How To Determine The Value Of Your Old Martin Acoustic Guitar

Table Of Contents

• What Is The Real Value Of Your Martin Guitar?
• What To Consider First
• How Much Is A Martin Guitar Worth?
• How To Recognize Pre-War Martin Guitars
• Why Are Pre-War Martin Guitars So Exorbitantly Priced?
• Always Ask The Experts

What Is The Real Value Of Your Martin Guitar?

One of the first steps in selling a guitar is determining its value. The last thing you want to do is price your guitar too low, or have someone offer you less than they think it’s worth. 

At the same time, you want to avoid pricing yourself out of the market and ending up being unable to sell your guitar. So, what’s the best way to determine the value of this instrument? That’s what we’ll cover today in this article. 

Here are some tips to help you determine the value of your old Martin acoustic guitar, so that you can make an informed decision about whether it’s time to sell. If you’re unsure about the valuation, consider using our FREE APPRAISAL services to get a professional assessment.

What To Consider First

The model of your instrument will have a significant impact on its worth. If you’re not sure which model you have, the model number is the best way to find out, usually found just above the serial number. Martin stamps the serial number on the neck block, which you can read by looking through the soundhole. The number gets longer as you move forward in time: a pre-war Martin carries a five-digit serial, and only modern instruments run to seven digits. 

You can use this number to search for the model and year of production on the Martin website. Once you know the model, you can start to estimate your guitar’s value. Generally speaking, older Martin acoustic guitars have a higher value than newer ones. If you’re unsure about your guitar’s age, it’s a good idea to first check out our guide on How To Read Martin Serial Numbers.

If you own a D-28, D-18, or D-45 model, their values can differ greatly depending on several factors. For a detailed breakdown on these iconic dreadnoughts, check out our Martin D-28, D-18, D-45 Dreadnought Value Guide.

You can find early 1900s vintage guitars at thousands of dollars, while more recent ones may only be worth a few hundred. However, that’s not the only thing that matters. Your guitar’s condition will have an impact on its market worth too.

If you own a well-maintained guitar, it’ll be worth more than one with scratches everywhere. Your guitar can be even more valuable if it’s in perfect condition (if you used it gently or only a few times).

The easiest method to acquire a reliable appraisal for your Martin acoustic guitar is to consult a professional guitar appraiser. Based on the model, age, and condition of your guitar, the guitar expert will estimate its value.

How Much Is A Martin Guitar Worth?

There is no clear-cut response to this question because a Martin guitar’s worth depends on many variables, including age, condition, and provenance. However, Martin guitars are usually in high demand with musicians and collectors, and can sell for tens of thousands of dollars at auction.

Martin has been building guitars since 1833, and that contributes to their high price. Acoustic guitars have developed into what they are today as a result. Because of their reputation and long history, Martin guitars are often regarded as some of the best of this type of instrument among professional players.

In addition to uniqueness and quality, the excellence of an instrument influences investment value. Before World War II, Martin guitars were an uncommon and superior-quality instrument. 

These acoustic guitars are known for their great tone, and performers like George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and Johnny Cash frequently used them.

Additionally, most of these guitars are produced in the US, which impacts their final cost. You might not know that, but guitar enthusiasts usually do, and a reputable vintage guitar buyer can also guarantee that info.

How To Recognize Pre-War Martin Guitars

A few build details set the most desirable pre-war Martins apart. Look for forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing, herringbone purfling around the top edge, and an Adirondack (red spruce) top. Here “pre-war” means built before 1944, when Martin moved away from these features. Guitars with these tells tend to command the highest prices.

This is just an example of some things to remember when determining the value of an old Martin acoustic guitar.

Be careful with the headline numbers you see quoted, because they usually describe one model rather than “a pre-war Martin.” The pre-war D-45 is the most collected flat-top acoustic there is and trades in the range of roughly $450,000 to $675,000. Most other pre-war Martins sit a long way below that: a pre-war D-28 or 000-18 is a five-figure guitar, not a six-figure one, and the spread between models in the same year is enormous. Individual celebrity instruments are their own market again, and they tell you nothing about what a comparable guitar without the provenance is worth.

To find the model and serial number, look through the soundhole at the neck block. Both are stamped into the wood, with the model number sitting just above the serial. If you cannot find them there, the guitar may not be a Martin at all, and it is worth having someone check before you go any further.

If you need help with your serial number, don’t worry, you can ask the experts. A vintage guitar expert is the best person to tell you what you have. If the stamp begins with 0, 00, or 000, use the vintage Martin 0, 00, and 000 guide to compare its body size, style, bracing era, woods, and hardware. If you’re looking to sell your Martin guitar, we make the process simple and straightforward.

Why Are Pre-War Martin Guitars So Exorbitantly Priced?

Pre-war Martin guitars, which were built with distinctive looks and sounds, are the most in demand. The gap between trim levels in the same year is what surprises people: a pre-war D-45 can bring many times what a pre-war D-18 of the same vintage brings, and almost all of that difference is rarity and decoration rather than anything structural. Underneath the pearl they are built the same way. You must decide if the expense justifies the difference in sound.

Always Ask The Experts

As you can see, many things can influence the value of an old Martin acoustic guitar. It’s not always easy to determine their worth, so contact reliable experts like Joe’s Vintage Guitars to get a precise estimate. If you’re ready to part with your instrument, you can sell your Martin guitar through us for a fair and hassle-free experience. You can contact us by website or by phone!