C.F. Martin & Co D-17 2025

A Revisited Standard Series, True to Martin's DNA

The D-17 Golden Era belongs to the Standard Series, showcasing Martin's craftsmanship and historic manufacturing methods. Handmade in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, it incorporates fundamentals that shaped the sound of the modern folk guitar, such as the dovetail neck joint and the X-bracing. This version emphasizes subtle "Golden Era" improvements: a more vintage look, refined playability, and a more open acoustic response, while maintaining the Martin identity sought by discerning guitarists.

For Which Guitarists and Styles?

The Martin D-17 Golden Era is aimed at intermediate to advanced musicians seeking an expressive acoustic guitar capable of carrying vocals as well as supporting nuanced instrumental playing. Its dreadnought body and traditional construction make it particularly well-suited for energetic strumming, folk, country, or singer-songwriter accompaniment, while retaining enough definition for fingerpicked passages. The comfort of the GE Modified Low Oval neck and the thinner fingerboard also favor long sessions, both in rehearsal and on stage.

Sound Characteristics

The core of its tonal personality comes from the Golden Era (GE) X-bracing in Sitka spruce, designed for a more "breathable" response: the attack remains precise, but the body quickly comes to life, with a sensation of enhanced resonance and generous sustain. The dovetail joint contributes to efficient vibration transfer between neck and body, enhancing projection and note coherence across the entire range. In terms of feel and definition, the ebony fingerboard and bridge provide a clear response, ideal for maintaining clarity when playing aggressively. Vintage-inspired lutherie details, such as the angled nut and the long diamond transition at the headstock, also serve stability and string alignment, promoting more consistent vibration.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To get the most out of this acoustic guitar, you can pair it with a set of acoustic folk guitar strings (steel/bronze, depending on your desired feel and brightness) and a dreadnought-sized case or gig bag for transport. Picks of various thicknesses also allow you to explore dynamics, from powerful strumming to delicate fingerpicking.

Technical specifications

Format	Dreadnought	Fingerboard	Ebony
Left handed	No	Neck Type	Glued
Cutaway	No	Electroacoustic	No
Strings	Steel	Color	Natural
Nbr of strings	6	Finishing	Glossy
Top	Mahogany	Hardware	Nickel
Back&Sides	Mahogany

Type	acoustic folk guitar	Headstock joint	long diamond transition
Shape	dreadnought	Heel cap	vintage-style, cleaner design
Construction	solid wood	Bridge	ebony
Bracing	Golden Era (GE) X-bracing	Bridge design	Golden Era Modern Belly
Bracing wood	Sitka spruce	Bridge pins	bone or ebony (depending on configuration)
Neck/body joint	dovetail	Pins	bone or ebony (depending on configuration)
Neck profile	GE Modified Low Oval	Positioning in lineup	Standard Series (modern revision with vintage spirit)
Nut	angled nut (fingerboard/headstock transition) for better string alignment