C. F. Martin 00-17 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1952), made in Nazareth, PA, serial # 123454, dark mahogany finish, mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
This is a superb example of an all-mahogany Martin 00 from early 1952, far less played than most but still with the crisply defined yet still warm sound these guitars are well known for. Typical Martin features for this year include original individual Kluson large-plate openback tuners with plastic buttons, small straight rosewood bridge and tortoise celluloid pickguard. These mahogany-top guitars have a distinctive ringing tone and are excellent fingerpickers as well as a great 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.). This is a very well preserved and nicely original guitar with no notable alterations and just some light typical repair. Just back from a new neckset, this one plays perfectly and rings for days! There are small dings and dents to the finish on the body but no major pickwear, the back of the neck is actually quite clean. The original bridge still has good height and looks to have been rounded down just a bit at some point. The frets are superb with virtually no wear. The top has no cracks, and has held its shape quite well. The original tuner buttons crumbled away have been replaced This is a very good playing and sounding all-mahogany Martin, far less heavily worn than many and still an excellent value. As an extra bonus it includes a VERY nice original hardshell case -many of these inexpensive (at the time) guitars were bought with chipboard cases. Excellent Condition.
