1933 Martin 00-17 Acoustic Guitar, (Used)

The 1933 Martin 00-17 is a highly desirable vintage Martin acoustic guitar with genuine pre-war character, intimate 00-size feel and superb collector appeal. Built during one of the most historically significant periods in Martin’s acoustic guitar production, this instrument is ideal for players and collectors who value age, response, heritage and musical personality.

This pre-owned 1933 Martin 00-17 is listed in Very Good condition, meaning it shows some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership and age while remaining ready to play.

A wonderful choice for fingerstyle, blues, folk, roots music, singer-songwriter work, recording and vintage acoustic collections, this 00-17 offers the kind of dry, characterful and inspiring acoustic voice that only an older instrument can provide.

This guitar has had its major service done including a neck reset so it's a joy to play. The current bridge is a re-pro made of Brazilian Rosewood and the original one is kept in the case. Also, worth mentioning that the neck and the bridge were put back on the guitar using hot hide-glue.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Product	Martin 00-17
Brand	Martin
Model	00-17
Year	1933
Type	Vintage Acoustic Guitar
Body Size	00
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition
Main Appeal	Pre-war Martin character, vintage 00-size feel and strong collector appeal
Best For	Fingerstyle, blues, folk, roots music, singer-songwriter, recording and collecting
Skill Level	Intermediate to professional, vintage collectors and serious acoustic players

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This 1933 Martin 00-17 is in Very Good condition. This means it shows some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership and its vintage age, but remains ready to play.

Very Good condition is especially appealing on a guitar of this age, as it indicates a vintage instrument with honest character, age-related wear and ongoing musical usability.

What’s Included?

✔ 1933 Martin 00-17 Acoustic Guitar
✔ Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

This guitar shows light signs of previous use and age-related wear consistent with Very Good condition for a vintage 1933 acoustic instrument.

No faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this listing. The guitar has been checked for playability and functionality before sale.

Fair Deal Inspection & Assessment

This pre-owned 1933 Martin 00-17 has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

• Body inspected
• Top checked
• Back and sides checked
• Neck condition assessed
• Frets inspected
• Fingerboard checked
• Tuning machines checked
• Bridge checked
• Saddle checked
• Nut checked
• String height assessed
• Acoustic response assessed
• General playability assessed
• Hardcase checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned acoustic guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked before leaving the shop.

This Martin 00-17 has been assessed for playability, with the following checked:

• Action checked
• Neck condition assessed
• Frets inspected
• Tuning stability checked
• Bridge and saddle checked
• Nut checked
• Acoustic response checked
• General playing comfort assessed

Please note that acoustic guitar setup can sometimes shift slightly during delivery due to changes in temperature and humidity. We take this into account during our checks, but wood can naturally move in transit.

For vintage acoustic guitars, we recommend using suitable strings and storing the instrument in a stable environment away from extreme temperature or humidity changes.

Why Choose The 1933 Martin 00-17?

Genuine Pre-War Martin Character

A 1933 Martin carries serious historical significance. Pre-war Martin acoustics are highly sought after for their age, response, build heritage and unique musical personality.

Comfortable 00 Body Size

The 00 body size offers a more intimate playing experience than a larger dreadnought. It is comfortable seated, responsive under the fingers and especially well suited to fingerstyle, folk, blues and vocal accompaniment.

Vintage Acoustic Voice

Older acoustic guitars often develop a dry, open and characterful sound that newer instruments can take decades to approach. This 1933 00-17 offers genuine vintage acoustic personality rather than a modern recreation of it.

Excellent For Fingerstyle And Blues

The 00-17 format is ideal for expressive fingerstyle playing, country blues, roots music and singer-songwriter work. It rewards touch, dynamics and subtle phrasing.

Strong Collector Appeal

The year, model and pre-war Martin identity give this guitar significant collector interest. It is a compelling piece for anyone building a serious acoustic collection.

Practical Player Appeal

While highly collectable, a vintage Martin like this also deserves to be played. Its size, response and musical character make it a rewarding instrument for recording, writing and regular enjoyment.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Martin 00-17 vs Martin 0-17

A Martin 0-17 offers a smaller body size with a more compact acoustic voice. The 00-17 gives a slightly larger feel and stronger projection while retaining the intimate vintage Martin character.

Martin 00-17 vs Martin 000-17

A 000-17 offers a larger body and broader response. The 00-17 sits in a sweet spot for players who want comfort, focus and vintage intimacy without moving to a very small body.

Martin 00-17 vs Martin D-18

A Martin D-18 offers a larger dreadnought voice with stronger strumming projection. The 00-17 is more intimate, direct and fingerstyle-friendly, making it ideal for players who want nuance rather than volume alone.

Martin 00-17 vs Modern Martin 00-17 Models

Modern Martin 00-17-style guitars offer current production consistency and vintage-inspired design. A 1933 example offers genuine age, historical importance and a voice shaped by decades of musical life.

Who Is It For?

Vintage Martin Collectors

This is ideal for collectors looking for a genuine pre-war Martin with strong historical appeal and classic 00-size charm.

Fingerstyle Players

The 00 body size and responsive vintage character make this a superb choice for fingerstyle guitarists.

Blues And Roots Players

This guitar suits country blues, folk blues, roots music and stripped-back acoustic styles beautifully.

Singer-Songwriters

The focused 00-size voice works well for vocal accompaniment, writing sessions and intimate performance settings.

Recording Musicians

Vintage smaller-bodied Martins are excellent recording guitars, especially when a track needs warmth, detail and character rather than sheer volume.

Suitable Genres And Uses

This 1933 Martin 00-17 is well suited to:

• Fingerstyle
• Folk
• Blues
• Country blues
• Roots music
• Americana
• Singer-songwriter music
• Acoustic recording
• Studio work
• Home playing
• Collecting
• Vintage acoustic performance
• Vocal accompaniment
• Players wanting a genuine pre-war Martin acoustic

Educational Section: Why Choose A Pre-War Martin Acoustic?

A pre-war Martin acoustic is one of the most desirable categories in the vintage guitar world. These instruments are valued not only for their age, but for their musical response, craftsmanship and historical significance.

The appeal is difficult to replicate with a modern guitar. Decades of natural ageing can give a vintage acoustic a dry, open and expressive voice, while the feel of an older instrument often inspires a different kind of playing.

A 1933 Martin 00-17 is especially appealing because it combines pre-war heritage with a comfortable, intimate body size. It is the kind of guitar that works beautifully for players who value touch, tone and history.

Looking for advice on choosing the right vintage Martin, pre-war acoustic or collectable guitar? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context: Martin 00-17

Martin’s 17 Series has long been associated with understated, practical acoustic guitars that deliver real musical character without unnecessary decoration. The 00-17 format is especially loved for its comfortable size, focused voice and honest vintage charm.

A 1933 example places this guitar firmly in Martin’s pre-war era, a period that continues to be highly respected by players, collectors and acoustic guitar historians. Instruments from this period are sought after because they represent a direct connection to one of the most important chapters in American acoustic guitar design.

This 1933 Martin 00-17 offers that history in a beautifully usable 00-size format, making it a compelling choice for both serious players and collectors.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Vintage Acoustic Guitar
Brand	Martin
Model	00-17
Year	1933
Body Size	00
String Type	Steel String
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition

Power Requirements

No power supply or battery is required. This is an acoustic guitar and only requires a suitable set of steel acoustic guitar strings.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

A highly desirable vintage Martin with genuine pre-war character, historic appeal and a beautifully intimate 00-size playing experience. The 1933 Martin 00-17 is ideal for players and collectors who want an acoustic guitar with real age, personality and musical depth.

This Very Good condition example is a superb choice for fingerstyle, blues, folk, roots music, recording and serious vintage acoustic collections.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians
Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment
Competitive prices on leading music brands
Secure UK-wide delivery
Flexible finance options available (subject to status)
Friendly support before and after your purchase
A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

FAQ

Is this a 1933 Martin 00-17?

Yes. This listing is for a 1933 Martin 00-17 acoustic guitar.

What makes a 1933 Martin acoustic desirable?

A 1933 Martin comes from the pre-war era, making it highly appealing to players and collectors who value vintage acoustic tone, history and craftsmanship.

What styles does the Martin 00-17 suit?

It suits fingerstyle, folk, blues, country blues, roots music, Americana, singer-songwriter work, recording and home playing.

Is the 00 body size comfortable?

Yes. The 00 body size is comfortable, intimate and well suited to seated playing, fingerstyle and vocal accompaniment.

How does it compare with a dreadnought?

A dreadnought is larger and usually louder for heavy strumming. A 00-size guitar is more compact, focused and responsive for nuanced playing.

Is this suitable for recording?

Yes. Vintage 00-size acoustics are often excellent recording instruments because they provide warmth, focus and character without overpowering a mix.

What does Very Good condition mean on a vintage guitar?

Very Good condition means the guitar shows some age-related cosmetic wear but remains usable and ready to play.

Does this guitar have electronics?

No electronics have been supplied for this listing. This is being listed as an acoustic guitar.

Does it need a battery?

No. This is an acoustic guitar and does not require a battery.

Can I try this guitar in-store?

Fair Deal Music has a large Birmingham showroom, and our team can offer advice on vintage Martin acoustics, pre-war guitars and collectable acoustic instruments.