Vintage Martin on a budget...

[eckbo]

I've just sold a 1000$ Takamine to get the money I need for an older Martin. My play mainly rock/blues-style, and I've got my eye on the D-18.

 

Problem is I'm having a hard time finding older Martins here in Norway, so I'm hoping to get some advice from you on what eras are good value for the money.

 

A friend got a '72 on eBay for about 1000$, and it's a killer. but how do these ones compare to never D-18s and D-16s?

 

I appreciate any feedback, and am also open for other suggestions (but I really want an old Martin)..

[JasmineTea]

You get a lifetime warranty with a new Martin.

Older guitars are often in need of a neck reset, an expensive operation.

 

Just a little more food for thought.

[d28andm1911a1]

Life time warranty only applies to guitars bought in the states and fixed in the states. In Norway he won't have that.

 

New D-18 will be stiff compared to a older one. If you are under 30 buy new and let it become yours. If you are over 50 buy one with 20 yrs on it or so. If you are in between flip a coin.

[35fingerpicker]

"Vintage Martin" and "Budget" generally don't belong in the same sentence.

[guitarcapo]

Newer ones have an adjustable truss rod. I think Martin started doing that in the 1980s

 

I'd be on the lookout for one built in the 1990's or so. I bet those could be had for a grand. Most of that playing in requires 10 years and those guitars are too new to have the "vintage" status. Let's review:

 

1. Priced "used" instead of "vintage"

2. Modern features like an adjustable rod

3. Less wear and need for a neck reset

4. Appreciation more likely as they "become vintage"

 

What's not to like?

[JasmineTea]

Originally posted by guitarcapo Newer ones have an adjustable truss rod. I think Martin started doing that in the 1980s I'd be on the lookout for one built in the 1990's or so. I bet those could be had for a grand. Most of that playing in requires 10 years and those guitars are too new to have the "vintage" status. Let's review: 1. Priced "used" instead of "vintage" 2. Modern features like an adjustable rod 3. Less wear and need for a neck reset 4. Appreciation more likely as they "become vintage" What's not to like?

Not bad. Got me thinking...

[sixty2strat]

played 4 of they the other day ....a 67 72 88 and 05.......much to my surprise the 88 destroyed them all....sounded amazing one of the 10 best acoustics I ever played..... this might help heard the 70's are just ok not special