Lees Summit, MO, United States
About this listing
1933 Martin 0-17 Shade Top Sunburst Finish Pre-War Small Body Mahogany Guitar 1930s Vintage!
Here is a rare one in the pre-war Martin world, a featherweight 1933 Martin 0-17 in a beautiful shaded top sunburst finish.
The sunburst is very subtle on this particular year, and what makes these 17s so special is that the top, back, sides, and neck all feature that bursted finish, giving the guitar a very unique look for the model.
This particular guitar has definitely seen plenty of use over its 9+ decades of existence, but it remains a very original and highly desirable pre-war Martin. The only exception is the tuners, and this rare batch of guitars originally came with very simple brass Waverly strip tuners, which are readily available if needed.
The bar frets are doing great, and the guitar appears to have had a neck reset and bridge reglue at some point in its past. There are no real cracks to speak of, other than a very small old repaired side crack. The back center seam is not open, though it is showing slightly.
Structurally, this guitar is great and doesn’t need a thing. It also sounds magnificent — immediate, open, and very alive. The action is perfect.
All of the finish is original, with that early satin-looking pre-war sheen. Condition is very good overall, especially for a 90+ year-old guitar. There is obvious finish degradation and plenty of honest play wear, including dings and scratches throughout. On the front of the headstock there is a spot around the E and just below the A tuners where the headstock overlay has a fissure that pulls a bit of the overlay up on the front, but it is isolated to the overlay and is not a crack.
It comes with the original chipboard case in very good condition.
The Details
Condition: Very Good
Originality: Original finish, replaced tuners
Finish: Shaded Sunburst
Notes: Pre-war featherweight example; bar frets; neck reset and bridge reglue in the past; very small repaired side crack; slight back center seam showing
Playability & Sound
This one plays easy and has THE sound. It’s immediate, open, and extremely responsive, with that dry, lively pre-war Martin character that makes these guitars so addictive.
Specifications
Brand: Martin
Model: 0-17
Year: 1933
Finish: Shaded Sunburst (top, back, sides, and neck)
Frets: Original bar frets
Tuners: Grovers
Case: Original chipboard case
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Price£14,372.44
+ £193.45 Shipping
