It's hard not to fall in love with a vintage Martin, it's even harder to pull yourself away from a pre-war gem! This all Mahogany 1940 0-17 model features the fabled pre-war 'scalloped' bracing, resulting in a lighter, more resonant build which when combined with the use of (now unobtainable) old-growth timbers and traditional hide glue construction make for a very special acoustic guitar.
This instrument has been well played. Honest play wear can be seen throughout, further there are numerous repairs and work which has been undertaken on the instrument to keep it going for its 80 years of life (these have been outlined below). All in all, the guitar is a beautiful, character-filled pre-war Martin and has seen the relevant works for it to be enjoyed for another 80 years.
The tonality here is very balanced with a gorgeous amount of harmonic content (particularly in the mid-range). This 0-17 features a beautiful dynamic range for those gentle fingerstylers but also adequate fundamental 'bark' to appease those with a heavy right-hand technique.
Year: 1940 (Pre-war specs, including the fabled 'scalloped' bracing!
Finish: Satin Mahogany Stain
Body Material: Solid Mahogany, Solid Mahogany back & sides.
Neck Material: Solid Mahogany.
Fingerboard Material: Brazilian Rosewood, Mother of Pearl dot inlays. Brazilian Rosewood head plate, Gold Martin decal to headstock.
Neck Profile: Hand shaped 'C', comfortable 'modern' full 1 11/16th nut width
Neck Details: Set neck, has seen a neck reset in the past
Pickup: None
Electronics: As above
Hardware: Reproduction Gotoh 'Pat Pend' open geared tuners with ivoroid buttons. Authentic looking tuners which offer a great tuning stability, and ease of re-tuning for all those open-tunings!
Modifications / Repairs: Added (and now removed) strap pin to underside neck heel. Bridge has seen some shaving. Several old (and stable) crack repairs, most noticeably at base of instrument (approx 6 inches), a repaired crack to the upper side (approx 3 inches) and a repaired crack to the back (approx 2 inches) Some glue residue to inside of guitar from old repairs. Recent pro-refret and re-cut of the original nut (Jon Shub). Older neck re-set. Machine heads replaced with Gotoh's. The perimeter of the end pin of the guitar has been filled from once having a jack sized pin, now has a traditional ivory end pin.
Cosmetic Condition: Make no mistake, this pre-war gem has seen a lot of action during its 80 years. Numerous scratches, bumps, player wear, decal/ sticker halos are all visible but all unashamedly honest and authentic to the guitar. Genuine player wear - this guitar is one for the players!
Tech Notes: Just received a pro re-fret by Jon Shub, setup with12-53 Martin Retro Monels.
Case Details: Original hardcase
Serial Number: 74456 (1940)
Made in: USA
