C. F. Martin 00-17 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1952), made in Nazareth, PA, dark mahogany finish, mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard, original black chipboard case.
A nice all-mahogany Martin 00 from late 1952, with the typical crisply defined yet still warm sound these guitars are well known for. Equipment includes original individual Kluson large-plate openback tuners with plastic buttons, small straight rosewood bridge and tortoise celluloid pickguard, typical Martin features for the 1950's. These mahogany-top small-body-guitars have a distinctive ringing tone and are excellent fingerpickers as well as a good all-around choice in a vintage Martin that won't break the bank.
Overall length is 32 3/8 in. (82.2 cm.), 14 3/8 in. (36.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 3/16 in. (10.6 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.). A very nice guitar overall; a recent neck reset and fret work make this an excellent player. No cracks or notable repairs; everything appears original except the original openback Kluson tuners have been re-buttoned. There is a small patched screw hole in the bass side bridge wing for no discernible reason. The finish has small dings and scrapes (most notably three capo scrapes on the back of the neck) but is generally well preserved with very little checking. Excellent sound, a very fine all-mahogany early '50's Martin. Excellent Condition.
