Martin DSS17 Whiskey Sunset with Hardcase

The Martin DSS-17 Whiskey is a slope-shoulder dreadnought acoustic guitar from Martin's 17 Series. It blends vintage-inspired aesthetics with modern playability and a warm, balanced tone. Here's a breakdown of its key features:

Overview:

The DSS-17 features a distinctive slope-shoulder dreadnought body shape, reminiscent of guitars from the 1930s and 40s. It's designed to offer a comfortable playing experience while delivering a full and resonant sound. The "Whiskey Sunset" finish gives it a classic, warm appearance.

Key Specs:

• Body Size: D-14 Fret Slope Shoulder Dreadnought
• Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce with a Whiskey Sunset satin finish
• Back & Sides Wood: Solid Mahogany with a satin finish
• Neck Material: Select Hardwood (likely Mahogany) with a satin finish
• Neck Shape: Modified Low Oval with High-Performance Taper
• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
• Scale Length: 25.4 inches
• Nut Width: 1 3/4 inches
• Bracing Pattern: Scalloped X-Bracing
• Bridge Material: Rosewood
• Nut & Saddle Material: Bone
• Tuning Machines: Golden Age Relic Nickel with Cream Plastic Knobs
• Binding: Antique White
• Rosette: Multi-Stripe
• Pickguard: Faux Tortoise
• Headstock Logo: Script Authentic 1933 Overlay
• Case: Softshell case included

Tone and Playability:

The combination of a Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides provides a balanced tonal palette. You can expect clear highs, a punchy midrange, and a warm, resonant bass. Mahogany is known for its direct and woody tone, which complements the spruce top well. The slope-shoulder design can contribute to a slightly different tonal character compared to a traditional square-shoulder dreadnought, often described as having a more open and airy sound.

The Modified Low Oval neck profile with the High-Performance Taper is designed for comfortable playability, allowing for ease of movement up and down the fretboard. The 1 3/4" nut width is a popular choice for players who fingerpick or prefer a bit more string spacing.

Aesthetics:

The Whiskey Sunset satin finish gives the DSS-17 a beautiful, vintage-inspired look. The antique white binding and faux tortoise pickguard further enhance this classic aesthetic. The script logo on the headstock is another nod to Martin's rich history.

Overall:

The Martin DSS-17 Whiskey is a fantastic guitar for players seeking a comfortable dreadnought with a distinctive vintage vibe and a balanced, articulate tone. The solid wood construction and Martin craftsmanship ensure a quality instrument that will age gracefully. The satin finish and slope-shoulder design offer a unique feel and look compared to some of Martin's more traditional offerings.