While the slope-shoulder dreadnought design may be common for other builders, it is relatively uncommon for C.F. Martin & Co. Unlike traditional square shoulder designs, rounded shoulders diffuse the dreadnought's sometimes overwhelming bass response, which adds clarity and balance, and it also subtly increases the dynamic range.
The Martin DSS-17 boasts a Whiskey Sunset sunburst finish that is the perfect match for the rich, warm tone it produces. This slope-shoulder dreadnought features a solid Spruce top and solid Mahogany back and sides. Like the rest of the 17-Series it has light, scalloped braces under the hood, so it responds quickly and packs a strong, powerful voice. It also features a modified low oval neck with a high-performance taper to ensure it plays effortlessly up the neck. While its precise construction and attention to detail are typical of 21st Century C.F. Martin, its satin finish, antique white top binding, old-style Martin decal, and Golden Era Restoration tuners capture the aesthetic and vibe of a Dust-Bowl-era guitar. In many ways, it feels like a reissue of a time-tested Martin classic, but in this case, that original issue never existed.
- Body Size: 14-Fret Slope Shoulder Dreadnought
- Construction: Simple Dovetail
- Top: Spruce
- Back & Sides: Mahogany
- Top Finish: Satin Whiskey Sunset Burst
- Back & Side Finish: Satin Natural
- Bracing Pattern: X-Brace
- Braces: Scalloped Spruce, 5/16"
- Scale Length: 25.4"
- Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1-3/4"
- Nut: Bone
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Fingerboard Inlay: 1955 Style-18
- Neck Profile: Modified Low Oval w/ High Performance Taper
- Tuning Machines: Golden Age Relic Nickel
- Bridge: Rosewood
- Bridge Shape: Modern Straight-line w/ Drop-in Saddle
- Saddle: Compensated Bone, 2-5/32" String Spacing