Vintage 000-18 or new Martin 000-42 before a long break of no buying?

[jgottsman11]

I have been on Reverb probably every day this year and have acquired three beautiful vintage Gibson/Martin guitars this year as well. My goal for 2018 is to not even look at a potential purchase and focus on my playing. I'd like to get myself a birthday/christmas gift that will last a lifetime and retain it's value similar to my other vintages. I was looking into a 40's 000-18 or a newer 000-42. I want something from the Martin like that will only go up in value. What are your thoughts on these two models?

[HHP]

Monetary value, the 000-18 if it has no issues or problems and is all original. Someone can always get a 000-42 but they have made all the 40's 000-18s they are going to.

Considering the Gibsons you have, you're already acclimated to playing and caring for vintage guitars. With that in mind and the potential for appreciated value, I'd say the 40's 000-18 is the clear cut winner. And for me it's the guitar I'd rather play. That's not to say someone else wouldn't prefer the 000-42, but I wouldn't.

Here are my '36 and '48 000-18's. Very enjoyable guitars.

[jgottsman11]

Originally Posted by Todd Yates

Considering the Gibsons you have, you're already acclimated to playing and caring for vintage guitars. With that in mind and the potential for appreciated value, I'd say the 40's 000-18 is the clear cut winner. And for me it's the guitar I'd rather play. That's not to say someone else wouldn't prefer the 000-42, but I wouldn't.

Here are my '36 and '48 000-18's. Very enjoyable guitars.

holy moly the things id do to own a 36 000-18. 30's are a little out of my price range. looking to stay within 5-6k

I worked my way up.

And I don't own a boat, motorcycle, smoke, drink, etc. At least that's how I justify it in my mind, and to my wife....

Anyway, the '36 is a monster in terms of tone and it is setup beautifully by David Eichelbaum, but I enjoy the '48 every bit as much. Actually, I like the full profile 1 11/18" neck a little better. You should be able to find a very clean late 40's 000-18 under $6k. My '48 has a lot of play wear and several well repaired cracks. You should be able to find something similar under $5k.

[gregsguitars]

I think it depends on which guitar you find more comfortable in playing, a Signature artist model D42 ( the ones I have owned) have all been top notch and there is something about a "pearl top" that other guitars just don't have, but....but, I prefer 000 sized guitars for playing comfort and my 1943 00018 has become my "keeper" . The 000 sized guitars have pretty comparable top sound board sizes as the dreads do and are just thinner bodied guitars which makes them more comfortable to me.

[ManyMartinMan]

They are both going to raise in "value" when Martin increases prices. The vintage guitar will more likely have maintenance issues before the 000-42. I would always suggest buying the guitar you will get the most pleasure from while you have it. I don't purchase instruments based on any possible resale value so, from a player's perspective only, I want the guitar I prefer not the one that will appreciate the most.

[zombywoof]

Just one opinion in a sea of many but I have never been able to make peace with a 1940s or 1950s 000-18. My experience with them has, for lack of a better description, they "shimmer out" when played aggressively. I have given two a try but ended up parting with them fairly quickly. I did like them when approached with a lighter touch though. Never spent enough time on a 000-42 to be able to say anything.

[rob2966]

The 000-18 would always be my preference. Out of the whole Martin lineup it is the spec combo that "speaks to me" the most. I find the 42 series too blingy (although I do like the CF Martin headstock inlay on the 42 series).

If it was also a great vintage 000-18 then (for me) it really is a no-brainer.

Either way, good problem to have .

Later
Rob

[Tony Done]

000-18 by a mile. Apart from value, you know what you are getting in old guitars, you don't in new ones - they change in both tone and geometry in the short-to-medium term.