C.F. Martin 2-17 1926 | SOLD | (v2226) It may come as a surprise to some, but the humble 2-17 was C.F. Martin's best seller through the 1920s. And when this particular guitar was made, 1926, thirteen-hundred 2-17s were sold, the highest output of that model for the decade. Another pleasant surprise to many is the fact that by 1926, the 2-17 was built and marketed for steel strings! The 2-17 was at the cusp of Martin's transitional period from the delicate 'parlor era' to the more robust era of steel-string guitars. Regardless, the 2-17, and this particular example, is a well-made 'ladies parlor guitar' with a voice to rival a mezzo-soprano!
The top, back and sides are made from a high grade of mahogany. The top is supported by scalloped X-braces, and trimmed with Brazilian rosewood, boxwood and ebony binding and sound hole rings. The original bridge is Brazilian rosewood and rectangular, non-pyramid in shape. The fingerboard is Brazilian and features four small position dots. The original nut is ebony. The neck is mahogany and is carved in a very comfortable 'C' shape. The head stock is overlaid with Brazilian veneer, and features C.F. Martin & Co. Nazareth, PA embossed on the rear, with a similar stamp inside the body on the back strip. The Waverly tuners are brass and in excellent condition. The frets are the usual bar frets of the era. The serial number, 281xx is stamped on the mahogany heel block; stamped model numbers are a few years away.
The body measures 12 1/4" across at the lower bout. Scale length is 23 1/2". The neck measures 1 13/16" across at the nut and string spacing is 2 3/8" at the saddle.
The only prior repairs of note are a neck reset and one back brace glued. The guitar is in overall excellent, original condition. The fingerboard shows scant wear, and the frets in the first positon show signs of play wear. It appears that the bridge has been lowered a hair in the past, but string height off the top is at a comfortable 7/16" plus. There is a 1" ding along the lower bass bout. Action is set at 6 & 7/64", with plenty of saddle for lower action if desired. The finish is in excellent, original condition, with only slight play wear below the sound hole, and a few nicks and dings from age and wear. Overall a spiffy little guitar!
These lightly made and braced 2-17s from this era are deceivingly loud! There is great depth across the sound spectrum, beautiful overtones and plenty of sustain. With its comfortable neck and fingerboard, and light-to-the-touch playability, this 2-17 is a pleasure to play, and a finger-style guitarist dream!
Comes with a good soft case.
Check out the sound clip!
The top, back and sides are made from a high grade of mahogany. The top is supported by scalloped X-braces, and trimmed with Brazilian rosewood, boxwood and ebony binding and sound hole rings. The original bridge is Brazilian rosewood and rectangular, non-pyramid in shape. The fingerboard is Brazilian and features four small position dots. The original nut is ebony. The neck is mahogany and is carved in a very comfortable 'C' shape. The head stock is overlaid with Brazilian veneer, and features C.F. Martin & Co. Nazareth, PA embossed on the rear, with a similar stamp inside the body on the back strip. The Waverly tuners are brass and in excellent condition. The frets are the usual bar frets of the era. The serial number, 281xx is stamped on the mahogany heel block; stamped model numbers are a few years away.
The body measures 12 1/4" across at the lower bout. Scale length is 23 1/2". The neck measures 1 13/16" across at the nut and string spacing is 2 3/8" at the saddle.
The only prior repairs of note are a neck reset and one back brace glued. The guitar is in overall excellent, original condition. The fingerboard shows scant wear, and the frets in the first positon show signs of play wear. It appears that the bridge has been lowered a hair in the past, but string height off the top is at a comfortable 7/16" plus. There is a 1" ding along the lower bass bout. Action is set at 6 & 7/64", with plenty of saddle for lower action if desired. The finish is in excellent, original condition, with only slight play wear below the sound hole, and a few nicks and dings from age and wear. Overall a spiffy little guitar!
These lightly made and braced 2-17s from this era are deceivingly loud! There is great depth across the sound spectrum, beautiful overtones and plenty of sustain. With its comfortable neck and fingerboard, and light-to-the-touch playability, this 2-17 is a pleasure to play, and a finger-style guitarist dream!
Comes with a good soft case.
Check out the sound clip!