RARE Martin 1931 00-17 Authentic 2019 left-handed

This is one of three left-handed 00-17 Authentic 1931's that Martin made during the brief period that this Authentic was in production. I checked with Martin, and they confirmed they made 3 lefties for U.S sales; only U.S. models had Brazilian Rosewood construction; any made for overseas sales used Guatemalan Rosewood because of CITES regulations.

Here is Martin's description when the 00-17A was introduced:

"Meticulously reproduced with hide glue construction, dovetail neck joint, a genuine Mahogany VTS (Vintage Tone System) top and genuine Mahogany back and sides. Featuring a Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard and bridge with an Authentic 1931 neck shape and heel, this 00 12 fret classic will appeal to players of all musical styles who love the vintage look and sound of mahogany. Remaining true to its origins as a Depression Era instrument, the 00-17 Authentic 1931 features authentic scalloped X-bracing, a Vintage Gloss finish, and historically accurate appointments, such as Golden Age Relic Nickel Side Mount tuners."

I've graded this one as "Very Good" because the top was damaged by the previous owner when it fell off a guitar stand. After I purchased the guitar, I took it to Josh Rieck in Sioux Falls, SD, a luthier who builds beautiful instruments and is in demand for his top notch repair work. Josh repaired the top and used compression fretting to address the neck's relief; it now has excellent action (currently wearing 12-54 light gauge strings). I've included Josh's invoice for the repair work he did (see pics). Only in certain light can you tell that the top ever had any damage on it - very professionally done.

This guitar has an open voice, with the volume and clarity you'd expect from a Martin Authentic constructed with hide glue and a VTS Mahogany top. These are also "light as a feather" because of their vintage style construction and an Ebony "truss rod".

The original MSRP on these was $4799. This one is priced accordingly because of the repairs, and a few other dings that Josh and I decided not to address (see the pics).

Original Martin Authentic 5-latch locking case included. Free shipping at the listed price in the cont. 48 states. I don't respond to low balls or "how much will you take for it" requests. I'm open to reasonable offers. Check my 5-star feedback and buy with confidence.