Brand: Martin
Instrument Categories: Other, SOLD
The C. F. Martin T17 Tiple appears to be a relative of the ukulele, but it also traces its lineage to South American tiples, particularly the Colombian tiple. The basic characteristic of the American Tiple is ten strings in five double courses, but for Tiples from other cultures, the number of strings and courses varies.
Martin first built Tiples around 1919 for the William J. Smith company of New York, and the T17 Tiple appeared in Martin’s catalog around 1924. There was also a lower priced T15 model, with the difference being the bridge material – the T17 has a rosewood bridge, the T15 mahogany. At this period, rosewood usually meant Brazilian Rosewood though in this case the headplate appears to be Indian Rosewood. Otherwise, the T17 is all mahogany with rosewood for the headplate, fingerboard and bridge, and spruce for the top and back bracing.
This Martin T17 Tiple dates to 1928 , and was built at the historic Martin plant in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. It is in overall good condition with some scratches on the top near the fingerboard – likely from enthusiastic strumming. It plays well, and has a lovely tone. The original fibre (cardboard) case is included.
- Model: T17 Tiple
- Year: 1928
- Class: Vintage
- Serial Number: 37071, built during 1928 at the Martin plant in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.
- Country of Origin: USA
- Condition: Good
- Date Posted: 06/06/2017
- This instrument has been sold
- Consignment Item
- Including original Hard case
