1932 Martin 1-17
A wonderfully unique small-bodied Martin, this 1932 1-17 was one of the last 12-fret style 17s to leave the factory, as it was built at the very moment in history that the 14 fret models were being introduced. The 12 fret steel-string 1-17 is a strangely rare guitar that was produced only in 1931 and 1932; and although Martin made gut-string 1-17s from 1906 to 1917, there were no 6-string versions of this model built between 1918 and 1931, and no size 1 guitars of any other style built in 1932 and later. With its original pickguard and surprisingly modern neck feel, this 1-17 fills an exclusive niche among Golden Era Martin steel strings.
All-mahogany construction with scalloped size 1 (tiny) braces, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and Grover strip tuners. The neck carve is incredibly modern (and very unique) in that the nut width is close to 1-23/32”. Most vintage 12 fret Martin guitars have 1-7/8” nut widths, and modern 12 fret guitars have 1-3/4” nuts. With a width that’s a touch shy of 1-3/4” and Martin’s early 30’s soft V carve, the neck on this guitar is positively heavenly. The scale is 24.9”, and the string spread at the saddle is 2-3/8”, similar to most other Martin 14 fret models from the early/mid 1930s. For those of you who are keeping notes, the depth of the neck at the 1st fret is .840”.
With its very lightly constructed top and 13” wide Size 1 mahogany body this compact guitar has a darker and more open voice that you’d likely expect. The basses are lovely, with plenty of airy low-end warmth and the definition that a small-bodied guitar offers. The mids are strong, present and fundamentally focused, and the trebles are thick and rich. While it’s not a strummer or bluegrass style flat-picker, this guitar is excellent with a controlled pick attack and offers a uniquely early 30’s tone. Fingerstyle players will find the guitar quite inspiring as well, but that is likely needless to point out!
The guitar has just been refretted and set-up in our shop. The bridge saddle slot has been filled and recut and a new bone saddle has been properly fit. The nut is original, as are the bridge pins and tuning machines. Original bridge and bridge plate. Original finish throughout, well-worn in places, and locally buffed around a crack-repair on the top’s lower bass bout where your arm would contact the top. Older neck reset and good neck angle, no internal repairs of any kind. C.F. Martin & Co. and Made in USA stamps on the back of the headstock.
Serial number stamped on August 19, 1932. The guitar cleared final inspection on March 22, 1933. Sold and shipped to Simpson’s in Toronto in June of 1933. Hutton’s Registry Certificate will accompany the guitar.
With Original Soft Shell Case
All-mahogany construction with scalloped size 1 (tiny) braces, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and Grover strip tuners. The neck carve is incredibly modern (and very unique) in that the nut width is close to 1-23/32”. Most vintage 12 fret Martin guitars have 1-7/8” nut widths, and modern 12 fret guitars have 1-3/4” nuts. With a width that’s a touch shy of 1-3/4” and Martin’s early 30’s soft V carve, the neck on this guitar is positively heavenly. The scale is 24.9”, and the string spread at the saddle is 2-3/8”, similar to most other Martin 14 fret models from the early/mid 1930s. For those of you who are keeping notes, the depth of the neck at the 1st fret is .840”.
With its very lightly constructed top and 13” wide Size 1 mahogany body this compact guitar has a darker and more open voice that you’d likely expect. The basses are lovely, with plenty of airy low-end warmth and the definition that a small-bodied guitar offers. The mids are strong, present and fundamentally focused, and the trebles are thick and rich. While it’s not a strummer or bluegrass style flat-picker, this guitar is excellent with a controlled pick attack and offers a uniquely early 30’s tone. Fingerstyle players will find the guitar quite inspiring as well, but that is likely needless to point out!
The guitar has just been refretted and set-up in our shop. The bridge saddle slot has been filled and recut and a new bone saddle has been properly fit. The nut is original, as are the bridge pins and tuning machines. Original bridge and bridge plate. Original finish throughout, well-worn in places, and locally buffed around a crack-repair on the top’s lower bass bout where your arm would contact the top. Older neck reset and good neck angle, no internal repairs of any kind. C.F. Martin & Co. and Made in USA stamps on the back of the headstock.
Serial number stamped on August 19, 1932. The guitar cleared final inspection on March 22, 1933. Sold and shipped to Simpson’s in Toronto in June of 1933. Hutton’s Registry Certificate will accompany the guitar.
With Original Soft Shell Case