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Schweiz (Deutsch)Martin Gee-tar
Martin Gee-tar
Posted: Friday, August 14, 2009 - 14:13
I think I brought this up sometime in the past. Recent computer virus stole a lot of old info I had.
Anyway, we have a Martin acoustic that belonged to my father. I think he may have bought it new around 1973.
Here is the serial number: D- 18 286680.
It is in okay shape - I'm no expert and don't even play, my teen son does, but he plays mostly electric now.
It could use a professional overhaul, but I wondered about a general value estimate. I'm thinking $1000 - $1200.
My sister asked if my nephew could use it, but I am very, very against this idea, as I consider it to be a family heirloom that should be treated with respect!
Besides the oldest son should have the say in such matters, right? Dad passed away in '98 . . .
Replies for this Board Topic
I don't have a clue on the value but I would not think its the guitar for a kid to learn on.
As for who should decide........Possession may be the “king of sin” but it’s also 9/10 of the law
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"To some extent I happily don't know what I'm doing. I feel that it's an artist's responsibility to trust that. ." - David Byrne
There's a 1971 model on E-bay right now for $2200, which doesn't seem crazy to me. Vintage 70's Martins and Gibsons in that price range are pretty common. That is defnitely not a learner guitar. I definitely agree with the heirloom status.
+1 for not a learning guitar. I'm not trying to belittle your nephew, but I don't think he would value the guitar for what it is, not in a monetary standpoint, but the patriarchal significance that lies in that guitar. However, I do think that if he takes up guitar and comes to really appreciate music, he would greatly value that guitar one day for its history and take pride in playing it.
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"The words you wish your head didn't say are the ones their heart will hold onto the longest." -- Bill Mallonee
Sorry about the loss of your father... I'll bet there are some good memories that come back at the sight of that guitar.
A good source I sometimes check out is Elderly Guitars. Google them, check out their vintage guitars and see if there is anything in the ballpark of age and model.
I think off the top of my head that the prices that have been mentioned previously should be somewhere in the ballpark. While it's no pre-war D-28 (they can go for the price of some folks houses), it sounds like a darn nice guitar to have in the family!
I agree with Lockwest, maybe let the nephew figure things out for a couple of years and if you see true dedication and a lifelong commitment, maybe let him buy it off you or your son at fair(ish) value.
While the guitar has huge significance to you, a beauty like that should be played, and not sentenced to a life of sitting in a case. After all, out of the case it will be "much prettier for the world to see".
One last thought - and the one I would highly recommend to you Sauls - is that you could take some lessons, so you can pull out that old Martin on a quiet Sunday and have a talk with pops once in a while!
Good luck with whatever happens!
I'm gonna get knocked for this, but: Why hide away your father's nice guitar that you're not even playing it? If I have this straight, your nephew, your father's grandson wants to play it, right? If your dad were alive and the guitar was over in the corner not being played, and his grandson walked over to him and asked if he could borrow it to learn on, what would your father say?
Regarding the last comment, point taken. However, my father would hate to see that guitar end up on my sister's rec room floor, maybe being banged around by some of my other younger nieces and nephews.
And regarding Matty's comment: here's the real kicker. My Dad also dabbled in the banjo and my mom still has his - what I would consider nice - Fender. Probably mid '70s. No one has attempted to play it. I had once considered getting Scott to look at it for me, back when they were still playing some smaller shows.
Hey, maybe the nephew should take up banjo?? Maybe less valuable than an old Martin and maybe up to more "abuse."
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"Ronnie and Neil, Ronnie and Neil
Rock stars today ain't half as real
Speaking there minds on how they feel
Let them guitars blast for Ronnie and Neil"
family heirloom or not... a guitar should be treated with respect.
looks (by the serial number) that its a 1971 model ( http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/martin-guitar-serial-numbers.htm). And i, for one, would hate to see it torn up by carelessness. (obviously i dont know your nephew, nor his age, nor his maturity, or his level of responsibility)... but i know how i was with an old acoustic guitar at a pretty young age--- "the neck it is warped, and the saddle is through"--actually, the neck was split in 1/2.
best of luck
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"you're the words... in a song.. that Hoon sang to me...."