1971 Martin D12-20 12-String Acoustic Guitar – Includes Original Hardshell Case – Used Very Good
Martin introduced the D12-20 in 1964 as their first production 12-string model, arriving on the crest of the folk boom and quickly establishing itself as one of the finest factory 12-strings ever built. The design decision that sets it apart from virtually every other production 12-string of the era — and from Martin's own later 12-string models — is the 12-fret neck join. By meeting the body at the 12th fret rather than the 14th, the bridge sits closer to the center of the top where the soundboard is most responsive, driving the top more efficiently and producing a rounder, fuller, more complex sound than the 14-fret configuration can deliver. The result is a 12-string voice that is booming and rich in the low end while remaining surprisingly clear and articulate in the trebles — warm without being muddy, powerful without being overwhelming. Spruce top over mahogany back and sides is the same fundamental combination Martin has been perfecting for generations, and on a 12-string the mahogany's natural clarity and definition keeps the doubled strings from blurring into each other. The Style 20 designation puts it a step above the 18 series with the addition of a Style 28 backstrip and binding details, and the slotted headstock gives the whole instrument an appropriately vintage character. These guitars were not in production for long — the model was discontinued by the mid-1970s — which makes a clean surviving example with good provenance genuinely worth paying attention to.
This one has been in a single family since it was purchased new at Sam Ash in New York in 1971, and it shows in how well it has been kept. The top, back, sides, and neck are all in really nice shape — an occasional ding and some light scratching on the top, but it presents beautifully with a good finish gloss and no visible repairs anywhere on the instrument. The tuners work great. There is some fret wear in the cowboy chord area consistent with a lifetime of playing that does not affect playability. The neck is straight and stable with the right amount of relief. Action sits at 2.5mm on the high E and 3.5mm on the low E at the 12th fret with the first fret depressed — comfortable for open position playing, with the action rising somewhat as you move up the neck as is typical of a vintage instrument at this stage of its life. The saddle is close to bottomed out, which means this guitar is a strong candidate for a neck reset down the road — a standard and straightforward procedure on a Martin of this age that would bring the action back to spec and open up the full potential of the instrument. As it sits it plays well and sounds sweet, and the structure and cosmetics are genuinely nice enough to make that investment worthwhile. The original hardshell case is in really good shape — no smell, all latches working. Replaced Pickguard.
- Make: Martin
- Model: D12-20
- Year: 1971
- Country of origin: USA (Nazareth, PA)
- Configuration: 12-string
- Body shape: Dreadnought, slope-shouldered
- Neck join: 12-fret
- Top: Solid Sitka spruce
- Back and sides: Solid mahogany
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Bridge: Rosewood
- Headstock: Slotted
- Backstrip: Style 28
- Pickguard: Black
- Tuners: Original, working well
- Frets: No truss rod — vintage Martin construction
- Action: 2.5mm high E, 3.5mm low E at 12th fret (first fret depressed)
- Saddle: Near bottomed out — neck reset recommended for optimal long-term playability
- Fret wear: Moderate in cowboy chord area, does not affect playability
- Modifications: None
- Condition: Used Very Good – occasional ding, light scratching on top, no visible repairs, presents really well
- Includes: Original hardshell case (good shape, no smell, all latches working)
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value. International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
