Martin R-17 1936 Mahogany Archtop with Original Case

No sales tax for customers outside California.

The Martin R-17 (1936) is a rare pre-war archtop that showcases Martin’s craftsmanship during one of its most iconic eras. Constructed with a solid mahogany top, back, and sides, the R-17 offers a warm, woody resonance distinct from spruce-topped archtops, making it especially appealing for jazz, swing, and roots players who crave a rich midrange character.

This vintage archtop features a 16-inch lower bout, a comfortable C-shaped neck, and classic early-Martin appointments that reflect its 1930s heritage. Unlike Martin’s flattops of the same period, the R-17 represents their venture into the archtop market to compete with Gibson and Epiphone, and fewer examples were made—adding to its collectability.  Approximately 940 R-17s were made between 1934 and 1942.

This 1936 R-17 is in remarkable condition for its age and comes with what is likely the original chipboard case, making it not only a player’s guitar but also a valuable collectible for Martin enthusiasts.

The original frets are in amazing shape.  The action is a little high, but not terrible.  The original, celluloid pickguard turned to dust.  The process started while it was on the guitar, affecting the finish as seen on the treble side of the body.  This happens to all of them.  

The original Grover tuners are really valuable - they are correct for use on extremely valuable Martin guitars from the 1930s.  Complete, clean tuning pegs sets like this sell for $600 to $800.

At Mahar’s Vintage Guitars, every instrument is fully inspected, photographed in detail, and professionally set up to guarantee authenticity and playability.

• Color: Natural
• Weight: 3lbs 11.5oz
• Top: Mahogany
• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany, with Brazilian Rosewood Headstock overlay
  
• Fretboard: Brazilian Rosewood
• Inlays: Clay Dot
• Frets: Original
• Fret Count: 19
• Nut: Original
• Nut width: 1-3/4"
  
• Radius: 12"
• Scale: 24.9"
  
• Neck thickness at 1st Fret: .86"
• Neck thickness at 9th Fret: 1.99"
• Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 3/32"
• Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 3/32"
• Overall length: 38-5/8"
• Body length: 18-7/8"
• Lower bout: 14-1/2"
• Waist: 9"
• Upper bout: 10-7/8"
• Body depth/thickness: 4-1/4"
• String gauge: 12-53
• Pickguard: Missing
• Bridge: Original
• Tuners: Original
• Case: Original Chipboard Case
• Notes: 

Shipping policy:

There are multiple shipping cost options for purchases made on our site.  Select Ground, 3 Day, 2 Day, or Next Day Air Saver.  For Reverb purchases, there is one cost option for these Eastern states and shipment will be made by UPS three-day-air.  Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.