Martin DSS-17 Acoustic Guitar - Whiskey Sunset

5.0 (6)

$1,899.99

4.8 (5)

$1,899.99

4.0 (6)

$1,509.99 31 available New

$1,329.00 6 available Used

5.0 (4)

$1,899.99

5.0 (3)

$1,899.99

$2,199.00 $2,180.00 $19.00 · All time low

£1,950.00

Average Price: $1,815

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

In the Steel-string Acoustic Guitars category, Martin DSS-17 Acoustic Guitar - Whiskey Sunset is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Martin DSS-17 Acoustic Guitar - Whiskey Sunset". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Step into a world of timeless sound and craftsmanship with the Martin DSS-17 Acoustic Guitar - Whiskey Sunset. This slope-shoulder dreadnought model is a testament to Martin's dedication to quality and innovation. It features a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, a classic tonewood pairing that delivers a rich, warm, and dynamic sound perfect for any musical setting. Whether you're strumming in a juke joint or recording in a studio, the DSS-17 offers a balanced tone and superior projection.

Its modified low oval neck with a high-performance taper ensures hours of comfortable play, while the rosewood fingerboard and bridge provide a smooth playing experience. The guitar is enhanced with scalloped X-bracing for tonal support and durability, making it an ideal companion for both novice and seasoned musicians. The antique white binding and old-style script logo on the headstock add a touch of vintage elegance, while the mother-of-pearl 1955 Style-18 fingerboard inlay offers a visual delight.

With its Plek'd frets, this guitar ensures precise intonation and effortless playability. The DSS-17 also comes equipped with golden age relic nickel tuners that maintain tuning stability, allowing you to focus on what matters most: playing your heart out.

Key Features:

Slope shoulder dreadnought body style
Solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides
Modified low oval neck with high-performance taper
Scalloped X-bracing for tonal support
Rosewood fingerboard with mother-of-pearl 1955 Style-18 inlay
Plek'd frets for precise intonation
Golden age relic nickel tuners with butterbean knobs

Product specs

String Type	Steel
Number of Strings	6
Left-/Right-handed	Right-handed
Body Shape	Round Shoulder Dreadnought
Back & Sides Wood	Mahogany
Top Wood	Spruce
Finish	Satin
Body Bracing	X-bracing
Binding	Antique White
Neck Wood	Select Hardwood
Neck Shape	Modified Low Oval
Radius	16"
Fingerboard Inlay	Mother-of-pearl Dots, 1955 Style 18
Number of Frets	20
Scale Length	25.4"
Nut Width	1.75"
Nut/Saddle Material	Bone/Bone
Bridge Material	Rosewood
Tuning Machines	Aged Nickel with Black Button
Strings	Retro Monel, .012-.054
Case/Gig Bag	Softshell Case

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Martin DSS-17 Acoustic Guitar?: The Martin DSS-17 features a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, providing a warm, resonant tone with a rich, full sound.
Is the Martin DSS-17 suitable for fingerstyle playing?: Yes, the Martin DSS-17's modified low oval neck shape and 1.75" nut width make it comfortable for fingerstyle playing, offering easy finger movement and articulation.
What is the neck profile of the Martin DSS-17 Acoustic Guitar?: The neck of the Martin DSS-17 is crafted with a modified low oval shape, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for most players, suitable for various playing styles.
Does the Martin DSS-17 come with a case?: Yes, the Martin DSS-17 Acoustic Guitar comes with a softshell case, ensuring protection and easy transport.
What kind of finish does the Martin DSS-17 have?: The Martin DSS-17 features a satin finish, which enhances the guitar's vintage aesthetic while allowing the wood to resonate freely for a rich sound.
How many frets does the Martin DSS-17 Acoustic Guitar have?: The Martin DSS-17 is equipped with 20 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and musical expression.

Videos

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Guitar Gallery

Martin DSS-17 (Full Demo)

Guitar Gallery

The Martin DSS-17 Whiskey Sunset at Maury’s Music

Maury's Music

Spoon Phillips demos the Martin DSS-17 Whiskey Sunset

Maury's Music

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Incredibly lightweight, reducing strain during long performances
Powerful, booming sound with great sustain
Balanced tone with a strong Martin bass presence
Satin finish offers immediate resonance and vintage aesthetic
Excellent for fingerpicking with responsive dynamics
Versatile sound, adapts well to various playing styles
Larger lower bout enhances volume and projection
Comfortable neck with a slightly wider nut for easier playability
Vintage look with authentic Americana sound
Made in the USA by a reputable company

CONS

Concerns about bridge durability with standard tuning
Tuners are not smooth and may creak or slip
Larger body can be uncomfortable for some players
Fret ends may require additional filing
Softshell case may not provide enough protection for gigging musicians

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin DSS-17 Acoustic Guitar - Whiskey Sunset.

Build quality

0 0

The DSS-17's thin back and sides are noted for contributing to its lightweight design, but there are concerns about durability compared to the standard series.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners appreciate the guitar's unique "raunchy" sound, which distinguishes it from other Martin models like the D-18 or D-35.
Source
0 0

Owners highlight the DSS-17’s unique “sunset satin finish” as a preference over the high gloss of the D-18.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The DSS-17 is described as having more bass and volume compared to the smaller-bodied 000-17, making it suitable for heavier strumming styles.
Source
0 0

The DSS-17's slope-shoulder design contrasts with the square-shoulder of the D-18, contributing to their distinct tonal differences.
Source
0 0

The D-18 features tortoise shell binding and an ebony fretboard, adding more "bling" compared to the DSS-17’s simpler aesthetic.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The DSS-17 is praised for its versatility, performing well for both fingerstyle and heavy strumming without losing tonal quality.
Source
0 0

The DSS-17 is described as an exceptional instrument when played alongside models like the D-28, offering a distinct sound that stands out.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The lack of back-binding is noted as a minor aesthetic concern but is consistent with the guitar's Depression-era design inspiration.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

The DSS-17 is seen as a unique offering rather than a "poor man's" version of the D-18, with its distinct sound and design valued independently.
Source

Critic Reviews

DSS-17 Whisky Sunset / Black Smoke | One Man's Guitar

onemanz.com

The Martin DSS-17 Acoustic Guitar in Whiskey Sunset is a delightful addition to the 17 Series, showcasing rich, well-rounded tones with a robust bass response that fills its large body. Its lightweight feel and defined notes make it a joy to play, evoking a vintage vibe without compromising modern playability. However, while the Retro brand strings complement its warm sound, some players may find them lacking in brightness and may wish to experiment with alternatives. Overall, the DSS-17 delivers impressive craftsmanship and sound at a competitive price, making it an appealing choice for both new and seasoned guitarists.

positive

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

timwasem

1097

6 months ago

Great middle ground between Martin and Gibson

Got this because normal Martins were too bright and J-45s were a little too bassy. This is a wonderful in between.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Genres:

Rock Folk, World, & Country Indie rock

From Gear Setup

thicktoothizzy

360

over 1 year ago

I love this thing

I play a lot of old school blues, and it's great for that. Comes with Martin Retros. Although I've seen videos online discussing that it sounds "tinny" that's not my experience. But I will concede that it's about how you play it. If you want a big sounding, cowboy chord guitar, this probably isn't it. But if you want to play licks on the high strings, and fingerpick to your heart's content, you'll get that 40s sound and wish you were better at recreating.

Roles:

Guitarist

Genres:

Electronic Rock Hip Hop

Genre Usage

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

Rock

Indie Rock

Folk, World, & Country

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Martin DSS-17 Acoustic Guitar - Whiskey Sunset, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Origin Effects Magma '57 Overdrive Effects Pedals

Fender Tone Master FR-12 Combo Guitar Amplifiers

Walrus Audio Fundamental Series Delay Delay Effects Pedals

Keeley Compressor Mini Compressor Effects Pedals

Gibson Les Paul Special Solid Body Electric Guitars

Greer Amps Lightspeed Organic Overdrive Overdrive Effects Pedals

TC Electronic PolyTune 3 Noir Pedal Tuners

Universal Audio Dream '65 Reverb Amplifier Amp & Cabinet Simulators

Community setups

Show yours

timwasem

Gear IQ 1097

Similar

Add recommendation

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3.0 (1)

similar sound

I think the Gibson G-45, if you're looking for something similar but fuller sounding, might be a good option. It's a good bang for buck, roots style guitar as well, that is slightly more modern. The DSS-17 is very traditional.

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