1956 Martin 00-17 Excellent, Original Soft, $4,495.00

1950s Martins just don’t come any sweeter, or nicer, or cleaner, or more heartwarming than this 1956 00-17. It has never, ever, been fooled with, not one single bit of it ever altered, or repaired, or anything else, other than entirely loved and a little bit played, and it’s been beautifully taken care of since the day it left the Martin factory. If you’re familiar with the model, no details are necessary here. For those of you who aren’t, it’s all mahogany; the top, back, sides, and neck are solid Honduran, and the fingerboard and bridge are of rosewood. With its 00, or Grand Concert size body, it was a favorite of singers and writers for decades, until Martin stopped making it, in 1960. Unlike most of the all-mahogany Martin models, this one has the upgraded gloss finish on the body. Condition, as stated, is remarkable: original, uncut ivory saddle; original Waverly tuners; original frets, almost untouched; etc. etc. etc. Comfortable, loving Martins like this do not come along every day and in fact I’d have to say that this is the finest example I’ve ever seen, in every way. Comes with its original chipboard case. $4495 w/ossc