Up for sale is a vintage 1976 Martin D35-12 acoustic 12-string guitar and case. The guitar was purchased in 1976 and has stayed with the same owner, and is still in 100% all-original condition. That also includes the nut, saddle, tuners, etc.
Pictures and sound samples at:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/f51wvirs0...zHfvf-Waa?dl=0
The guitar is in very good condition, with very few finish marks. However, there is a bit of clouding on the back and some finish-checking on the top due to age. The guitar has mostly sat in a case for it's entire life, and so the frets are in near perfect condition, with almost no visible wear and there are no rough edges/sprouting/etc. due to humidity changes. The neck angle is also good, and the guitar is easy to play. It's typically kept in D or Db tuning, and I've included a link to a sound sample at the end of this post that was recorded this week. The original case is also included and in very nice condition, with no cracks or damage to any of the surfaces, locks, hinges or interior. The velvet interior itself looks new.
I've included plenty of pictures to give you a clear picture of the instrument, as well as the serial number and a screen shot of the Martin Guitar website to verify the production date.
Now, the guitar does have a few issues that are extremely common to Martins from this period. First, the pickguard is curling and lifting from the top. Martin was lacquering over the top of the pickguards in this era, and over time the finish dried causing it to retract and shrink over the top of the guard, causing curling and lifting. As a result of the lifting, two vertical cracks have appeared on both sides of the pickguard. The included pictures should give you a clear idea of the cracks.
The second issue is with the bridge. There is a very small bit of lifting on the rear edge. It appears that the glue was not cured correctly, and as a result there's a bit of separation on the rear edge. However, the top is totally flat, with no "bellying" due to tension, and there is no movement in the gap when tuning or changing strings.
Those two things aside, the guitar is very comfortable to play and the tuners are original and still function well. The instrument sounds wonderful, and holds tuning. It's currently strung with light gauge D'Addario bronze strings, and I will also include an extra set.
The issues described could easily be fixed by most people with a small amount of wood-working knowledge or any luthier. I've decided not to alter the instrument in anyway myself at this time, in the interest of keeping it all original and assuming that most people would prefer to use their own tech or perform the work themselves when dealing with a guitar of this vintage.
I'm asking
$1100 for the guitar and case (that includes shipping with tracking number, insurance, and payment via PayPal), but am open to all reasonable offers. A little bit of research will show that this is a great price for this model in this condition.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.