0-17 1931 Martin 12 fret model $7495

Description

C. F. Martin 0-17 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1931), made in Nazareth, PA, serial #47484, natural lacquer finish, mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, hard shell case. 353 were made in 1931- a large number at $30/each during the Great Depression.

This is a very nice example of a transitional Martin 0-17 in very good condition. Not only does this guitar show only light wear and minor repair but it is also a very fine player with a surprisingly powerful voice for a small all-mahogany guitar. This 0-17 was built in mid 1931, before the switch to the fourteen fret design. At the time, this small, affordable guitar was Martin’s best seller.

This 0-17 is a direct descendant of Martin’s 2-17, the first all mahogany guitar for Martin. As said, the body is all mahogany, with no ornament except for the 5-ply soundhole ring and tortoise celluloid pickguard, and in addition, tiny fret dots (which I love). The tuners are brass strips with black plastic buttons that perform very well. The unbound, tiny-dot-inlaid rosewood fingerboard has an ebony nut. The traditional Martin bar frets were retained until mid 1934, then replaced with modern tang fretwire

Then as now 0-17 is a fully professional-quality guitar, extremely responsive with a rich, singing tone that belies its humble appearance. This final 12-fret version with a pickguard is a fairly rare variation of the model and a true treat for the Martin connoisseur as well as the casual strummer. As a bonus this guitar includes an envelope containing the original time-payment sales contract dated November 1932, and a string price list from the sales agent.

Overall length is 38 in. (96.5 cm.), 13 5/8 in. (34.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 13/16 in. (46 mm.).

This is one of the loveliest and best preserved early depression-era mahogany Martins we have seen in some time, showing signs of use but really amazingly clean for being 90+ years old. The finish is original showing only marks to the left of the bridge, scratches on the bass side, and some very, very, light strum wear through the finish on the treble side of the sound hole. No cracks are evident, which is very unusual for these lightly built guitars.

The original bar frets are in very good shape with plenty of life left. The bridge is the original straight brazilian along with the original bridge plate. The tuners are the correct brass Waverley’s with black buttons. This is just a lovely find with a huge shimmering sound for a small mahogany guitar, one of the nicest examples of this popular instrument I have ever had. Beautiful Condition!!!