2004 Martin J12-15 0000-Size 12-String Guitar

Overview: Aside from a little "buffing-up" of the finish at the edges of the instrument just from use, this is a pretty dang clean example of this model. These mahogany-topped, small-jumbo, Martin 12-string models definitely have their own thing going and, because the tops are somewhat more stable than spruce, they make excellent gigging machines. Martin was clearly thinking about that at the factory as this version has an onboard pickup system with preamp already fit at the factory.

Tone: It's punchy, woody, balanced, and has a nice, mids-focused sound. The top-end and bottom-end are velvety and so, while it has 12-string jangle, it doesn't have the harsh, high-end, chimey twang that a lot of spruce 12-strings have when the strings are fresh. You can thump on this or heavy-hand it on the chords and it doesn't compress or get sizzly.

Feel: It has a modern Martin neck -- quick and easy to live with and comfortable

Interesting features: It's all-original as far as I can tell except for a replacement GraphTech saddle that Ancel fit to it. The onboard pickup and preamp is also nice to have if you're planning to take it out on the town.

Repairs included: I reset the neck and Ancel gave it a level/dress of the frets, fit a new (taller) saddle with as much full compensation as possible, and set it all up. It's playing spot-on fast and easy and has plenty of adjustment room for seasonal setup needs.

• Weight: 5 lbs 0 oz
• Scale length: 25 3/8"
• Nut width: 1 7/8"
• Neck shape: slim C
• Board radius: 16"
• Body width: 16"
• Body depth: 4 7/8"
• Top wood: solid mahogany
• Back & sides wood: solid mahogany
• Bracing type: x
• Bridge: rosewood
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: hair-over 1/16" bass and 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 46w-10 extra lights
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: medium modern

Condition notes: It's very clean save that the satin finish has "rubbed-up" to a more semi-gloss look at the edges where knees and arms meet the body. There's a little pickwear on the pickguard, too, and there may be a tiny scuff or scratch here or there that I am not noticing. Basically, it looks more like a shopworn guitar than a used one. When I reset the neck, I took the serial number plate off of the neckblock and fit it below the neckblock so that the next repairman doesn't need to remove it again to get at the factory neck bolt

It comes with: It has a nice hard case.

Consignor tag: HKS