Martin 00-17 1943 K&K Lifton case

This is a 1943 Martin 00-17, a highly regarded wartime small-bodied flat-top Mahogany small bodied acoustic with all the charm, character that make these instruments so sought after by serious players and collectors.

This guitar has had a recent neck re-set and refret by Dave King in Newbury, UK, who is not just a highly respected luthier but has also been the official UK Martin repair workshop for many years and his work is executed to a very high standard. He also stabilised the bridge plate, and this guitar is now ready for many decades of service to its next owner.

This 00-17 is an absolute pleasure to play with a comfortable action and clean, buzz-free notes up the neck. As expected from a working instrument that has seen eight decades of use, it shows numerous marks, dings, and a few historic professional repairs, but all remain in line with what you would expect from a well-maintained vintage acoustic. The machine heads are original and function well. Fun fact: the celluloid buttons were a feature of this period of production, due to a wartime shortage of metal in order to conserve resources.

It also benefits from the discreet fitment of a K&K Pure Mini pickup system. The serial number of this instrument is 85604. It is being sold with a period Lifton hardshell case; this has one faulty latch, but other than that, it functions perfectly and look great.

Fingerpickers will certainly appreciate the clarity and articulation, while strummers will enjoy the natural compression and vintage vibe that these guitars are so well known for.

This is a great guitar to inspire new songs and would make an excellent tool for recording.

This lovely example has that unmistakable vintage voice that simply cannot be recreated by modern builds. Light, resonant, and wonderfully responsive, the 0-17 from this era is constructed from all-mahogany top, back, and sides—giving it a warm, dry, woody tone with a strong midrange presence and a beautifully focused projection

Artists throughout the folk and early Americana worlds have relied on all-mahogany Martins—from the 0-17 to the 00-17 and 000-17—for their intimate, earthy tone. Players such as Woody Guthrie, Martin Carthy, and countless traditional finger-style guitarists have embraced these guitars for their honesty, warmth, and musical directness.

A wonderfully soulful and historically significant Martin—lightweight, expressive, and ready for many more decades of music.