Martin Guitars

Sorry for another article from Forbes Life, but there was a short article that I felt might have interest for appraisers, especially those who deal with Antiques and Residential contents.  I am also traveling (in Chicago for an ISA board meeting, it is a bit cooler than Virginia) so I had to plan posts in advance. Many appraisers of musical instruments probably already know this, but whenever I see something with increasing values and collector demand, I like to post.

The article or post is on Martin Guitars. It is rather short so I am going to take the liberty to post the full article from Forbes Life The article states that pre World War II models can sell as high as $100,000.00. The new Martin D-28 is retailing for $7,599.00 (see image).  For the Antiques and Residential contents appraiser looking at the old guitar in the closet, be careful and do your due diligence.

Lorraine Cademartori of Forbes Life states:

Since 1833, the family-owned C.F. Martin & Co. has handcrafted some of the world's most entrancing stringed instruments. "They are the standard of excellence for flattop acoustic guitars in this country," says Stan Jay, president of Mandolin Brothers, an independent fretted-instrument retail and resale shop in Staten Island, New York. Martin pioneered the dreadnought design, characterized by a large, nearly rectangular body shape allowing for more vibration to move through the guitar (as opposed to the more traditional Spanish style, with its dramatically smaller waistline). The result: a more resonant sound. The company's pre–World War II creations are especially sought after--according to Jay, some high-end Martins from that era go for more than $100,000. Responding to the demand, the Nazareth, Pennsylvania–based Martin is taking orders for a 75th-anniversary limited edition of one of its most renowned dreadnoughts. Modeled on the D-28 guitar produced in 1934, the new version has an Adirondack spruce top with sides and back of solid Madagascar rosewood. (Sensitive to environmental concerns, the company long ago abandoned using the rare Brazilian rosewood in its stock models.) Each will be signed by company chairman and sixth-generation owner C.F. Martin IV and numbered in sequence. Available through Martin dealers; expect to wait six weeks for delivery. Martin will accept orders for the D-28 through the end of the year only. --Lorraine Cademartori

$7,599. www.martinguitar.com