1917 Martin 1-42 Vintage Acoustic Guitar - Natural
Here we have a beautiful 42-style pearl Martin from 1917. This Size 1 instrument measures 12 3/4" across the lower bout, and was considered the "Standard" size in the lineup before larger and louder concert and auditorium instruments became desirable in the 1930s and 1940s. This 12-fret parlor guitar is well preserved for being over 100 years old.
The 42-style instruments feature a pearl trimmed top, pearl fingerboard extension, and pearl rosette center ring. In this era, the iconic snowflake pattern was in use beginning at the fifth fret, with additional markers at the seventh, ninth, twelfth, and fifteenth frets. This style also features top and back body binding, as well as a bound neck. The ivory bridge is also a decorative material upgrade for the 42 style, correct for 1917, one of the last years for this spec before Martin would transition to ebony pyramid bridges.
The guitar has a few repaired back cracks, there is play wear on the top, and there are dings and scratches over the instrument surface. There is a repaired side crack with a cleat. The finish on the neck is worn a touch from playing. The headstock is oversprayed all around, and a prior listing for this guitar from Gruhn stated that the headplate was replaced, though it looks correct. The neck has been reset and the guitar intonates quite well. The saddle looks newer and the bridge pins do not have pearl inlays. The bridge and some interior braces show signs of regluing and reworking. The tuners are correct to the period but not quite as fancy as other examples we've seen.
The tone is exactly what you'd expect from a vintage parlor Martin. It doesn't reach the volume of a larger body instrument, but is wonderfully delicate and intimate with a full tonal spectrum and excellent clarity. The neck is a soft v-shape, slimmer in overall size, and comfortable to navigate. It measures .790 at the 1st, and .930 at the 9th. It weighs 3lbs.
It ships in a period hardshell case.
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