MARTIN 170409 Antique Guitar Road Runner 00-18G

( Brand: Martin ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 170409 ), ( Model: 00-18 ), ( Body Type: Standard ), ( Size: 4/4 ), ( Body Color: Brown ), ( Neck Material: Mahogany ), ( Set Includes: Tuner, Humidifier, Humidity Gauge, New Strings ), ( Series: Vintage ), ( Handedness: Right-handed ), ( Type: Classical Guitar ), ( Model Year: 1959 ), ( Body Material: Mahogany, Rosewood ), ( Performance Level: Professional ), ( Fretboard Material: Rosewood ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States )

Review MARTIN Antique Nylon String Guitar Road Runner Hard Shell Case

Introducing the Martin 170409 Road Runner 1954 00-18G, an exquisite antique guitar that exudes a rich history and superior craftsmanship. This instrument, a beautiful example of Martin's vintage 00-size series, is a must-have for collectors and musicians who appreciate the unique character that only comes with age.

The body of this Road Runner 1954 00-18G is crafted from mahogany and features a Sitka spruce top, both of which have been carefully aged to develop a warm, resonant tone. The back and sides of the guitar showcase intricate herringbone rosette and purfling, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to its appearance. The 14-fret neck, made of select hardwood, is joined to the body using a traditional dovetail neck joint, ensuring optimal stability and playability.

The 1954 00-18G Road Runner comes with a 12-fret ebony fingerboard, which has been expertly inlaid with pearl dot position markers. The guitar's slender neck profile, combined with a 24.9 inches (632.6 mm) scale length, makes for a comfortable playing experience, allowing for easy fretting and smooth transitions between chords.

This antique guitar is adorned with chrome open-gear tuning machines, which not only provide precise tuning but also contribute to the guitar's vintage aesthetic. The bridge is a traditional Martin-style compensated saddle bridge, ensuring excellent intonation and sustain.

The Road Runner 1954 00-18G is a one-of-a-kind instrument that showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail that Martin has been known for since its inception. With its warm, rich tone, smooth playability, and beautiful vintage aesthetics, this guitar is an investment in both music history and your own personal musical journey.

Pros and Cons of buying a Martin RoadRunner 1954 Replica (Martin 170409)

a) Authentic Look and Feel: The Martin RoadRunner 1954 Replica (Martin 170409) is designed to closely resemble the vintage Martin guitars from the 1950s. Its classic look and feel can appeal to collectors and musicians who value the historical significance of these instruments.

b) Affordability: Compared to the actual vintage Martin guitars, the RoadRunner replica is significantly more affordable. This makes it an excellent option for musicians who want an authentic-looking Martin guitar without the high price tag.

c) Playability: The RoadRunner 1954 Replica features a solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and a high-performance neck. These specifications contribute to the guitar's excellent playability, allowing for a comfortable playing experience and consistent tone.

d) Durability: The Martin RoadRunner 1954 Replica is built with modern construction techniques and materials, which can make it more durable and resilient to the wear and tear that comes with frequent use.

a) Limited Vintage Character: Despite its vintage look, the RoadRunner replica does not possess the same level of aging and patina as an actual vintage Martin guitar. This may be a concern for collectors and players who value the unique character that comes with owning an older instrument.

b) Modern Tone: The Martin RoadRunner 1954 Replica may not produce the same tone as a vintage Martin guitar. The use of modern construction techniques and materials can affect the sound in subtle ways, which may not be desirable for some players.

c) Potential Disappointment for Vintage Guitar Enthusiasts: For those who are looking for an authentic vintage Martin guitar, the RoadRunner 1954 Replica may not meet their expectations. It is essential to understand that the replica is not an actual vintage guitar but rather an attempt to recreate the look and feel of one.

The Martin RoadRunner 1954 Replica (Martin 170409) offers a unique blend of vintage aesthetics and modern construction. Its affordability, authentic look, excellent playability, and durability make it an attractive option for musicians and collectors who appreciate the history of Martin guitars. However, those who seek the unique character and tone of an actual vintage Martin guitar may be disappointed by the replica. Ultimately, the decision to buy a Martin RoadRunner 1954 Replica depends on your individual preferences, budget, and expectations.

If you're looking for an affordable guitar with a vintage look and feel, the Martin RoadRunner 1954 Replica (Martin 170409) is a strong contender. Its excellent playability and durability make it a versatile instrument suitable for various musical styles. However, if you're a vintage guitar enthusiast seeking an authentic tone and character, you may want to explore the market for actual vintage Martin guitars or consider other replicas that focus more on preserving the vintage sound.

Details:

Internally it is delicately fan-braced like a Torres guitar, with classical tied-string bridge. The top has picking nicks along treble side of the strings and a small area thumb pick wear into wood above behind bass sound hole. The guitar remains original including the metal-barreled Waver tuners. Overall Very Good Condition.

This pleasant sounding and nice-playing model 00-18 guitar was originally the result of Martins back-pedaling a bit in mid-1930s. Internally all the original braces and bridge plate remain intact. The 00-18G is built with Martins traditional materials: mahogany back, sides and neck a spruce top. This sweet-sounding guitar deserves a better reputation than it often gets.

The original lacquer finish shows some checking mostly to the top and dings, dents scrapes overall. It uses the then-new Martin 14-fret body shape but with a 12-fret, wide classical neck and slotted head stock. While neither fish nor fowl perhaps to many modern players this is an appealing creation nonetheless, a pleasant-playing and very nice sounding guitar. Martin 00-18G model Classical Guitar 1954, made in Nazareth, PA, serial # 170409, natural lacquer finish, mahogany back, sides and neck, spruce top, rosewood fingerboard, black Road Runner brand hard shell case excellent condition.

part #: 170409 prices

• $2499.00-$2999.99

specifications classicaguita:

• brand: Martin
• mpn: 170409
• model: 00-18
• body type: Standard
• size: 4/4
• body color: Brown
• neck material: Mahogany
• set includes: Tuner, Humidifier, Humidity Gauge, New Strings
• series: Vintage
• handedness: Right-handed
• type: Classical Guitar
• model year: 1959
• body material: Mahogany, Rosewood
• performance level: Professional
• fretboard material: Rosewood
• string configuration: 6 String
• country/region of manufacture: United States

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payments classicaguita:

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• wallet: Apple-pay
• credit card: Mastercard

seller classicaguita:

• rating: 100.0%
• city: Cedar City, Utah
• # reviews: 16

returns classicaguita:

• policy: Returns Accepted
• time: 14 Days
• paid by: Buyer
• method: Money back

offer classicaguita:

• sold: 0
• options: Ship-to-home
• quantity: 1
• started: August 21, 2025
• availability: In Stock

general classicaguita:

• condition: Used
• Musical Instruments Gear > Guitars Basses > Classical Guitars

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