Martin Guitars DSS-17

$1,417.99

Make beautiful music with the iconic Martin Guitars DSS-17, an instrument renowned for its exceptional sound quality and craftsmanship.

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Description

When it comes to acoustic guitars, few brands are as revered and respected as Martin Guitars. Founded in 1833, Martin has a long and prestigious history of crafting some of the finest instruments out there. One of their most recent offerings, the DSS-17, is a testament to their commitment to excellence and innovation.

The DSS-17 is a dreadnought-style acoustic guitar with a slope-shoulder design that gives it a unique look and feel. It features a solid Sitka spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, and a modified low oval neck shape with a high-performance taper. The fingerboard and bridge are both made of rosewood, giving the guitar a warm, rich tone.

One of the standout features of the DSS-17 is its use of Martin’s new Dreadnought Junior bracing pattern, which is designed to enhance the guitar’s resonance and projection while also reducing the weight of the instrument. The result is a guitar that is easy to play and produces a full, robust sound that belies its smaller size.

The DSS-17 also includes other features that are typical of high-quality Martin guitars, such as a bone nut and saddle, a hand-rubbed finish, and a Fishman Matrix VT Enhance NT1 pickup system with sound-hole controls. This makes the guitar ideal for both studio recording and live performances, as it can easily be plugged into an amplifier or PA system.

Overall, the Martin DSS-17 is an exceptional guitar that delivers exceptional tone and playability. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, it’s definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a new acoustic guitar. With its superior craftsmanship, innovative design, and rich, vibrant sound, it’s a true masterpiece of acoustic engineering.

Martin Guitars DSS-17 properties

Product name DSS-17
Brand Martin Guitars
Type String Instruments
String Instruments Acoustic Guitar
Number of Strings 6 pcs
Built-in Microphone No
Handedness Right-handed
Number of Frets 20
Cutaway No Cutaway
Size Dreadnought
Pickguard Yes
Wood Type (front) Spruce
Wood Type (back) Mahogany
Wood Type (body sides) Mahogany
Wood Type (neck) Hardwood
Wood Type (fretboard) Rosewood
Colour Black, Fireburst/Colourburst

Frequently Asked Questions:

How does the Martin Guitars DSS-17's unique neck joint design contribute to its exceptional tone and playability?

The Martin Guitars DSS-17's unique neck joint design, which utilizes a scarf joint instead of a dovetail joint, is a key factor in its exceptional tone and playability. The scarf joint allows for a smoother transition between the neck and body, resulting in better resonance and sustain. This design also reduces stress on the neck during string tension changes, improving overall playability and longevity. In short, the DSS-17's innovative neck joint contributes significantly to its superior sound and comfortable feel.

How does the Martin Guitars DSS-17 differ from other acoustic guitars in terms of its unique design and tonewood selection?

The Martin Guitars DSS-17 stands out among other acoustic guitars due to its innovative Design Series concept, which features a scalloped bracing pattern that enhances the guitar's tonal projection and volume. Additionally, the DSS-17 boasts unique tonewood choices for its top, back, and sides, including a Sitka spruce top, high-pressure laminate (HPL) mahogany back, and HPL mahogany sides. This combination results in a rich, warm sound with plenty of midrange presence and balanced bass and treble frequencies. Overall, the Martin Guitars DSS-17 is a standout option for musicians seeking a unique and high-quality acoustic guitar experience.

How does the patented Durable Split Saddle (DSS) system in the Martin Guitars DSS-17 contribute to improved intonation and tuning stability over traditional bridge designs?

The patented Durable Split Saddle (DSS) system in the Martin Guitars DSS-17 is designed to improve intonation and tuning stability over traditional bridge designs. The DSS system features split saddles that are made of high-quality materials like polymers and brass, which are less prone to wear and tear than traditional materials like bone or plastic. This results in improved durability and consistency of intonation across the strings, ensuring that each note is accurately tuned. Additionally, the DSS system allows for more precise intonation adjustments, as individual saddles can be adjusted independently without affecting the position of adjacent strings. Overall, this technology contributes to a more stable and accurate playing experience over time, making it an attractive feature for serious guitarists and musicians who demand the best possible performance from their instruments.

How does the patented Retro Flex bracing system found on the Martin Guitars DSS-17 enhance its acoustic sound and projection?

The Martin Guitars DSS-17 is equipped with a unique patented Retro Flex bracing system, which sets it apart from other guitars in terms of acoustic sound and projection. This innovative design allows for greater vibration and resonance within the guitar's body, resulting in a richer, more complex tone with enhanced clarity and volume. The Retro Flex bracing system also provides superior stability and durability, making the DSS-17 an excellent choice for both experienced musicians and beginners alike. Overall, this advanced bracing technology ensures that the Martin Guitars DSS-17 delivers exceptional acoustic sound and projection, making it a top choice for anyone looking to elevate their musical performance.

What is the exact purpose of the unique bridge design found on Martin's DSS-17 guitar model, and how does it affect the tone and playability of the instrument?

The unique bridge design found on Martin's DSS-17 guitar model is called the "D-18 Style" bridge. This bridge design features a curved tailpiece with a flat, broad base plate that is similar to the bridge used on Martin's iconic D-18 and D-28 acoustic guitars. The purpose of this bridge design is primarily aesthetic. By using the same bridge style as their popular dreadnought models, Martin aimed to create a visual connection between the DSS-17 and its more traditional counterparts. This design choice also helps to emphasize the instrument's full-size body shape, which is meant to evoke a sense of classic acoustic guitar design. In terms of tone and playability, the bridge design itself does not have a significant impact. The DSS-17 uses a floating bridge, which allows for a more flexible string setup and can contribute to a slightly brighter, more focused sound. However, this characteristic is not unique to the DSS-17's bridge design and would be present regardless of the specific bridge model used. It's worth noting that Martin's choice of bridge design may also have some practical implications for the instrument's construction. The use of a curved tailpiece with a flat base plate can help to distribute the weight of the guitar more evenly, which may contribute to improved balance and stability during play. However, this is likely a secondary consideration compared to the primary goal of creating a visually distinctive design.