other Martin dreadnought models?

The Martin D-21 sits between the D-18 and D-28 in terms of features and tone. It offers the rich sound of rosewood like the D-28 but with simpler appointments, making it a more understated choice.

Does the Martin D-21 have an active preamp or pickup system?

No, the Martin D-21 does not come with an active preamp or pickup system. It is a fully acoustic guitar, designed for pure acoustic sound.

What is the neck profile of the Martin D-21 like?

The Martin D-21 features a mahogany neck with a traditional profile that offers a comfortable grip, suitable for various hand sizes and playing styles.

Carter Vintage Backstage

Carter Vintage Backstage

Martin D-21 Special Acoustic Guitar Played By Anthony da Costa

Video thumbnail for Martin D-21 Special Acoustic Guitar Played By Anthony da Costa by Carter Vintage Backstage

Martin D-21 Special Acoustic Guitar Played By Anthony da Costa

Carter Vintage Backstage

Carter Vintage Backstage

Video thumbnail for Martin D-21 Special by WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

Martin D-21 Special

WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

Video thumbnail for BRAND NEW Martin D-21 Special Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar by Morrell Music Company

BRAND NEW Martin D-21 Special Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

Morrell Music Company

Morrell Music Company

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The Brazilian rosewood on the sides and back is particularly praised for its beauty and grain detail.

    Source
  • The D-21 is noted for its lighter rosewood back and sides, which, though unusual, align with Martin's varied rosewood grading for this model.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Neck reset can cost around $450, and a full restoration may run close to $1000.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A 1966 Martin D-21 purchased for $1500, with repairs, is estimated to be worth over $6000.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The D-21 is less common than D-18s and D-28s, with a smaller body size noted.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The Schaller tuners are considered an upgrade over the stock Grover Sta-tite tuners on standard Martins, offering improved tuning stability.

    Source
  • The pickguard is often replaced with a cheaper PVC tortoiseshell version, which some owners find unattractive but common.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners emphasize prioritizing sound and playability over cosmetic appearance, suggesting the D-21's tonal capabilities outweigh its visual inconsistencies.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The decorative purfling typically absent in D-21 models distinguishes it from higher-end models like the D-28, which include more aesthetic embellishments.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Richard Fortus uses Martin D-21

Richard Fortus

Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Richardfortus

According to Fortus' website, he has the 1962 Martin D-21 listed under his gear.

See how Masayoshi Takanaka uses Martin D-21

Masayoshi Takanaka

Guitarist, Bassist

Sadistic Mika Band

...
Verified via Photo

Masayoshi Takanaka is confirmed to use a Martin D-21 acoustic guitar, specifically a model made in 1967, which he acquired in Los Angeles. This information is supported by a post shared by the Instagram user "ilovetakanaka," which references details from “Super Guitar Magazine” in 1982. The Martin D-21 is noted for its rarity and value due to its limited production numbers.

See how Jim Croce uses Martin D-21

Jim Croce

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Julienslive

In this article you can see his D-21 sold for 50k and was authenticated by his estate. They also made a Jim Croce signature model D-21.

See how Neal Casal uses Martin D-21

Neal Casal

Singer, Guitarist

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In this 2016 interview with Premier Guitar it is stated that Casal plays a 1958 Martin D-21.

See how Oscar Isaac uses Martin D-21

Oscar Isaac

Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

Stated in WIRED interview with Pedro Pascal that he owns and plays a Martin D-21.

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-21, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fender Precision Bass
Fender Precision Bass Electric Basses
1
Fender Telecaster
Fender Telecaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson Firebird III
Gibson Firebird III Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Fender Jazzmaster
Fender Jazzmaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson J-45
Gibson J-45 Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
Epiphone Wilshire
Epiphone Wilshire Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson ES-125
Gibson ES-125 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Martin 0-17 (1906-1945)
Martin 0-17 (1906-1945) Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1

More Martin Steel-string Acoustic Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    kkolar
    kkolar

    Gear IQ 120646