1935 Martin R-17 Natural Mahogany

C.F. Martin R-17 1935 | $1950 | (v2514) In 1934 Martin introduced the R-17 archtop, flat-back guitar in '00'-size. It had a run of about eight years, with some sales success during a period where archtops were in demand. Post WWII it devolved into the 'Edsel' of Martin guitars with players coveting the Martin flat tops. But it remains a "Golden Era" Martin, made with high quality materials and skilled craftsmanship.

Top, back, sides and neck are mahogany. The fingerboard, headstock overlay and bridge are Brazilian rosewood. The fingerboard features position dots on top as well as the bass side. The top is bound in faux-tortoise celluloid. The tuners are individual 'clipped top' Waverlys with chrome buttons. The serial number stamped on the back strip dates this example to 1935. The head stock features the iconic C.F. Martin & Co decal.

The body is '00"-size measuring 14 1/2" across the lower bout. Scale length is 25". The neck measures 1 3/4" across at the nut and string spacing is 2 1/4" across at the saddle. Action is set at 5 & 7/64"

The guitar came to us in original condition but no pick guard, only the original bracket. We recently: replaced the guard; glued and cleated a grain crack under the bass side f-hole; glued and cleated a bit of open center seam; glued a small grain crack near the center seam; leveled and dressed the frets; cleaned and lubed the tuners. The fingerboard shows some wear in the first position. "Martin" was engraved in the tailpiece at some point in guitars history. There are numerous dings and scratches from age and use, and what appears to be some finish 'melting' under portions of the pick guard.

With comfortable action and almost one hundred years of 'experience', the guitar sounds and plays great! It has a nice archtop 'bark' with good projection.

Comes with a soft case.

Check out the sound clip!