The 1966 Martin D-21 is a highly desirable vintage American dreadnought combining the power and projection of Martin’s classic rosewood construction with the understated appointments that made the D-21 one of the company’s most distinctive post-war models.

Built in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, this guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top, solid Brazilian rosewood back and sides, mahogany neck and Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, delivering the deep low end, clear projection and complex harmonic response for which vintage Martin dreadnoughts are so highly regarded.

This guitar has undergone a professional neck reset, helping maintain the correct neck angle and long-term playability expected from a properly maintained vintage acoustic.

There are also two previously repaired cracks to the back, both of which have been repaired using hide glue.

This Pre-Owned vintage Martin is in Very Good condition, weighs an actual 4.68 lbs, and includes a hardcase.

AT A GLANCE

Detail	Specification
Brand	Martin
Model	D-21
Year	1966
Type	Vintage Dreadnought Acoustic
Top	Solid Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides	Solid Brazilian Rosewood
Fingerboard	Brazilian Rosewood
Neck Work	Professional Neck Reset
Repairs	Two Repaired Back Cracks
Repair Adhesive	Hide Glue
Weight	4.68 lbs
Condition	Very Good / Vintage Pre-Owned
Case	Hardcase Included

PRE-OWNED / VINTAGE CONDITION REPORT

This is a Pre-Owned 1966 Martin D-21 in Very Good condition.

As expected from a genuine vintage acoustic approaching six decades of age, there are signs of previous ownership and natural cosmetic ageing.

The guitar has undergone a professional neck reset, an important maintenance procedure on vintage flat-top acoustics that restores the correct relationship between the neck, bridge and soundboard.

There are also two cracks on the back of the guitar that have previously been repaired using hide glue.

These repairs form part of the guitar’s history and are clearly reflected in the condition description.

This individual guitar weighs 4.68 lbs.

A hardcase is included.

PROFESSIONAL NECK RESET

This Martin has undergone a professional neck reset.

On a vintage acoustic guitar, the neck angle can gradually change over many decades as the instrument responds to string tension and natural movement within the wooden structure.

A correctly carried-out neck reset restores the appropriate neck geometry, helping provide a healthier relationship between saddle height, string action and overall playability.

For a working vintage Martin, a professionally completed neck reset is generally an important piece of long-term maintenance rather than merely a cosmetic alteration.

REPAIRED BACK CRACKS

There are two previously repaired cracks to the Brazilian rosewood back.

These repairs were completed using hide glue, a traditional adhesive widely associated with high-quality acoustic instrument construction and repair.

The cracks have already been repaired and are disclosed clearly as part of the guitar’s vintage condition and history.

KEY FEATURES

• Genuine 1966 Martin D-21

• Made in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, USA

• Vintage dreadnought acoustic guitar

• Solid Sitka spruce top

• Solid Brazilian rosewood back and sides

• Mahogany neck

• Brazilian rosewood fingerboard

• Brazilian rosewood bridge

• Traditional X-bracing

• 25.4" scale length

• 1 11/16" nut width

• 20-fret traditional Martin layout

• Dot fingerboard inlays

• Understated Style 21 appointments

• Traditional dovetail neck joint

• Professional neck reset

• Two previously repaired back cracks

• Back cracks repaired using hide glue

• Actual measured weight of 4.68 lbs

• Very Good vintage condition

• Hardcase included

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT

The D-21 occupies a particularly interesting position in Martin history.

Tonally and structurally it sits very close to the celebrated D-28, using the same fundamental combination of spruce and Brazilian rosewood, but its more restrained appointments give it a less ornate and distinctly purposeful appearance.

The result is a guitar that puts the emphasis firmly on sound and construction rather than decoration.

A genuine 1966 Brazilian rosewood Martin dreadnought also provides a tonal character that modern guitars can only attempt to recreate, with decades of natural ageing contributing to an exceptionally mature response.

DETAILED FEATURES & BENEFITS

1966 Martin Production

Built in 1966, this D-21 comes from a particularly desirable period of Martin production.

It predates the end of the original Brazilian rosewood era and represents the classic post-war Martin dreadnought formula.

Dreadnought Body

The large Martin dreadnought body is designed for projection, headroom and powerful low-frequency response.

It remains one of the most influential acoustic guitar body shapes ever developed.

Solid Sitka Spruce Top

The top is constructed from solid Sitka spruce.

Sitka offers an excellent balance of headroom, clarity and dynamic range, making it ideal for both flatpicking and strong rhythm playing.

Brazilian Rosewood Back & Sides

The back and sides are built from solid Brazilian rosewood.

This highly prized tonewood is known for its deep bass, clear treble response, complex overtones and powerful projection.

Its presence is one of the defining features of vintage D-21 construction.

Mahogany Neck

The mahogany neck provides a stable and traditional platform while contributing to the guitar’s balanced tonal response.

Brazilian Rosewood Fingerboard

The fingerboard is also constructed from Brazilian rosewood, continuing the premium rosewood specification through the playing surface.

Brazilian Rosewood Bridge

The bridge uses Brazilian rosewood rather than the ebony found on many D-28 models of the era.

This is one of the characteristic construction differences associated with the D-21.

25.4" Scale Length

The traditional Martin 25.4" scale length provides firm string tension, strong projection and excellent note definition.

1 11/16" Nut Width

The approximately 1 11/16" nut width gives the neck the familiar narrower feel associated with many 1960s Martin dreadnoughts.

Traditional X-Bracing

The Sitka spruce top uses Martin’s traditional X-bracing architecture, providing the structural strength and tonal balance central to the company’s dreadnought sound.

Professional Neck Reset

The completed neck reset is a particularly important maintenance feature on an instrument of this age.

Correct neck geometry allows the guitar to perform as intended without relying on excessively low saddle height.

Hide-Glue Crack Repairs

The two cracks to the back have been repaired using hide glue.

Hide glue has a long history in high-quality guitar construction and remains valued by specialist repairers for appropriate vintage restoration work.

4.68 lbs Actual Weight

This individual guitar weighs 4.68 lbs.

Despite its large dreadnought body and rosewood construction, it remains a very manageable acoustic guitar to hold and play.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The 1966 Martin D-21 is particularly well suited to vintage Martin enthusiasts, collectors, flatpickers, singer-songwriters, folk musicians and players searching for the sound of an original Brazilian rosewood dreadnought.

It should especially appeal to buyers who value a properly maintained vintage instrument and are comfortable with professionally completed structural repairs forming part of its history.

PLAYING STYLES & APPLICATIONS

The D-21 is particularly well suited to:

• Bluegrass

• Folk

• Country

• Singer-songwriter

• Flatpicking

• Strummed rhythm

• Acoustic rock

• Traditional music

• Studio recording

• Solo acoustic performance

Its combination of spruce and Brazilian rosewood gives it the projection required for ensemble work while retaining plenty of harmonic complexity for recording.

HOW IT COMPARES

D-21 vs D-28

The D-21 and period D-28 share the classic spruce and Brazilian rosewood tonewood combination.

The D-21 uses more understated decorative appointments and traditionally features a rosewood fingerboard and bridge rather than the ebony commonly associated with the D-28.

Brazilian Rosewood vs East Indian Rosewood

Brazilian rosewood is prized for its complex overtone structure, deep low end and brilliant upper-frequency response.

Later Martin rosewood dreadnoughts generally moved to East Indian rosewood as Brazilian rosewood became increasingly restricted.

Vintage D-21 vs Modern Dreadnought

A modern acoustic can deliver excellent consistency and playability, but a genuine 1966 Martin offers nearly six decades of natural wood ageing along with construction materials and specifications specific to its period.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Details
Product Type	Vintage Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
Brand	Martin
Model	D-21
Year	1966
Country of Manufacture	USA
Factory	Nazareth, Pennsylvania
Body Shape	Dreadnought
Top	Solid Sitka Spruce
Back	Solid Brazilian Rosewood
Sides	Solid Brazilian Rosewood
Neck Material	Mahogany
Neck Joint	Dovetail
Fingerboard	Brazilian Rosewood
Bridge	Brazilian Rosewood
Scale Length	25.4"
Nut Width	Approx. 1 11/16"
Frets	20
Inlays	Dot
Bracing	Traditional X-Bracing
Electronics	None Confirmed
Neck Work	Professional Neck Reset
Repairs	Two Back Cracks
Crack Repair	Hide Glue
Weight	4.68 lbs
Case	Hardcase Included
Condition	Very Good / Vintage Pre-Owned

POWER REQUIREMENTS

None.

No electronic pickup system has been specified for this guitar, so no battery or external power supply is required for its acoustic operation.

FAIR DEAL MUSIC EXPERT VERDICT ★★★★★

Best suited for: Players and collectors looking for a genuine 1960s Brazilian rosewood Martin dreadnought with strong vintage character and documented professional maintenance.

Customers usually upgrade from: Modern Martin Standard Series guitars, premium rosewood dreadnoughts and newer vintage-inspired acoustics.

Most commonly paired with: High-quality acoustic microphones, studio condenser microphones and premium acoustic recording setups.

Our tip: The professional neck reset is an important positive on a working vintage Martin. When assessing an instrument of this age, good geometry and appropriately completed structural maintenance matter far more than avoiding every historical repair.

Showroom feedback: The combination of Brazilian rosewood, a matured Sitka spruce top and almost six decades of natural ageing gives a guitar like this a depth and authority that is difficult to reproduce artificially. The repaired back cracks are part of its history, while the completed neck reset makes it considerably more attractive as a serious playing instrument.

WHY BUY PRE-OWNED FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

Buying a genuine 1966 Martin D-21 is about acquiring an individual vintage instrument rather than simply an older version of a current guitar.

This example features highly desirable Brazilian rosewood back and sides, has undergone a professional neck reset, and has two disclosed back-crack repairs completed using hide glue.

It is in Very Good condition, weighs 4.68 lbs, and includes a hardcase.

Fair Deal Music has decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging vintage, rare and high-value acoustic guitars.

WHY BUY FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music combines a large Birmingham showroom with nationwide ecommerce and knowledgeable musician-led advice.

Customers benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987

• Birmingham's largest independent music store

• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews

• Knowledgeable musician-led advice

• Extensive experience with vintage and high-value acoustic guitars

• Experience with Martin and other premium acoustic brands

• Large Birmingham showroom

• Secure online ordering

• Fast UK delivery

• Friendly customer support

• Part-exchange and trade-in service

• Request a Video Demo option

TRADE IN. TRADE UP. SAVE MORE.

Your current acoustic guitar, vintage instrument or collection could help towards the cost of this 1966 Martin D-21.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges acoustic guitars, electric guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects and a wide range of musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

PART EXCHANGE / TRADE-IN

If you own a Martin, vintage acoustic or other high-value instrument you are considering replacing, Fair Deal Music can assess it for part exchange.

Trading in can remove many of the complications associated with privately selling a valuable vintage instrument while allowing its value to go directly towards your next purchase.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this a genuine 1966 Martin D-21?

Yes. This is a genuine 1966 Martin D-21.

Where was it made?

It was made in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, USA.

Is the top solid?

Yes. It has a solid Sitka spruce top.

Are the back and sides Brazilian rosewood?

Yes. The 1966 D-21 uses solid Brazilian rosewood back and sides.

What is the fingerboard made from?

The fingerboard is Brazilian rosewood.

What is the bridge made from?

The bridge is also Brazilian rosewood.

What is the scale length?

It uses Martin’s traditional 25.4" scale length.

What is the nut width?

Approximately 1 11/16".

How many frets does it have?

It has a traditional 20-fret acoustic layout.

Has the neck been reset?

Yes. The guitar has undergone a professional neck reset.

Why would a vintage Martin need a neck reset?

Over several decades, string tension and natural movement in the guitar can alter the neck angle. A neck reset restores the geometry between the neck and bridge.

Is a neck reset unusual on a guitar this old?

No. Properly completed neck resets are a common and important maintenance procedure on many vintage flat-top acoustic guitars.

Are there any cracks?

Yes. There are two cracks on the back that have previously been repaired.

How were the cracks repaired?

The repairs were completed using hide glue.

Are the crack repairs being hidden?

No. Both repaired back cracks are clearly disclosed as part of the guitar’s vintage condition.

What condition is it in?

The guitar is in Very Good condition for a vintage instrument of this age.

How much does it weigh?

This individual guitar weighs 4.68 lbs.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

Is the hardcase original?

The case has not been confirmed as the original Martin case, so it is simply described as a hardcase.

Does it have a pickup?

No pickup system has been confirmed, so no electronic specification has been claimed.

Is it suitable for bluegrass?

Yes. Vintage Martin dreadnoughts are particularly well suited to bluegrass because of their projection, clarity and powerful low end.

Is it good for recording?

Yes. A mature spruce and Brazilian rosewood Martin can provide exceptional harmonic richness for studio recording.

Is the D-21 rarer than a D-28?

The original D-21 was produced in substantially smaller numbers than the D-28 and is therefore encountered less frequently on the vintage market.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. A video demo is strongly recommended for a vintage instrument of this significance, allowing you to hear this individual guitar and inspect its condition and repairs in greater detail.

Can I arrange an in-person inspection?

Yes. A vintage Martin is especially well suited to an in-person inspection at Fair Deal Music’s Birmingham showroom.

Can I part-exchange another vintage acoustic?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers vintage, collectible and modern musical instruments for part exchange.