1945 Martin 000-21

Built near the end of World War II, this 1945 000-21 represents a pivotal moment in Martin’s evolution. During the "War Years" (1942-1945), material shortages, small-batch craftsmanship, and evolving design choices converged to shape Martin’s postwar direction. The company had to rethink traditional practices, and the focus was efficient, utilitarian instruments that embodied Martin's core values of rich tone and high-level craftsmanship. These wartime Martins bridged the company’s more artisanal, handmade approach of the 1920s and ’30s with the streamlined production methods that would define the postwar era of American guitar making. Serial # 93406, this Martin was shipped towards the end of 1945, and it is one of only 137 000-21s made that year. 1945 was the last year Martin used Adirondack Spruce for tops, and Brazilian Rosewood was standard for back and sides on Style-21 guitars. In 1939, the X-bracing design had shifted closer to the bridge (rear shifted), and by the mid-'40s, Ma