One of Martin's most interesting models that's not often seen... The D-21 is an appropriately named "split the difference" model, to two of Martin's flagships - the style 18 and 28. With a no frills Sitka Spruce top, it has a work horse appearance from the front, that one might completely confuse this with a style 18 dreadnaught. Looking at the back and sides, this is actually much closer to a style 28 - complete with quarter sawn Brazilian Rosewood. Sonically very similar to the style 28, it has a bit of three dimensionality and an open bass response - but where the 21 IS different might be thanks to its unique rosewood bridge - which augments a bit of the midrange, giving it a sweet warmer tone. Internally, it has a familiar scalloped X bracing that was used on the dreads from the time, this being only a second year of production for the D-21. Cosmetically, this guitar is in great condition with only minor bumps and bruises aesthetically and one pickguard crack to speak of which seems inconsequential in its current state. The original bridge is present, the saddle seemingly untouched with about 6/64" in height visible above the slot - likely never taken down, as the ends appear original matching the curvature of the bridge accurately. The top shows a hair of a belly, but the braces seem strong and still yield a nice tone, preserving what these guitars are recognized for. Original thin maple bridge plate present and visibly in good condition. Slight pick wear is present north of the pick guard at the sound hole. The neck is built out of a traditional mahogany and rosewood fingerboard combination, designed with a standard 25.4" scale length and 1 11/16" nut width. The profile of this neck has a *very* subtle soft V, which is comfortable for those used to a C (having slightly less beefy shoulders), which measures about .84" in depth at the first position tapering to about 1" at the tenth. While this generation did not have an adjustable truss rod, it does have the steel T bar reenforcement - which has done a nice job keeping the neck straight yielding playable action that measures 8/64" in height at the twelfth fret of the sixth string and about 6/64" on the first. One might consider getting a neck reset, but there is functionally enough saddle to play with - it's simply untouched in its current state. A decision best left to the next owner. Includes original hardshell case.