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QUESTION: my friend just purchased a martin & co guitar at a garage sale. he is trying to figure out how much it is worth. it is in decent condition, there are a few scratches on the back and a little wear on the front from what looks like a pick may have caused. Sorry i am not a guitar person so i could not be very descriptive. the wood is dark in color. it sounds great when played. there number inside is 00-17 104828. please if you could give a ballpark amount as to what it may be worth.
ANSWER: Hi Leslie:
This guitar dates from 1948. It is an all mahogany Martin of a small size. They were meant ot be at the lower end of the line in terms of price but still have that Martin quality. They are lovely guitars. You friend is quite lucky to find one at a bargain price.
If it were in excellent condition -- all original with no repairs or any need for them, book value would be $2,400-2,600. The wear might reduce the value a little but not that much. More important is the set of the neck. Guitars form that era or before eventually need a neck reset. if this one is fine that your friend did quite well. Even if it does need that repair it would be worth it for this guitar.
best
Jim
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you so much for you help. The next step would be finding a buyer or a dealer that might be interested. Do you know of any places or sites that someone could visit. We are in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and really just have no clue of what to do, where to look or go.
Thanks again you have been great help!
Leslie
Hi Leslie:
I don't know specific ones that I could recommend in Texas. These are the reputable dealers I would recommend:
http://www.retrofret.com
http://www.elderly.com
http://www.mandolinbros.com
http://www.bernunzio.com
http://www.gruhn.com
Here are some in Texas:
http://vintagecityguitars.com/
http://www.dallasvintageguitars.com/
http://www.vanhoosevintage.com/
best
Jim
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Answers by Expert:
Jim Garber
Expertise
I can answer most questions on fretted instruments, my main area of expertise is in vintage mandolins, guitars and ukuleles. I also know some things about old banjos as well.
I can also answer some questions about mandolin technique and since there is no separate mandolin category, I figure they might be asked under guitar.
I have decided to no longer evaluate instruments -- it is very difficult without the instrument in hand. For guitars and some other American fretted instruments, I recommend the Vintage Guitar Price guide. Also, be aware that most insurance companies want written appraisals so my valuation would not work anyway.
It also truly helps if you can includes a clear photo of your instrument. I think the site will only allow for one photo, but you can email me additional ones to jimg@paperclipdesign.com. I will try to evaluate but there are times that it is impossible without the instrument in hand
NOTE: I have decided that I will mostly answer questions about vintage instruments, generally before 1940. You can send me questions about contemporary guitars, but most likely I will send them to the question pool if I feel that I cannot answer them without extensive research.
Experience
I have been buying, selling, collecting and playing old and antique instruments for over 30 years. My recent specialty has been in European mandolins and classical and Italian mandolin music.Organizations
Classical Mandolin Society of America, active participant on the Mandolin Cafe; Current active expert in the Antique instrument category at Allexperts.com
Organizations
Classical Mandolin Society of America, active participant on the Mandolin Cafe; Current active expert in the Antique instrument category at Allexperts.com
Publications
Guild of American Luthiers, Sing Out Magazine
Education/Credentials
BA, Brandeis University
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