1942 Martin O-17

by sam
(Ky)

I'm looking at purchasing a Vintage Martin. Serial 81331, model O-17. When the current owner bought it, it was stripped of stain and finish. It was refinished by a Martin authorized repair center (Burning Rivers Guitars). All original except for the saddle. Otherwise, no cracks, dents or damage.

ANSWER

Hi, Sam--

The serial number indicates a 1942 manufacture date.

Here is the Blue Book general info:

0-17 SECOND VERSION
- concert body style, mahogany top, back, and sides, round soundhole with three thin W/B/W rings, three-ply top binding with rosewood outer layer (1929-1930, no binding after 1930), mahogany neck, 12/20-fret (1929-1931) or 14/20-fret (1932-1948, 1966-68) rosewood fingerboard with double pearl dot inlays, slotted (1929-1934) or solid (1929-1934) headstock, three-per-side open-style nickel tuners with plastic buttons (1929-1934) or regular tuners (1934-1948, 1966-68), rectangular rosewood bridge, black bridge pins, no pickguard (1929-1934) tortoise pickguard (1932-1948), or black pickguard (1966-68), available in Natural gloss finish, mfg. 1929-1948, 1966-68.

The pricing info:

1929-1948
Excellent $2,750 - 3,250
Average $1,800 - 2,200

**The finish looks very nice. The Blue Book prices, however, are based on original condition instruments. The saddle replacement is not so much a factor, but the refinish is major.

What you pay for it is, of course, determined by what it is worth to YOU, but be advised that the resale value will be greatly reduced.

Lynne

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