Vintage Magic! Comparing Pre-1950 All-Mahogany Martins ★ Acoustic Tuesday 293

After almost 100 years, this Martin sounds better than ever, but how does it compare to other Martins?

Today's show is something truly special, especially for those of you who love vintage guitars just as much as I do. We'll be exploring the world of all-mahogany, pre-1950 Martin Guitars, from the craftsmanship and the sound to why these guitars are valued by guitar geeks.

We're kicking things off with a 1946 Martin 00-17, a mid-sized guitar that packs a punch. The all-mahogany build gives it a warm, mellow tone and its larger body size projects that tone beautifully. If you're all about that mid-range magic, this one is for you.

Next up, we're taking a leap back in time with a 1935 Martin 0-17. This beauty features a smaller body size that contributes to a distinct, focused tone. Despite its compact size, this all-mahogany Martin has a voice that's full of character—it's perfect for those fingerpicking blues.

Finally, we're going even further back to 1926 with the Martin 2-17. The smallest of the bunch, it surprises with its rich and warm sound. This one is proof that size doesn't always equate to sound. Its smaller stature gives it a unique tonal profile that's just simply enchanting, dry, woody, and responsive.

Throughout the episode, we'll do side-by-side comparisons of these amazing instruments to truly dive deep into the effect of body size on a guitar's tone. Not to mention, these all-mahogany Martins are more accessible in terms of price - making them fantastic options for guitarists who want that vintage charm without breaking the bank compared to other guitars from these years.

Submit your guitarsenal at the link below!

Featured in this episode...

00:00 - Intro
01:18 - 1946 00-17
07:49 - 1935 0-17
15:47 - 1926 2-17
23:22 - Acoustic Guitar News pt. 1
28:08 - TAC Guitar Lick Challenge
33:18 - Guitarsenal
35:40 - Acoustic Guitar news pt. 2

[DrustIV]

The Martin 2-17 is the sweetest of the bunch - what a sound!

[rabbisandra]

Loved all three guitars. I think my favorite was the Martin 0-17. Also, I vote for more Tony singing. Thank you, that was awesome.

[gregweber]

I like your attitude Tony on that 1935 Martin O-17 with the installed pickup. The reason to buy any guitar (new or vintage) is to be able to play and enjoy it. Your guitar playing this morning is fantastic. 🙂

[dharmaofdog]

The more I hear these Parlor Guitars, the higher on my Wish List they go! I think they pack some powerful projection without a lot of "fanfare". Perhaps why I find them so attractive - they've a somewhat humble character about them. ?

[surrected]

I really dig the first two guitars. I adore Tony's singing and playing. I especially like the piece at 3:50. How utterly beautiful!

[dharmaofdog]

Well that was one Gosh Darn Enjoyable Show. Especially some singing from Tony ! (more please!) JBC - NYC

[davidkyle]

Love this video and topic…I recently acquired a 1948 all original Martin 00-17 and it is by far the favourite in my acoustic arsenal…I’ve been buying & selling guitars trading up to it for some time…and wow, it’s more than I ever hoped for. I’m so delighted to see a comprehensive video dedicated to these sleeping beauties in the vintage Martin market. It’s great to see them getting some love here.

[emersonlangstaff]

My dad bought a 1954 00-17 back in 1957 and with his passing in 2019 I inherited it. Original ivory tuners. I only know a few chords, but my goal is to learn how to play in my retirement years. The tone is so sweet...

[matthewmcclure]

I picked up an all mahogany 1929 Martin 0-17 for a shockingly low price (about 5 years ago). It can handle steel strings without any issues, is light as a feather, and less temperamental than some of my other vintage guitars. It's one of my main go-to guitars for writing.

[tpaine]

I have a 1936 Martin 00-17 in very good condition that I bought from Thunder Road guitars in Seattle about 8 to 10 years ago…..I agree with all of the attributes you mention..It is a magic guitar with wonderful resonance that is a pleasure to play..and I mostly flat pick. Bravo on the singing again, love it

[lawnmowerdude]

I have been on the lookout for 00-17 ever since you did your favorite Top Ten Martins Acoustic. Tony, I already Knew you are an awesome Guitarist and Teacher but man you surprised me when you started singing in this episode! Your singing sounds Great too! Man is there anything you can’t do?
P.S. Looking forward to Banjo Tuesday show!!
Thank you!😊

[dharmaofdog]

Many Vintage Guitars made before the 50's ARE super special. Especially the Mahogany's. When they were being made, the Trees that these Guitars were made from were incredibly OLD & some, Ancient ! If some of these Vintage Guitars sound magical, that's because they are !

[photeinoulatsalou]

Very nice. What strings did you use on the 00-17?

[robertjohnson]

I was shocked by the sound of the 26. I expected it to be like a Ukulele in tone. I liked them all, but the first one is my favorite. Since it is my 72nd birthday, your video was a great present. Of course, if you would like to send me a one of the Martins, I would not be insulted. Great show as usual.

[scottduell]

Loved all 3, but the O-17 was my fav. I have a OM-15 that I love. Great playing and singing, thank you.

[teslapete]

dang it tony, why did you have to let this secret out? lol. one of the best guitars i've ever played was a beat to heck 1935 0-15

[babyblue]

I have this exact guitar. Bought it in Austin at a pawn shop. I had just moved to Austin to play music. The guy I had look at it said he wouldn’t do a thing to it. Even tho it has “character”. I paid $1000 for it. They say it’s either a 1945 or 1946 oot 17 Having some work done on it. My guitar Doc says it’s worth “upwards of $5000”. It does sound awesome! 🥰😍😘❤️🩵👍🏻my fav guitar ( and I have a GS 810 rosewood Taylor and a1996 blue Gospel Gibson…). Love hearing u play 🙏

[franknelsen]

Great show Tony! I was particularly impressed with your fingerstyle blues. I plan on stealing those licks!

[scottbagley]

Great episode. I've always had a thing for your 1935 Martin. Love that thing. I learned something from watching this episode rather than listening to the podcast like I usually do. I noticed some bending of the strings while you play and that you were using the three finger G chord and embellishing with the fourth finger to add to it. Great little subtleties that I would not have otherwise noticed.

[jimross]

As usual another entertaining and informative episode. I really can’t choose which guitar I liked best but any of them would have a place in my guitarsenal. Speaking of which thanks for reminding us about Guitars For Vets and how the proceeds from shirt sales goes to help them out. Your guitars for vets comment along with the tattoo topic brought back some entertaining memories. I was drafted in 1972. To make a long story short I ended up in MP school at Fort Gordon GA. I really didn’t want to be an MP so I asked my drill sergeant if I had any options. He said there were a couple. 1 I could quit and they would send me off to the infantry!!! not my ideal job. 2 if I didn’t graduate or got kicked out of MP school I would probably be transferred to communication school. With that information combined with a town pass, a bit of alcohol and a tattoo parlor I hatched a plan. I figured if I had a tattoo on my right forearm whose subject matter was incompatible with law enforcement they would kick me out of the MP’s. I got the tattoo and a couple weeks later we went from winter uniforms to summer. I proudly rolled up my sleeves to display my new tattoo and my drill Sargent spotted it immediately. He said “that wasn’t there when you got here was it”. No Drill Sargent was my reply. He got really close and said “come with me”. We headed towards the CO’s office, the plan was working. I waited outside for a few minutes before being summoned to the office. Upon my arrival I was informed I was going to receive an article 15 it’s like a written reprimand accompanied by a fine. In my case the offense was “defacing government property”. I was shocked and said but it’s my arm. The CO replied correct however it is attached to the ass that I own!!! He then informed me the fine would be $150. I didn’t get any more ink while I was serving however in the years that followed 5 more pieces have been added.