2002 Martin OOOECB

[jt7602]

Hi Friends -

I could use a little help here. I have a chance to buy a 2002 ECB in good playing condition for about 7k. One concern is the guitar has an under saddle pick up and a strap knob screwed into the neck heel. The set-up is good but the saddle angle/height is on the low side. My 2009 sunburst OOOECM is much the same and still has plenty of power. How much do these things effect the value of the 2002ECB? Otherwise, the ECB plays and sounds even better than the ECM. Also, what would you say is a fair price to ask if I have to sell the ECM? By fair, I mean fair to both parties:-)

If you have some good advice, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks - Joel

[rmyAddison]

FYI - it's 000 (zeros) not OOO.

If the guitar is in "good condition", to me meaning it's a player not a collector piece, the strap pin (if properly placed) shouldn't matter, it does to some collectors, but they also want mint condition.

The 000-42-ECB, you didn't mention 42 series (not 28), if a 42 has Brazilian black and sides and is actually signed by Clapton, the 28s are not signed they are signature stamped.

Both the Brazilian and actual Clapton signature add value, the condition of the guitar and quality of the Brazilian can add/detract from value, so it's hard to say, $7K could be a good or bad number.

I would check online prices, maybe get an appraisal, do you have pix you can post?

[Dronfield]

Hi

I owned a 2002 000-28ECB, and it was personally signed by Clapton.

The run was limited to 500 models.

Rich

[rmyAddison]

Originally Posted by Dronfield

Hi

I owned a 2002 000-28ECB, and it was personally signed by Clapton.

The run was limited to 500 models.

Rich

I believe that run was the exception for the 28's, because it was Brazilian, all the standard Claptons 28's are signature stamped, not signed.

The OP didn't say what series, there were a number of 42 series Clapton's that were signed, Brazilian and Madagascar, I had an 000-42MEC, which was Madagascar.

The price will vary quite a bit depending on 28 series or 42, and of course condition.........

[Dronfield]

Hi

Yes the personally signed 000-28s were restricted to the Brazilian model - the standard EIR version has a photocopy signature.

Made a very bad mistake selling my mint condition 000-28ECB 5 years ago for £3K - a reputable UK dealer is now advertising one at £7750!

Based on that UK price, $7000 sounds quite reasonable, depending on condition.

Rich

[rmyAddison]

Originally Posted by Dronfield

Hi

Yes the personally signed 000-28s were restricted to the Brazilian model - the standard EIR version has a photocopy signature.

Made a very bad mistake selling my mint condition 000-28ECB 5 years ago for £3K - a reputable UK dealer is now advertising one at £7750!

Based on that UK price, $7000 sounds quite reasonable, depending on condition.

Rich

Again, the OP hasn't said 28 or 42 series, I believe one of the 42 series was also designated "ECB". A 42 series Clapton, many had headstock torches (which are expensive), would command noticeably more than a 28 series, far less of them too.....

[jt7602]

To those that suggested it was a regular series "stamped" signature series, or a 42 series, I apologize. I did not know that in 2002 any other OOOECB would be confused with either of the above. The guitar I'm looking at is a 2002 OOO 28ECB. It is in very good playing condition - not mint, but nice other than the addition of the under saddle pickup and strap button. This is the run limited to 500. Open to any advise based on these clarifications. Many thanks:-)

[jt7602]

Part of my dilemma (nice to have such) is that as a former motocross rider I've sold one of my bikes. As a former bicycle racer, I've also sold a fine bicycle to be in the position to buy another guitar. The "dilemma" is whether to buy the 7k 2002ECB (28) or the new release John Prine D-28. I'm first in line at a reputable Martin dealer to buy the D-28. I have two acoustic guitars, both OOO bodied Martins. One is a OOO-28MEC, the other a Rosanne Cash OM 28. What would you do? I like the idea of having the John Prine because he is one of my most favorite artists of all time - and I expect the run of 70 pieces to be well received. Also, I like the idea of having a different "flavor" in the guitar shed - that being the tone of a dreadnought, This being said - I've not even played the JP D-28 or heard of a thorough review.
Any thoughtful input would be greatly valued - Cheers - Joel