Martin 00-17

USA made in 1947 or 1948.

Not many features other than true Martin craftmanship!
It's made of Solid Mahogany all over (back, sides, neck).
14 frets to the neck joint.

Kept in its original hardshell case for more than 50 years and is in excellent condition.
The neck has not warped at all, although it's still stringed with its original strings.
The plastic (or bone?) parts (i.e. tuner knobs, string pins) became very brittle and broke off, but will be replaced soon with replacement parts recommended by CF Martin.
I will post a complete review once the restoration project is complete.

Given its age and old strings it has a very loud and warm sound.
Once strings are changed I'm sure it will bring out even more its characteristics.

Seems like it was an entry-level guitar at its time.
Not flashy but to-the-point instrument with no frills, bells or wistles.
Its neck shape feels very well to my hands, although its action is a bit high. Must be good for playing slide!
Finish is very good, concidering it is 60 years old. Must have been excellent when it was new.

I would never use this guitar outside the security of my house, so live playing is N/A.
Since its plastic parts have deteriorated I will take some points off (they could have used full metal tuners, but lack of metal due to the war was probably the reason they didn't).

Still, it seems like a very durable guitar.

SOLID 10!
I contacted Martin's dealer here in Greece who immediately brought me in contact with CF Martin USA.
They were all very helpful and attentive to my instrument's needs.
Thanks again!

2001 Martin 00-17, American made, small bodied (classical size), solid wood mahogany guitar. Gloss finish, no frills binding, morado fretboard- would have preferred ebony- and gold Martin/Schaller tuners. The 00-17 and D-17 are probably the most economical solid wood Martin guitars out there now. Guitar is solid and beautiful in its simplicity.

I've replaced the tuners to oval Gotoh's, I've never liked gold, and added a Sunrise pickup which really sounds great on this guitar. Eventually I'd like to upgrade to Waverly tuners. Guitar also came w/nice hardshell case.

I don't play w/picks, so naturally a small-bodied guitar will suit my needs. I mostly accompany myself and sometimes w/another piano/organ. It is perfect for my needs, the mahogany gives a warm, rich sound. It's not as bright as a spruce top or colored like rosewood, just different. I've been experimenting w/different strings and found La Bella's golden alloys to be the best fit and sound- they truly are perfectly balanced sets. You'll see a lot of blues players w/small bodied mahogany guitars nowadays, the difference is the old timers bought all mahogany guitars not for their sound but for their price. Still, these guitars I guess will always be associated with the blues.

I bought this used from Elderly Instruments in Detroit, though I live in central Florida. Elderly is a fantastic store and thoroughly goes over their instruments before selling and sending out. I've since bought a Bill Lawrence tele copy from them and many accessories. I've yet to make an adjustment to this guitar. It's intonation and action are superb. Just right for finger-pickin!

As I said before, other than changing the tuners (for cosmetic reasons) and installing the Sunrise I've done nothing to this guitar. Well, I've put in a Tusq saddle and bridge pins, which has improved the sound, but I wouldn't hold that against this guitar, it's just a nice improvement on any guitar. I've done it to all my guitars, for the price it's a significant improvement. I've played live w/this guitar and had no problems. I should say though that I take very good care of all my instruments.

I've always had great experience w/Martin and I've owned three of their guitars. No complaints.

I've been playing about ten years, currently I have this guitar, the Bill Lawrence tele (another gem) and a 1957 Martin 5-18 parlor guitar. The 00-17 replaced a Guild F-30 that's neck was starting to pull, prior to that I've had a Taylor 310, a 70s Gibson J-50 and Martin dreadnought. I enjoy having a guitar for a couple of years then moving on and trying something else, though I truly love my 00-17. I've had it well over a year now and have not even looked at another guitar. It's just a beautifully simple guitar, no frills yet all solid woods and quality craftmanship. There's really nothing else I want in an instrument.
Also, I was very reluctant to buy asnother Martin as in my opinion, like Fender, their quality control has really gone down lately. Also, you don't seem to get a much in a Martin as you once did, though I've have to say this new all mahogany line is the exception.

New 2003 MODEL 00-17
CONSTRUCTION: Mortoise/Tenon Neck Joint
BODY SIZE: 00-14 Fret
TOP: Solid Sapele or Genuine Mahogany
ROSETTE: Style 17
TOP BRACING PATTERN: 001 Hybrid
TOP BRACES: 1 Style/Scalloped
BACK MATERIAL: Solid Genuine Mahogany or Solid Sapele
BACK PURFLING: Style 18
SIDE MATERIAL: Solid Genuine Mahogany
ENDPIECE: Style 18 Single Black Stripe
ENDPIECE INLAY: none
BINDING: Tortoise Color
TOP INLAY STYLE: Multiple Black/White
SIDE INLAY: none
BACK INLAY: none
NECK MATERIAL: Solid Mahogany
NECK SHAPE: Modified Low Oval
NUT MATERIAL: White Corian?
HEADSTOCK: Solid/6 String No Diamond/Standard Taper
HEADPLATE: Solid East Indian Rosewood/ Raised Gold Foil Logo
HEELCAP: Solid East Indian Rosewood
FINGERBOARD MATERIAL: Black Micarta?
SCALE LENGTH: 25.4''
# OF FRETS CLEAR: 14
# OF FRETS TOTAL: 20
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT NUT: 1 11/16''
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT 12TH FRET: 2 1/8''
FINGERBOARD POSITION INLAYS: Style 28
FINGERBOARD BINDING: none
FINISH BACK & SIDES: Polished Gloss/ Dark Mahogany Stain/ Dark Filler
FINISH TOP: Polished Gloss/ Dark Mahogany Stain/ Dark Filler
FINISH NECK: Semi Gloss/ Dark Mahogany Stain/ Dark Filler
BRIDGE MATERIAL: Black Micarta?
BRIDGE STYLE: 1 Style Belly
BRIDGE STRING SPACING: 2 1/8''
SADDLE: 16'' Radius/Compensated/White Micarta?
TUNING MACHINES: Gotoh Gold w/ Large Knobs
RECOMMENDED STRINGS: Martin SP 4100 Light Phosphor Bronze
BRIDGE & END PINS: White w/ Black Dots
PICKGUARD: I-03 Tortoise Color
CASE: 350 Hard Shell
INTERIOR LABEL: none

I play Blues, Ragtime, Folk, It suits these styles very well. This guitar is great fingerpicked or Strummed, it has a beautiful tone. I can't put this guitar down.

The guitar was setup perfect for fingerpicking and strumming. I haven't tried sliding with it yet. It has a really nice Mahogany Gloss Finish.

This guitar was built right. nuff said.

You can trust Martin. Very helpful

I've been playing for many years probably closer to 30.
I am completly satisfied with this baby.
If it were stolen I would hunt down the dirty dog.
I love that this guitar is so comfortable to play.
Compared to Gibson L-00 Blues King and this Martin kicked butt.

2000 model Martin 00-17 made in Nazareth, PA. Grand Concert 00-size body. Solid mahogany top, sides and neck. 14 frets clear, 25.4" scale. 1-Style hybrid scalloped 1/4" bracing. Polished gloss all over with dark mahogany stain. Black Micarta? fingerboard and bridge. Corian nut and saddle. Tortoise binding and pickguard. Gold tuners.
I'd much rather have an ebony fingerboard, but this is an economy model.

The sound from a mahogany top on such a small box is pretty amazing. Full and rich, with good highs. Without a spruce top it doesn't have a lot of power when pushed, so easy does it, but it sounds great fingerpicked or flatpicked.

Very well constructed, flawless Martin fit and finish. The action is excellent. The Micarta fingerboard is indestructible and easy to play. Nice smooth frets. The dark mahogany is beautifully matched and gorgeous. Note: This is just about the lowest priced Martin you can get with a classic, full hand polished nitrocellulose gloss finish (not polyurethane gloss like Taylors, Takamines, Larrivees, and your kitchen cabinets and oak flooring).

It's compact and light but Martin-solid. Simple but good hardshell case included.

It was purchased used for my daughter, so no warranty. If she cares for it it will last a lifetime. I've dealt with Martin and they are first-rate. A new 00-17 is around $1000 discounted retail, with a lifetime warranty.

It's definitely not inexpensive, but for the features, sound and finish, the 00-17 is a good value. If you don't mind satin finished guitars, the 00-15 is much cheaper and has a similar excellent tone, and there are other brands with low-priced satin or poly/plastic finishes.
This 00-17 was a gift for my teenage daughter who's been taking lessons for 2 years on her cheap Yamaha electric. She loves her new Martin. It's a small body, easy to hold and play, with a rich tone when flatpicked. If she ever tires of it, her Martin will hold its value for years to come.