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Average Price: $3,799

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

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Description

Steeped in history and renowned for its craftsmanship, the 1935 Martin 0-17 acoustic guitar is a testament to Martin’s legacy in guitar making. This vintage masterpiece marries simplicity with superior tonal quality, offering a warm, resonant sound that has been cherished by musicians for decades. Crafted during a pivotal era in guitar history, this model boasts a solid mahogany top, back, and sides, delivering a full-bodied sound that is both rich and articulate.

The 0-17 model, with its parlor-sized body, is perfect for intimate settings, providing a comfortable playing experience while maintaining excellent projection. Its handcrafted neck ensures smooth playability, making it a favorite among fingerstyle players and singer-songwriters alike. The straightforward design, devoid of excessive ornamentation, allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine through, emphasizing its understated elegance. This guitar not only serves as a reliable instrument but also as a piece of musical history, offering a glimpse into the past with every note played.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany top, back, and sides
  • Parlor-sized body for comfortable playability
  • Handcrafted neck for smooth fingerstyle playing
  • Vintage model from 1935, offering historical significance
  • Renowned for its warm, resonant sound quality

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model 0-17
Finish Natural
Year 1906 - 1945
Made In United States
Categories Parlor Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape 0
Color Family Natural
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Martin 0-17
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Martin 16 / 17 Series, Martin Pre-War Era
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the 1935 Martin 0-17, and how does it affect the sound?

The 1935 Martin 0-17 features a mahogany body and neck, which provides a warm, woody tone with strong midrange presence. This makes it ideal for fingerstyle playing and genres requiring a rich, mellow sound.

Is the 1935 Martin 0-17 suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the 1935 Martin 0-17 is a high-quality instrument, its vintage nature and value might make it more suitable for experienced players and collectors who can appreciate its historical significance and unique tonal qualities.

How does the body shape of the 1935 Martin 0-17 affect its playability and sound?

The 0 body shape of the 1935 Martin 0-17, also known as a parlor guitar, offers a comfortable playing experience with a focused, intimate sound. It's perfect for solo performances and small ensembles, providing a balanced tone and ease of handling.

Does the 1935 Martin 0-17 come with a pickup for amplification?

The 1935 Martin 0-17 does not have a built-in pickup, as it is a vintage acoustic guitar designed for pure acoustic sound. Players seeking amplification would need to use an external microphone or install a pickup system.

What is the finish style of the 1935 Martin 0-17, and how does it contribute to the guitar's aesthetics?

The 1935 Martin 0-17 features a natural gloss finish, highlighting the beauty of the mahogany wood. This finish not only enhances the guitar's visual appeal but also protects the wood while allowing the guitar to age gracefully over time.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin 1935 Martin 0-17.

Build quality

  • The 1935 Martin 0-17 is noted for its incredibly resonant sound and signature mahogany tone, especially after restringing.

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  • Some noted potential damage from previous pickup installations, indicated by holes in the soundboard, which could affect future restoration decisions.

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Value and pricing

  • A recent purchase price of $3,650 is considered steep but competitive given rising market prices for vintage Martins.

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User experience

  • Owners highlight the guitar’s resonance and historical charm, with some preferring to keep unique autographs as part of its story.

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  • Owners describe the 1936 Martin 0-17 as having excellent midrange and balance, with a lovely woody fundamental tone and surprising headroom for its size.

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Comparisons

  • The 1935 model's finish is compared to the modern D-15M, suggesting a timeless aesthetic continuity in Martin guitars.

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Setup and maintenance

  • It’s crucial to restring the guitar for optimal sound, as old strings can diminish its tonal quality.

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  • Elixir nanoweb phosphor bronze strings, Light (12 to 53), are preferred for maintaining the guitar's tone and playability.

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  • Owners emphasize the importance of consulting a specialist in vintage Martin restoration for repairs, particularly to preserve the guitar's historical value and originality.

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  • For individuals in Seattle, Dusty Strings and Emerald City Guitars are recommended for trustworthy repairs on vintage Martins.

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Use cases and applications

  • This model is particularly favored for fingerstyle playing, highlighting its suitability for nuanced musical styles.

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  • The 1935 Martin 00-21S is highlighted as a rare, pre-war model with Brazilian rosewood, making it highly desirable for collectors and vintage guitar enthusiasts.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Experts advise against refinishing or replacing original parts unless absolutely necessary, as it can significantly reduce the guitar's historical and monetary value.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Hugh Laurie uses Martin 1935 Martin 0-17

Hugh Laurie

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Fry and Laurie

...
Verified via Photo

The ebony nut has been replaced with a modern one. Hugh is seen with this guitar on the cover of Guitar Aficionado.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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