1957 Martin 00-17 Flattop Guitar

This guitar was bought by the original owner in 1961 (it has some of its old paperwork) but it was apparently in that sales space since it was built in '57. It's essentially a one-owner guitar because the daughter of the owner is who brought it here for sale as it's been collecting dust in a closet for ages.

Anyhow, it's in quite good shape but was definitely enjoyed for a good while before it went into long-term storage. There was some middling work done on it to keep it playing decently (bridge shave and a well-intentioned crack repair at the side of the pickguard) over time but, thankfully, it got what it needed here and is now playing spot-on.

It handles nicely and has a comfortable, easy neck. It does sound great for flatpicking but I think it's definitely at its best in a country-blues, old-timey, fingerpicking style. It's got such an excellent, woody, clean and clear sound to it (without a lot of fussy overtones) that it makes a good instrument for a player who wants their notes to stand-out and be heard rather than washed into a mush of velvet.

To be concise -- yep, I like it!

I did most of the work but my guy Tim did the level/dress job on it.

Repairs included: a neck reset, fret level/dress, replacement bridge (Madagascar rosewood) and saddle (bone), replacement endpin (old Martin plastic one), cleaning, one cleat for the old pickguard crack repair, and setup work.

• Weight: 3 lbs 6 oz
• Scale length: 24 7/8"
• Nut width: 1 11/16"
• Neck shape: medium C/soft V
• Board radius: 14"
• Body width: 14 3/8"
• Body depth: 4"
• Top wood: solid mahogany
• Back & sides wood: solid mahogany
• Bracing type: x
• Bridge: rosewood
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 54w-12 lights
• Truss rod: non-adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: medium

Condition notes: it's all-original except for the endpin, bridge, and saddle. The bridge is a new one I've made from Madagascar rosewood and its profile is slightly different (less curve on the top deck) from the original Martin style and it has a drop-in saddle slot to boot. There's a hairline crack (repaired and re-repaired/cleated) under the pickguard/under the strings on the top. Otherwise it appears crack-free. There are minor scuffs/scratches/dings here and there through the body but overall the finish is in great shape. It does have weather-check throughout (fine-line). The bridge plate shows fill from filling the old pinholes and redrilling for these new ones but is in good shape. The frets are in good shape, there's plenty of saddle height, and it's ready to go.

It comes with: a good hard case.

Consignor tag: TF