1959 Martin T-17 Tiple
(Serial No. 166749) Think of a tiple as an ukelele with 10 steel strings. If you have never heard swing jazz on a tiple you are missing a treat! Natural lacquer finish, mahogany top, body and neck, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge, original ebony nut. While not well remembered now, numerous small African-American string-swing ensembles of the 1930's and '40's made extensive use of these small but loud instruments for fast melody work and rhythmic strumming. Two of the best known were the Spirits Of Rhythm (featuring guitarist Teddy Bunn) and Cats and the Fiddle, where Tiny Grimes got his professional start. Overall length is 27 1/2 inches, and the original ebony nut is 1 1/2 inches. Has the typical nicks and dings of a well played instrument with some finish checking. Original finish and hardware. Has one well repaired back crack. Neck is straight, frets are fine. Action is very playable. Plays well and has a good sound. Comes with a newer hardshell case.
Click the picture for a very large high resolution pic. Use your back browser button to return.
Click for price and to return to the instruments page
