Josh White’s 1943 Martin Guitar

Josh White’s 00-21 Martin Guitar, 1943

This is one of only 24 of the 00-21 series made in 1943, due to reduced war-time production, but is highly praised among players for its reduced scale. Even after Ovation made White a signature guitar in 1965, he still preferred to play this instrument throughout his career. It is the first instrument ever played by a Black performer in the White House and on a solo tour of the United States. Distinct markings along the upper fretboard and around the sound hole are indications of White’s finger-picking and strumming styles, not to mention the number of performances on the instrument.

On loan from the estate of Josh White

Douglas Yeager