Martin 00-17 (1954)
Vintage
For anyone interested in a great-sounding example of one of Martin's heralded all-Mahogany guitars, this one gets our highest marks.
This 1954 Martin 00-17 was recently unearthed in an estate sale just down the road from us in Woburn, Massachusetts. The guitar had been sitting untouched for decades, and needed the appropriate restoration to bring it back to playable condition. Thankfully, nothing had been done to it heretofore; and its structure remains all-original. While a 50's 00-17 may not be a 30's herringbone D-28, it's still a lovely example of a previously unseen vintage Martin. And for anyone interested in a great-sounding example of one of the company's heralded all-Mahogany guitars, this one gets our highest marks.Our shop performed a neck reset and refret, after the guitar arrived in untouched status. It's now playing beautifully, with a straight neck, and action at 3/32" (bass side) and 2/32" (treble side) under tension of light-gauge strings. The body of the guitar is in very good condition, with just a couple areas of worn finish and one repaired back crack to note. The guitar is housed in its original chipboard case. Buyers inquiring from afar may want something a bit sturdier for shipping -- please contact us for Ground shipping and case options (Expedited shipping is required at online checkout).
| Top | Mahogany |
| Back & Sides | Mahogany |
| Neck | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Bridge | Rosewood |
| Nut & Saddle | Original nut & New bone saddle |
| Tuners | Original |
| Bracing | Non-scalloped |
| Construction | Hide Glue |
| Finish | Original Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Carve | Soft V |
| Nut Width | 1 11/16" |
| String Spacing | 2 1/8" |
| Scale Length | 24.9" |
| Truss Rod | Non-adjustable |
| Inlays | MOP Dots |
| Headstock | Rosewood veneer w/C.F. Martin Decal |
| Serial # | 136801 |
| Case | Original Chipboard |
Every instrument is thoroughly checked and set up before shipping fully insured via UPS with tracking to your door. We reuse boxes and materials to cut waste when they meet our protection standard.
Inspect it, play it, and if it isn't right, contact us within 48 hours of delivery to arrange a return or one-time exchange. Returns are subject to a 5% restocking fee, and the buyer covers shipping both ways.
Pricing
We price vintage instruments using current market trends and our extensive in-house sales history, ensuring each piece is accurately valued and fairly positioned.
Tasteful Restoration
When restoration is needed, we approach it with respect and restraint - always in service of preserving the instrument’s integrity and extending its musical life for decades to come.
Accurate Listings
Every vintage guitar we list is authenticated by our seasoned team and photographed in high detail, with clear, honest descriptions that show exactly what you’re buying - no surprises.
Shipping
With decades of experience shipping high-value guitars, we know how to pack and protect vintage instruments so they arrive exactly as they should: safe, sound, and ready to play.