1948 Martin 00-17 Flattop Guitar

Here's a gorgeous old Martin that was in for repair. 00-17s and 00-15s are some of the most-requested guitar models (after LG-2/LG-3 Gibsons) people are asking-after online and with walk-ins. 00-size is very popular these days!

This one is in great shape but had a damaged, old-replacement bridge when it arrived. Ancel made a nice "sort-of-repro" design with a drop-in saddle (rather than through-cut) for the owner, who is definitely more interested in this for use as a player. The drop-in slot will mean it's easier to adjust seasonally and should hold-up a lot better in terms of dryness-induced hairline cracking of the saddle slot, though.

Other work included a level/dress of the frets, a new bone saddle, and setup-side work.

One of my favorite details on old '40s hog-tops are those red-saturated celluloid pickguards. I love the look!