VINTAGE 1970 MARTIN D-12-45 12-STRING ACOUSTIC GUITAR

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This rare, extraordinary instrument was purchased in October of 1970 at E.U. Wurlitzers Inc., in Boston, Massachusetts (see photo). According to Mike Longworth’s book, Martin Guitars: A History , only 83 D-12-45 guitars were made between 1969 - 1987. As a professional singer/songwriter, I have performed with this guitar in clubs and recordings for 41 years. The vintage instrument features a 12-fret extended-length dreadnought-size body, 12-fret slot-head mahogany neck, spruce top, Indian rosewood back, sides, and peghead veneer, ebony fingerboard and bridge, vertical C.F. Martin inlaid peghead logo, abalone hexagon fingerboard inlays, abalone inlay on all body edges, and white bindings on the neck and body edges. In addition, this instrument includes a B-Band pick-up, for the option of amplified sound in your performances. Please note : Unfortunately, as is not uncommon with 12-string guitars, the instrument’s top spontaneously collapsed in July, 2007. In August, 2007, the guitar was shipped to C.F. Martin in Nazereth, Pennsylvania, where the top was replaced, and the body and neck stripped and refinished to match. The instrument is currently in excellent condition, with the only cosmetic imperfections being the character wear of two short light scratches at the base of the neck and one at the upper right side (see photo), plus a tiny spot of lacquer wear on the upper top left, and and a short light scratch on the back. The guitar looks beautiful and plays like a dream. In its pristine condition, this Martin D-12-45 was appraised at $9700 in 2006. However, in light of the factory repair, I am willing to accept a fair and reasonable offer. I am including free U.S. shipping, no handling charge, and a brand new SKB-18 Acoustic Dreadnought Deluxe Guitar hard shell case. This case features fiberglass reinforced nylon trigger release latching system; TSA recognized and accepted locks; and bumper protected valance. Side Story : When I was considering purchasing the instrument at Wurlitzer’s back in 1970, the salesman stated that Johnny Cash had just been in, had played the guitar, and was also interested. I don’t know if his statement was truthful or just a sales pitch, but I did find out later that Johnny was in town in the time period for a performance with the Boston Pops. Being a fan, I certainly would love to think that The Man in Black played the guitar! SHIPPING INFO: I will ship on first business day after receiving cleared Paypal payment. Free Fed-Ex Ground shipping to U.S. winning bidder (with no handling charge), including insurance based on their bid amount. Fed-Ex will not deliver to a P.O. box. If the buyer requires upgraded shipping, they must incur charges for the difference between Fed-Ex Ground and their chosen service level. Sorry, no international shipping, nor is there shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, US Protectorates, or APO/FPO. Please note: The instrument, in its SKB hard shell case, will be professionally packed at my expense to ensure safe delivery, with the strings tuned down. TERMS OF SALE: Serious bidders only, please. Sale is final with no return. Winning bidder must contact me and make PayPal payment within 24 hours of close of auction or the guitar will be offered to the next bidder. No bidders with zero or negative feedback. Such bids will be cancelled immediately. I will accept ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: As the original owner of this guitar, I have the C.F. Martin Original Owners Card. In addition, I have all documentation from C.F. Martin regarding the 2007 repairs. The B-Band pickup is an under-saddle model, with no permanent or visible modifications beyond the endpin jack (see photo), and was installed by an authorized C.F. Martin luthier. read more

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