1947 Martin 000-17: The Post-War Renaissance of American Guitar Craftsmanship

The 1947 Martin 000-17 represents a pivotal moment in American guitar history—the triumphant return to quality instrument production following World War II. After years of material shortages and wartime restrictions, Martin's Nazareth, Pennsylvania factory was once again producing guitars with the attention to detail and craftsmanship that had defined the company since 1833. These all-mahogany instruments, while considered Martin's "budget" offering at the time, were built to the same exacting standards as their more expensive siblings.

What makes the 1947 000-17 particularly special is its position as part of Martin's post-war production renaissance. With wartime restrictions lifted, Martin could once again source quality materials and return to traditional construction methods. The result was an instrument that combined Martin's traditional craftsmanship with the refined manufacturing processes developed over nearly two decades of 000-body production. For collectors and players today, the 1947 000-17 offers authentic vintage Martin tone and construction at a more accessible price point than the company's flagship models.

Historical Context and Manufacturing

Martin's Post-War Production Revival

1947 marked a crucial year for C.F. Martin & Company as they transitioned from wartime to peacetime production. The war years had forced the company to make compromises—using less exotic woods, simplified appointments, and dealing with material shortages. By 1947, these restrictions were largely lifted, allowing Martin to return to their traditional standards while incorporating improvements learned during the challenging war years.

The 000-17 was part of Martin's Style 17 series, which had been reintroduced in 1922 with all-mahogany construction after being discontinued earlier in the century. By 1947, Martin had perfected the balance between economy and quality that made the Style 17 series so successful. Despite being the company's entry-level offering, these guitars were built with the same care and attention to detail as Martin's most expensive models.

1947 Production Numbers and Significance

In 1947, Martin produced exactly 600 examples of the 00-17 across all body sizes, with the 000-17 representing the largest and most expensive variant in the Style 17 lineup. This relatively small production run, combined with nearly 80 years of aging, makes surviving examples increasingly rare and desirable. The original retail price was $46 without a case—a substantial investment for the time that reflected the guitar's quality construction.

The 1947 000-17 came at a time when Martin was transitioning many specifications. This was one of the last years before significant changes to bridge design and bracing patterns, making these guitars particularly sought after by collectors who appreciate the traditional pre-1950s Martin construction methods.

Detailed Identification Guide

Serial Number Range

1947 Martin guitars fall within the serial number range 98,159 to 103,468. These numbers appear stamped on the neck block inside the guitar body, visible through the sound hole near the neck joint. The serial number will be located below the model designation "000-17."

Dating Verification Points

Neck Block Stampings: Look for clean, deep stampings indicating factory production. The model "000-17" should appear above the serial number, both stamped in clear, consistent fonts typical of Martin's 1947 production.

Body Binding: The 1947 000-17 featured no binding anywhere on the body—a key identifier distinguishing it from higher Style numbers. This clean, unbound edge was part of the Style 17's minimalist aesthetic.

Soundhole Rosette: Features a simple multi-ring purfling design typical of Style 17 guitars—much more subdued than the elaborate rosettes found on higher-end models.

Hardware Specifications

Tuning Machines: 1947 examples typically feature Kluson "war-time" tuners with flat gear plates designed to conserve materials during the war years. These were transitional hardware pieces that give 1947 guitars their distinctive character.

Bridge Design: Original small rosewood bridges with through-saddle design. The bridge should appear relatively narrow compared to modern standards and typically measures approximately 4.75" in length.

Pickguard: Small tortoise celluloid teardrop-shaped pickguard, which was standard for the era. Many examples show the typical celluloid shrinkage and slight lifting along edges—this is normal aging and doesn't affect value significantly.

Detailed Physical Specifications

Body Dimensions and Construction

Overall Length: 39.25 inches Lower Bout Width: 15 inches
Upper Bout Width: 11 inches Body Depth: 4 inches at tail block Scale Length: 24.75 inches (24 3/4") Nut Width: 1 11/16 inches (43mm)

Wood Specifications

Top: Solid mahogany with natural lacquer finish Back and Sides: Solid mahogany, bookmatched Neck: Mahogany with comfortable C-profile shape Fingerboard: Rosewood with simple dot inlays at 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 17th, and 19th frets Bridge: Rosewood with bone saddle Headstock: Mahogany with rosewood veneer

Unique 1947 Construction Features

Bracing Pattern: Traditional X-bracing with lighter scalloping than modern guitars, contributing to the instrument's responsive, open tone Neck Carve: Early post-war neck profile—slightly deeper and rounder than necks from a year or two later, offering substantial feel without being overly chunky Top Thickness: Traditional thin top construction that allows for maximum resonance and responsiveness

Tonal Characteristics

The Classic Mahogany Sound

The 1947 Martin 000-17 delivers the quintessential all-mahogany guitar tone that has made these instruments beloved by fingerstyle players and singer-songwriters for decades. The mahogany construction creates a focused, woody tone with prominent midrange warmth and controlled high-end sparkle.

Frequency Response: The mahogany top naturally rolls off extreme highs and lows, creating a balanced, musical sound that sits perfectly in a mix. This makes the 000-17 ideal for recording and live performance where clarity and definition are paramount.

Dynamic Range: Despite its budget designation, the 1947 000-17 offers impressive dynamic response. Light fingerstyle playing reveals subtle harmonics and overtones, while aggressive strumming produces clear, punchy chords without muddiness.

Projection and Volume: The 000-body size provides more volume and bass response than smaller Martin models while maintaining the clarity and note separation that makes mahogany guitars so appealing for complex fingerstyle arrangements.

Why the 1947 Tone is Special

Aged Mahogany: Nearly 80 years of aging has opened up the wood, creating more complex harmonics and improved resonance compared to new instruments.

Traditional Construction: The lighter bracing and thinner finish typical of 1940s construction allows the wood to vibrate more freely, contributing to the guitar's organic, lively response.

Historical Authenticity: This represents the mahogany guitar sound that influenced generations of folk, country, and blues musicians throughout the 1950s and 1960s.

Common Issues and Modifications

Typical Age-Related Concerns

Bridge Issues: Many 1947 000-17s have experienced bridge lifting due to age and humidity changes. This is repairable but affects value until properly addressed by a qualified luthier.

Neck Angle: Some examples may require neck resets as the neck angle settles over decades. This is normal maintenance for vintage instruments and doesn't indicate poor original construction.

Finish Checking: Expect to see typical lacquer checking throughout the finish—this is normal aging and actually adds to the guitar's vintage character and value.

Pickguard Shrinkage: The celluloid pickguard may show shrinkage, lifting, or slight cracking. This is purely cosmetic and part of the guitar's authentic aging process.

Modifications That Affect Value

Refinishing: Any refinishing significantly reduces value, even if professionally done. Original finish with natural aging and wear is highly preferred by collectors.

Bridge Replacement: While bridge re-gluing is acceptable, complete bridge replacement with non-period-correct hardware reduces value.

Tuner Upgrades: Many owners have upgraded the original Kluson tuners to modern enclosed gear tuners. While this improves functionality, original tuners are preferred for maximum collector value.

Electronic Installations: Any pickup installations or electronic modifications should be completely reversible to maintain collector value.

Why Players and Collectors Value This Model

Playing Characteristics

The 1947 Martin 000-17 offers a unique combination of vintage Martin construction with practical, everyday playability. The 000-body size provides excellent balance and comfort for extended playing sessions, while the 24.75" scale length and 1 11/16" nut width accommodate most playing styles.

Fingerstyle Excellence: The mahogany construction and traditional bracing create ideal conditions for fingerstyle playing, with excellent note separation and clarity across all frequencies.

Recording Friendly: The focused midrange and controlled frequency response make these guitars exceptional for studio recording, where they cut through dense mixes without sounding harsh.

Stage Performance: Despite being nearly 80 years old, properly maintained examples are perfectly suited for live performance, offering reliability and consistent tone.

Collector Appeal

Historical Significance: Represents Martin's return to quality production following World War II restrictions.

Rarity Factor: With only 600 total Style 17 guitars produced in 1947 across all body sizes, the 000-17 represents a small fraction of that already limited production.

Investment Potential: Vintage Martin guitars have shown consistent appreciation over decades, with post-war examples like the 1947 000-17 offering entry-level vintage pricing with strong appreciation potential.

Bob Dylan Connection: The 000-17 gained fame as Bob Dylan's preferred guitar in his early career, with his 1949 000-17 becoming one of the most photographed acoustic guitars in music history.

Selling Your 1947 Martin 000-17

Why Choose Edgewater Guitars

When you're ready to sell your 1947 Martin 000-17, Edgewater Guitars offers distinct advantages over traditional selling methods:

Premium Valuations: We typically offer 30-40% more than local guitar shops because we understand the true collector market for vintage Martin guitars and have established buyers specifically seeking quality post-war instruments.

Expert Authentication: Our team specializes in vintage Martin guitars and can properly assess originality, condition, and fair market value. We know the difference between a properly maintained vintage guitar and one requiring expensive restoration.

Immediate Payment: No waiting for auctions to end or buyers to secure financing. We provide immediate cash offers for qualifying instruments, making the selling process simple and stress-free.

Professional Assessment: We examine every aspect of the guitar—from serial number verification to structural integrity—ensuring you receive full value for your instrument's condition and provenance.

The Edgewater Advantage

Unlike guitar shops that need significant markup margins for resale, Edgewater focuses on direct purchasing, allowing us to offer higher prices to sellers. Our expertise in vintage Martin guitars means we recognize value that less specialized buyers might miss, and our established collector network ensures we can move quality instruments quickly.

Ready to discover what your 1947 Martin 000-17 is worth? Contact Edgewater Guitars today for your free, no-obligation evaluation. Call us at (440) 219-3607 or submit our online quote form for immediate assessment.

Related Resources and Authentication Tools

Essential Identification Resources

Martin Serial Number Dating: Use our comprehensive Martin serial number database to verify your guitar's production year and authenticity.

Style 17 Identification Guide: Detailed guide to identifying authentic Martin Style 17 guitars and distinguishing them from modified or refinished examples.

Post-War Martin Features: Learn about the specific characteristics that identify 1940s Martin production and distinguish these guitars from earlier and later examples.

Condition Assessment Guide: Professional tips for evaluating vintage Martin guitar condition and identifying potential repair needs.

Authentication Support

If you're unsure about your guitar's authenticity or condition, Edgewater Guitars offers free preliminary assessment services. Our team can help identify potential red flags or confirm authenticity based on photos and detailed descriptions.

Need help identifying your vintage Martin? Our authentication resources include:

• High-resolution photo analysis

• Serial number verification services

• Construction detail identification

• Period-correct hardware verification

Recent Purchase Example: 1947 Martin 000-17

Service Area and Contact Information

Geographic Coverage

Edgewater Guitars specializes in purchasing premium vintage guitars throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia. For high-value instruments like vintage Martin guitars, we provide complimentary on-site evaluation services, bringing our expertise directly to your location.

Service Highlights:

• Free in-home evaluations for qualifying instruments

• Immediate cash offers with same-day payment capability

• Professional photography and documentation services

• Secure transportation arrangements for valuable guitars

Ready to Sell Your Vintage Martin?

Don't let your 1947 Martin 000-17 sit unplayed when it could provide significant value today. Contact Edgewater Guitars for your complimentary evaluation and discover why we're the Midwest's premier destination for vintage guitar sales.

Contact Information:

• Phone: (440) 219-3607

• Online Quote: Submit photos and details through our website quote form

• Email Consultation: Send detailed photos for preliminary assessment

About Our Team

Edgewater Guitars' evaluation team brings over 20 years of combined experience in vintage American guitar authentication and valuation.This deep knowledge allows us to provide accurate valuations and identify subtle details that affect value—ensuring you receive the highest possible offer for your vintage Martin.

Get your free valuation today and discover why serious vintage guitar sellers throughout the Midwest choose Edgewater Guitars for their most valuable instruments.