1874 Martin 2 1/2-17 Acoustic Guitar – Used

It’s a bit humbling to see and hold, and especially to play, a Martin guitar that’s survived for over 150 years (underside of the top is penciled “3/24, 1874”. The 2 1/2-17 model was listed in Martin’s first price list as a ladies model and sold for $36, which was a lot of money back then.

Although it’s been oversprayed with satin lacquer (probably in the ’60s or early ’70s), the rest of this little gem is remarkably original, including the brass tuners and petite ebony pyramid bridge. There are no cracks in the top or sides, and the back cracks have been repaired. All interior bracing is original, too, and like all Style 17 Martin models throughout the 1800s the top is fan braced. Another feature shared with all other Style 17 models of the period is the black neck with cone-shaped heel.

This model, along with all Martin guitars of its era, was made for use with gut strings so we’ve strung it with nylon. The original wood case is now called a coffin case (but they wouldn’t have used that term back then!). Part of the original paper label remains on the underside of the lid, but the portion giving the size and the “No. of Quality” (the style) is missing. Note the long-ago repairs to two edge sections of the lid.

As our photos show, the string action up the neck is rather high but because of the short string scale, and nylon strings, it’s very playable and has a remarkably robust tone. This 2 1/2-17 has been in the same family for several generations but none of the younger members of that family are musicians so stewardship must change.