2018 Martin 00-17 Authentic 1931 Acoustic Guitar

Martin’s 00-17 Authentic 1931 had us all shaking our heads in amazement when first released a few years ago. This model is a scarily accurate reproduction of a vintage guitar. It’s made with hide glue construction, dovetail neck joint and the same South American mahogany top, back, sides and neck as the 1931 original. It also has a Brazillian rosewood fingerboard and bridge with an Authentic 1931 neck shape. Remaining true to its origins as a Depression Era instrument, the 00-17 Authentic 1931 features hand-scalloped X-bracing, and a Vintage Gloss finish (that isn’t high-shine glossy, thankfully).

This is one of the best sounding all-mahogany guitars we’ve had. It has a bright, clear tonal response across the bass, mid-range and treble registers. While it really shines when fingerpicked, it responds very well to a flatpick. Short of climbing into a time machine, this 00-17 Authentic is the closest you’ll ever get to buying an almost new 1931-era guitar. This one has been played, so there are finger scuffs to the pickguard and minor finish squiggles to the back. Comes in the original hardshell case.