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Average Price: $3,350

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

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High-end

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Description

Crafted with precision and a nod to tradition, the Martin 00-17 acoustic guitar stands as a testament to Martin's legendary craftsmanship. This steel-string acoustic guitar offers a warm, rich tonal palette that is perfect for both strummers and fingerstyle players. Its comfortable 00 body size makes it an ideal choice for musicians seeking a balance of projection and intimacy, ensuring that your notes resonate clearly whether you're on stage or in the studio.

The Martin 00-17 features a solid Sitka spruce top, known for its excellent resonance and tonal clarity. Complemented by mahogany back and sides, this guitar delivers a balanced sound with a pronounced midrange and a smooth high-end. The modified low oval neck shape, paired with a high-performance taper, provides exceptional playability and comfort, catering to both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians alike.

Equipped with a traditional dovetail neck joint, the Martin 00-17 ensures optimal tone transfer and stability. The elegant satin finish not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its resonant body, allowing for a more open sound. This guitar is a perfect blend of classic design and modern playability, making it a cherished addition to any guitarist's collection.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top for superior resonance and tonal clarity
  • Mahogany back and sides for balanced sound with a strong midrange
  • 00 body size for a mix of projection and intimacy
  • Modified low oval neck shape with high-performance taper for comfortable playability
  • Dovetail neck joint for enhanced tone transfer and stability
  • Satin finish for a resonant and elegant appearance

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model 00-17
Finish Natural
Year 1946 - 1960
Made In United States
Categories Concert Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape 00
Color Family Natural
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Martin 00-17
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 Post-War Era
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Mahogany

FAQs

What is the tone profile of the Martin 00-17?

The Martin 00-17 features a warm, woody tone thanks to its all-mahogany construction. This provides a rich midrange and balanced sound, making it ideal for fingerstyle and folk music.

Is the Martin 00-17 suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Martin 00-17 is well-suited for fingerstyle playing due to its balanced tone and the comfortable 00 body shape, which offers excellent articulation and response.

What type of wood is used for the Martin 00-17's body?

The Martin 00-17 uses mahogany for the top, back, and sides, contributing to its warm and resonant tonal qualities.

Does the Martin 00-17 come with a pickup system?

No, the Martin 00-17 does not come with a built-in pickup system. It is a purely acoustic guitar, ideal for traditional acoustic performance settings.

How does the Martin 00-17 compare to larger body guitars in terms of sound projection?

The Martin 00-17, with its 00 body shape, offers a more intimate sound with less volume and bass projection than larger body guitars, making it perfect for solo performances and recording.

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Colter Wall "Rail Road Blues" | CME Sessions

Video thumbnail for Colter Wall "Rail Road Blues" | CME Sessions by Chicago Music Exchange

Colter Wall "Rail Road Blues" | CME Sessions

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Martin 00L-17 Review by Tony Polecastro

Martin 00L-17 Review

Tony Polecastro

Tony Polecastro

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1957 Martin 00-17 | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1957 Martin 00-17 | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1947 Martin 00-17 | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1947 Martin 00-17 | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for The Martin 00-17 Authentic 1931 at Maury’s Music by Maury's Music

The Martin 00-17 Authentic 1931 at Maury’s Music

Maury's Music

Maury's Music

Video thumbnail for 1957 Martin 00-17 Sound Overview by Ian Meadows

1957 Martin 00-17 Sound Overview

Ian Meadows

Ian Meadows

Video thumbnail for 1951 Martin 00-17 | The Music Emporium by The Music Emporium

1951 Martin 00-17 | The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

Video thumbnail for Martin 00-17 Mahogany MV (Hot Rod) Custom by Acoustic Letter

Martin 00-17 Mahogany MV (Hot Rod) Custom

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for The Fellowship of Acoustics - Martin 00-17 1955 by The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics - Martin 00-17 1955

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for 1951 Martin 00-17 by Stay Gold Guitars

1951 Martin 00-17

Stay Gold Guitars

Stay Gold Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Produces a full, rich sound without being overly bass-heavy

  • Modern neck feel with a vintage Mahogany body appeals to diverse players

  • Beautiful refinishing and neck reset enhance its aesthetic and playability

  • Suits various musical applications with its balanced tonal quality

  • Consistently delivers a great sound experience in different sessions

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin 00-17.

Build quality

  • The original tuning machines can develop play over time but are often replaced with modern tuners for improved stability.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners frequently address low frets and consider neck resets; actions are generally kept low for ease of play.

    Source
  • Owners emphasize the importance of maintaining proper humidity, with 40-45% being ideal, using D’addario Humidipack systems for hassle-free maintenance.

    Source
  • Some users caution against using high moisture release humidifiers like older Oasis models, suggesting alternatives for seasoned guitars in dry climates.

    Source
  • Pickguard cracks are common; repairing involves partially removing the pickguard and humidifying the guitar to close the crack before regluing.

    Source
  • Maintaining proper humidity is crucial; inadequate levels can exacerbate issues like cracks.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A new bone saddle and StewMac bridge plate reinforcement are popular upgrades to enhance longevity and tone.

    Source
  • Users recommend upgrading from chipboard to a Martin 00-14 fret hardshell case for better protection of vintage guitars.

    Source

User experience

  • The 00-17's age is noted for retaining a solid internal structure, with braces and interior remaining intact after nearly 80 years.

    Source
  • The guitar, after being cleaned and restrung, offers notably long sustain and a rich sound, even after 75 years.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Repair costs for a pickguard-related crack can range from $180 to $250 depending on complexity and region.

    Source

Other

  • Structural cracks near the pickguard are significant and require careful repair to preserve the guitar's integrity and value.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Joe Gore uses Martin 00-17

Joe Gore

Guitarist, Bassist

Eels

...
Verified via Keith McMillen Instruments

My favorite acoustic guitars are a 1941 Martin 00-17 steel-string and the Alvarez classical guitar I learned on as a teen, but tuned extra-low and strung with bizarre “rope core” strings for a hybrid nylon/steel-string effect.

See how Leroy Powell uses Martin 00-17

Leroy Powell

Guitarist, Music Producer

Leroy Powell and the Messengers

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo Leroy Powell is seen with a Martin 00-17.

See how LeRoy Bell uses Martin 00-17

LeRoy Bell

Guitarist

Stony Hill

...
Verified via Photo

In the provided image, LeRoy Bell can be seen playing a Martin 00-17 guitar.

See how Rudy Linka uses Martin 00-17

Rudy Linka

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified
Year: 1941

Rudy Linka confirms on his official website that he owns a 1941 Martin 00-17 guitar.

Album Usage

The Martin 00-17 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Martin 00-17, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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