C. F. Martin 5-17 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1937), made in Nazareth, PA, serial # 67370, natural mahogany finish, mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard, original black chipboard case.
The model 5-17 is one of Martin's prime entries into the all-time cutest guitar sweepstakes, a very playable and good-sounding professional quality instrument despite its diminutive size. The "modern" 5-17 was built from the company's 19th century terz guitar patterns, with an 11" body and short scale just over 21". Along with the spruce-topped 5-18 this was the smallest guitar Martin made, and selling in 1937 for $25 (without case) was also the cheapest. Martin made ukuleles that cost well more than that!
This particular example displays transitional traits unusual for a Martin from 1937. With 68 units shipped this was the breakout year for this model, and the all-time, production peak. Only one to three examples were sold per year earlier in the thirties, starting in 1927. It is likely that many of these 5-17's were completed utilizing parts fabricated years previously bearing earlier features. The most striking examples are on the neck which features bar frets, an ebony truss rod and silk-screened logo on the headstock face. Most 1937 Martins have T-frets, a steel truss rod and a water-slide decal. These earlier features suggest a fabrication date for the neck of not later than 1934; possibly a stock of parts were lying around for a few years before Martin actually assembled this instrument.
The all-mahogany body features an X-braced top with three ply white-black-white soundhole rosette and a tortoise pattern celluloid pickguard as the only adornment. The fingerboard is rosewood with a simple pattern of white celluloid dots, one at the fifth fret, two at the seventh and one at the ninth. The bridge is rosewood with a bone saddle and the nut is ebony. The slotted headstock has plain brass Waverly 3-on-a-strip tuners with ivoroid buttons.
This is a fairly rare guitar, after 1938 the production numbers fell again and it was discontinued for good in 1943. With a sparkling sound, easy playability and unmatched portability, this littlest Martin is a fine instrument today for travel, recording, and even live use. Dolly Parton has been seen many times with the 5-18, the spruce-topped cousin of the 5-17, over the years. It's awfully cute, for sure, but this little pre-war gem can really sing too!
Overall length is 32 5/8 in. (82.9 cm.), 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 15/16 in. (10 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 21 1/4 in. (540 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.).
This is a relatively clean guitar for its age, showing some superficial wear but an excellent player. The mahogany top has some light wear and tear with the finish showing small dings, dents, and scratches. The rims show numerous scuffs and scratches, some through the finish, on the bass lower bout and at the apex of both the upper and lower treble bouts; the result of rubbing against hardware inside the original soft-shell case. The back, neck and headstock show some light dings, scuffs and dents and some finish rubbed away on the edges, common on these unbound mahogany Martins.
The top is very solid with no bulging that is often seen on the thinly made pre-war mahogany-top models. The rosewood bridge is original with a new bone saddle; the ebony nut, bar frets and tuners are also original. The neck has been very neatly reset and the frets polished, so playability is excellent. This guitar is a very nice example of this unusual Depression-era mini-Martin, complete in its original chipboard case which has somehow survived in relatively functional condition. Overall Excellent - Condition.
