Vintage Martin 00-17 Owned by Jim Moginie of Midnight Oil - USA 1954

The Martin 00-17, with its 14th fret neck join, debuted in 1934 and remained in production through 1960. It quickly became a favourite among fingerstyle, blues and ragtime players, offering a more accessible entry point into Martin ownership while retaining the same uncompromising build quality. This particular example carries an added layer of significance, having been owned and used by Jim Moginie of Midnight Oil, one of Australia’s most influential and enduring bands. As one of the defining guitar voices behind Midnight Oil, Moginie helped define a sound that shaped Australian rock for decades. His ownership speaks directly to the guitar’s musical usefulness and character, reinforcing its role as a serious working instrument rather than simply a collector’s piece.

Martin’s all-mahogany 17 series models were designed to deliver exceptional tone and playability without unnecessary ornamentation. While considered “entry level” by Martin’s standards, they were built to the same exacting level as the company’s more expensive instruments. The use of mahogany for the top, back and sides gives the 00-17 its unmistakable voice – warm, direct and harmonically rich. Visually, the model is understated, with no binding or elaborate inlays, relying instead on small ivoroid dot markers and a simple multi-ply soundhole ring. This simplicity reflects Martin’s focus on function and tone above decoration.

What immediately stands out is the guitar’s volume and presence. Despite its modest size, it produces a remarkably full and balanced sound, with strong midrange projection and a controlled, woody low end. The mahogany top lends a focused and intimate character, avoiding the brighter, more percussive qualities associated with spruce. This makes the 00-17 especially prized in recording environments, where its even response and clarity sit beautifully in a mix.

The neck features a comfortable soft V profile paired with a 16” radius Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. It has been refretted in recent years by renowned luthier Piers Crocker, who thoughtfully preserved the original frets in the case. The guitar retains its original Waverly tuners, further supporting its authenticity and period correctness.

Overall condition is very good, particularly for an instrument of this age. The neck remains clean and comfortable, and the guitar shows honest cosmetic wear including small chips and dings consistent with decades of use. The original celluloid tortoise shell pickguard displays minor shrinkage, a common and stable characteristic of vintage Martins.

With its golden-era Martin construction, distinctive all-mahogany voice, and direct association with one of Australia’s most important songwriters, this 00-17 represents far more than a vintage acoustic. It is a historically meaningful and deeply musical instrument, ready to continue its life in the hands of a player who values tone, feel and provenance.

Features: 

Scale length: 24 ¾” 

Fretboard Radius: 16” 

Action at 1st fret: 0.3mm 

Action at 12th fret: 3mm 

Neck depth at 1st fret: 22.2mm  

Neck depth at 10th fret: 26.3mm 

Nut Width: 43mm 

12 fret width: 54.5mm 

Neck material: Mahogany with Brazilian Rosewood fretboard 

Fretboard inlays: Dot Ivoroid 

Body: Mahogany 

Body size at lower bout: 365mm 

Tuners: Open back Martin Style (repro)  

Pickguard: Dark Tortoiseshell 

Bridge: Brazilian Rosewood 

Electronics: N/A 

Case: Non-OHSC