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Vintage 1957 Martin 5-15T Tenor Acoustic Guitar With Case

SKU 84MAR015
by Martin
Sold out
Original price $ 1,499.99 - Original price $ 1,499.99
Original price
$ 1,499.99
$ 1,499.99 - $ 1,499.99
Current price $ 1,499.99

Used And Vintage Acoustic Guitars

 At the midpoint of the 20th century (1949 to be exact), Martin introduced a new tenor acoustic, the 5-15T.  It replaced the previous 5-17T model and was timed well to embrace the growing resurgence of folk music, whose revival peaked in the mid 1960's.  Originally inspired by 4-string banjos, tenor guitars took on a life of their own.  The 5-15T features a 23" scale and all-mahogany Size-5 body.  This one in particualar is spectacular.

The guitar has been vetted and setup to play perfectly by our shop.  Everything appears to be original (except the case of course - but what comes with it is a very nice SKB hardshell case that will protect the instrument).  There is an inlay dot missing from 7th fret.  It appeaers to have fallen off long ago.  We tried to fix that, but our repair shop not able to find a replacement dot that would have matched - anything we had would have looked "odd", so we left the hole empty.  It does not impact playability at all.  The overall condition is very good.  It has a fair amount of wear, as to be expected for for an instrument that has been around long enough to qualify for senior citizen status!  It's all normal player wear and aging, with nothing major, and no issues impacting playability or sound. 

Speaking of which, this little tenor guitar sounds amazing!  It projects nicely, and has a round, warm ton thanks to its all-mahogany construction.  The neck and Brazilian rosewood fretboard are in great shape, and it's very comfortable to play.

We rarely see instruments like this walking in the door, and have a feeling it will be walking out the door soon, especially at this price.  

  • Year: 1957
  • Serial # 158926
  • Condition: Very Good
  • Small Size 5 (Terz) body
  • Solid mahogany top, back and sides
  • Gloss finish (faded nicely)
  • X-braced top
  • 14 fret mahogany body
  • U shape neck profile
  • Brazilian rosewood fretboard and peghead overlay
  • 20 frets
  • Ivoroid dot inlays
  • Open gear tuners with white buttons
  • Rectanguar Brazilian rosewood bridge
  • Tortoiseshell pickguard
  • 23" scale
  • 1.28" nut width
  • 11.25" lower bout width 
  • 3.875 body depth at endblock
  • 2.3 lbs
  • Aftermarket SKB hardshell case