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Average Price: $1,572

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Martin 000-17SM is a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern craftsmanship, making it a must-have for any serious acoustic guitarist. Rooted in the iconic Martin legacy, this guitar brings the past to life with its 12-fret design—a nod to early Style 17 guitars that promises powerful projection and a naturally balanced tone. Its tight body shape is not just an aesthetic choice but a functional one, offering an intimate and resonant sound that both fingerstyle players and strummers will appreciate.

Crafted with a Sitka spruce top, the 000-17SM delivers outstanding projection while retaining clarity even when played forcefully. Complementing this is the solid mahogany back and sides, which add warmth and a full-bodied tone to your playing. The combination of these tonewoods ensures that whether you're in the studio or on stage, your sound will be distinct and captivating.

The guitar's select hardwood Modified-Low-Oval neck and solid Morado fingerboard offer a comfortable playing experience, while the vintage slotted East Indian rosewood headstock and nickel open-geared tuners with ivoroid knobs add elegant touches to its distinctive vintage vibe.

Whether you're a session guitarist looking for an instrument that sits perfectly in any mix or a performer seeking an acoustic guitar that stands out both sonically and visually, the Martin 000-17SM is your perfect match.

Key Features:

  • 12-fret design for enhanced projection and tonal balance
  • Solid Sitka spruce top with solid mahogany back and sides
  • Shaded gloss top; satin neck, back, and sides
  • Select hardwood Modified-Low-Oval-profile neck with solid Morado fingerboard
  • Solid Morado Belly-style bridge
  • Nickel open-geared tuners with ivoroid knobs
  • Includes a hardshell case for protection

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model 000-17SM 12-Fret
Finish Sunburst
Year 2013 - 2015
Made In United States
Categories OM and Auditorium Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape 000
Color Family Orange
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Composite
Model Family Martin 000-17
Model Sub-Family Martin 000-17S
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Martin 16 / 17 Series
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Mahogany
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of music genres is the Martin 000-17SM best suited for?

The Martin 000-17SM, with its mahogany body and Sitka spruce top, produces a warm, balanced tone, making it ideal for fingerstyle, folk, and blues genres.

How does the neck profile of the Martin 000-17SM affect playability?

The Martin 000-17SM features a modded low oval neck shape, offering comfortable playability for both chords and intricate fingerstyle playing.

Does the Martin 000-17SM come with a built-in pickup for amplification?

No, the Martin 000-17SM does not include a built-in pickup, making it a purely acoustic guitar designed for natural sound projection.

What is the scale length of the Martin 000-17SM, and how does it impact the guitar's sound?

The Martin 000-17SM has a 25.4" scale length, contributing to its bright, articulate tone and providing a comfortable string tension for various playing styles.

Is the Martin 000-17SM suitable for live performances?

While the Martin 000-17SM offers excellent acoustic sound quality, it lacks built-in electronics, so external amplification would be needed for live performances.

What materials are used for the Martin 000-17SM's fingerboard and bridge?

The fingerboard is made of solid black ebony, while the bridge is crafted from solid Morado, both contributing to the guitar's rich tonal quality and durability.

Does the Martin 000-17SM come with a case?

Yes, the Martin 000-17SM includes a hardshell case, providing protection and easy transport for the guitar.

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Martin 000-17SM Review - How does it sound?

Video thumbnail for Martin 000-17SM Review - How does it sound? by Acoustic Letter

Martin 000-17SM Review - How does it sound?

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for Martin 000-17SM / Martin Guitar Fingerstyle / Martin 12Fret Guitar by WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

Martin 000-17SM / Martin Guitar Fingerstyle / Martin 12Fret Guitar

WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

Video thumbnail for CF Martin 000-17SM Review and Demo by DrRhythm1967

CF Martin 000-17SM Review and Demo

DrRhythm1967

DrRhythm1967

Video thumbnail for Mandy (Barry Manilow) test (on a Martin 000-17SM) by Martin Tallstrom

Mandy (Barry Manilow) test (on a Martin 000-17SM)

Martin Tallstrom

Martin Tallstrom

Video thumbnail for TFOA Review - Martin 000-17SM by The Fellowship of Acoustics

TFOA Review - Martin 000-17SM

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for Martin 000-17sm by WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

Martin 000-17sm

WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

Video thumbnail for Martin Guitars - 000-17SM by GUITARGUITAR

Martin Guitars - 000-17SM

GUITARGUITAR

GUITARGUITAR

Video thumbnail for Martin 000-17sm by Acoustic Music & Things

Martin 000-17sm

Acoustic Music & Things

Acoustic Music & Things

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tone from solid mahogany back and spruce top combination

  • Great for fingerstyle and flat-picking, with excellent note separation

  • Comfortable, fast neck with familiar feel for seasoned players

  • Stunning aesthetics with slotted headstock and shaded top

  • Ideal mid-range punch for live performances

  • Great projection and volume for a smaller body guitar

  • Unique 12-fret design enhances playability and sound

  • Beautiful, woody tone with crisp mid and treble definition

  • Discontinued rarity adds collectible appeal

  • Outstanding value within its price range

CONS

  • Discontinued model, hard to find new

  • Personal preference for 12th fret inlay not met

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin 000-17SM.

Comparisons

  • The Martin 000-15SM, although easier to find, is noted to have a less vibrant tone compared to the 000-17SM, which is described as fuller and more vibrant.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Martin 000-17SM's distinctive features include a 12-fret slot-head design on an OOO body and a glossy nitro finish, which are hard to find in similar models.

    Source
  • The 12-fret design is noted to enhance volume despite the smaller body size, making it suitable for parlor-style playing.

    Source

User experience

  • There is a strong preference for the Martin sound over similar models, as one user regretted not buying the 15SM due to its superior sound quality in a specific setting.

    Source
  • The slotted headstock not only adds aesthetic appeal but also enhances the tactile experience, making it a favorite among traditionalists.

    Source
  • Owners enjoy the subtle glossy burst finish, which they find aesthetically pleasing without being overly ornate.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Martin 000-17SM has a distinctive scent that owners appreciate, adding to the overall sensory experience of playing the guitar.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners find it ideal for fingerstyle folk and blues, with a comfortable 000 body size and a tone that balances well without being too bassy or bright.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Martin 000-17SM review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Martin 000-17SM is a beautifully crafted acoustic guitar with a classic aesthetic and modern versatility. Its standout feature is the dark-shaded Sitka spruce top, offering a unique visual appeal. Players will appreciate its excellent playability, thanks to the modified low oval neck and perfect action. This guitar excels in both fingerpicking and strumming, delivering warm, punchy tones from its mahogany and spruce build. While its price tag is substantial, the quality and timeless design make it a worthy investment for serious musicians. The review is overwhelmingly positive, with minimal drawbacks noted.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Chuck Ragan uses Martin 000-17SM

Chuck Ragan

Singer

Hot Water Music

...
Verified via MusicRadar

In this interview, it is confirmed that Chuck Ragan owns a Martin 000-17SM guitar

See how Ian McCulloch uses Martin 000-17SM

Ian McCulloch

Singer, Guitarist

Echo & the Bunnymen

...
Verified via YouTube

McCulloch can be seen throughout this interview holding and playing a Martin 000-17SM.

See how Colin Meloy uses Martin 000-17SM

Colin Meloy

Guitarist, Singer

The Decemberists

...
Verified via YouTube

"This was my main stage guitar between ’05 and ’07 or ‘08. It was bought in ’05 as a replacement for the 17S that was stolen during the gear theft. I probably wrote a lot of stuff from The Crane Wife on it. You can see me playing it on the recent Live At The 9:30 Club video. Once I’d gravitated away from it, it served as a second guitar for The Hazards of Love tour."

See how Gabrielle Aplin uses Martin 000-17SM

Gabrielle Aplin

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this youtube video, Gabrielle Aplin can be seen using a Martin 000-17SM acoustic guitar.

See how Sam Prekop uses Martin 000-17SM

Sam Prekop

Guitarist

The Sea and Cake

...
Verified via Pedal Fuzz

So I started writing on my acoustic. It's a pretty old beat up Martin 000-17. It's a Mahogany, small body kind of deal. And so I write a lot on that. I've never played it live and I don't plan on it - too many problems involved with drums and stuff.

See how Michael Chapman uses Martin 000-17SM

Michael Chapman

Guitarist

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"My main working guitar is a 1951 [Martin] 000-17, which is a fabulous little thing. It’s all mahogany, obviously, like the 17s were. If you think about it, in 1951, there was no wood around. It was just after World War II, the Korean War was about to kick in, so it was probably made out of old furniture. Some of the wood in that guitar could be 200 years old. In 1951, that guitar was $27, but it sounds fantastic. The definition is just stunning. And it’s small and it goes in the overheads on airplanes."

See how Adam Burrows uses Martin 000-17SM

Adam Burrows

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Martin 000-17 SM in this video

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 000-17SM, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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