Pricing a 1951 Martin D-28 with non-original neck

[ChuckD-28]

I am considering purchasing a ‘51 D-28 that had its neck replaced by a reputable luthier in the 1980s.

Other than that, and the expected wear and tear to the finish, it has the following issues: a b string crack that’s been well cared for, and a minor back crack that’s been professionally repaired and the bridge has been replaced at some point.

The guitar sounds amazing and feels great. It keeps its intonation perfectly.

It has a beautiful, loud and open sound - but I’m trying to get my head around what the value should be. Does anyone have any advice or ideas as to where the price should be?

[Slimt]

7500 plus. If the neck is a Martin neck. Maybe more Thats my take on those.

[pagedr]

Originally Posted by Slimt

7500 plus. If the neck is a Martin neck. Maybe more Thats my take on those.

This seems to be on the right track price wise. The Reverb price guide shows that over the last couple years early 50s D-28's have generally sold for between $10k-$15k. But then I look at actual listings and they range from $17k-$35k. Most of those prices are very aspirational but the market is limited as well.

The value of a renecked guitar will depend a lot on the quality of the neck (is it a repurposed Martin neck or something that the luthier or someone else built, and if so what is the quality) and the quality of the work in general. It's not the same thing but the general rule of thumb for a guitar with a headstock repair is that it generally cuts the value in half, and the value goes down even more for subpar work. I'm not sure a well done reneck constitutes cutting the value of a guitar in half necessarily, but maybe 60%? I dunno it's a bit of a subjective thing too because it's probably bigger deal for some than for others. But even if the work is well done and it's a Martin neck I 100% wouldn't pay anywhere close to full value.

[ChuckD-28]

Originally Posted by Slimt

7500 plus. If the neck is a Martin neck. Maybe more Thats my take on those.

That is in line with the asking price. While I doubt it will appreciate much in value, I figure I’m getting that vintage Martin sound at a relatively reasonable price

[ChuckD-28]

Originally Posted by pagedr

This seems to be on the right track price wise. The Reverb price guide shows that over the last couple years early 50s D-28's have generally sold for between $10k-$15k. But then I look at actual listings and they range from $17k-$35k. Most of those prices are very aspirational but the market is limited as well.

The value of a renecked guitar will depend a lot on the quality of the neck (is it a repurposed Martin neck or something that the luthier or someone else built, and if so what is the quality) and the quality of the work in general. It's not the same thing but the general rule of thumb for a guitar with a headstock repair is that it generally cuts the value in half, and the value goes down even more for subpar work. I'm not sure a well done reneck constitutes cutting the value of a guitar in half necessarily, but maybe 60%? I dunno it's a bit of a subjective thing too because it's probably bigger deal for some than for others. But even if the work is well done and it's a Martin neck I 100% wouldn't pay anywhere close to full value.

Thank you for the detailed response - I figure it will not appreciate much in value but will be a great daily player for me. It has a great sound, and I can’t help but think if properly renecked, the neck is more about comfort and playability than about the raw sound of the guitar. The body of the guitar is original and sounds fantastic - I’m wondering how much the neck replacement affects the sound compared to a contemporary 1951 instrument.

[Jim Owen]

Originally Posted by ChuckD-28

Thank you for the detailed response - I figure it will not appreciate much in value but will be a great daily player for me. It has a great sound, and I can’t help but think if properly renecked, the neck is more about comfort and playability than about the raw sound of the guitar. The body of the guitar is original and sounds fantastic - I’m wondering how much the neck replacement affects the sound compared to a contemporary 1951 instrument.

You’re getting old wood at a discount. Buy it for now.

[phavriluk]

If the replacement neck is Martin in origin, how could one tell if it was a replacement, anyway? Forty years is a long time.

[MissoulaFlood]

there's a 52 on the Martin Buy, Sell, Trade forum. I recall it being around 15k. Original neck. Came close to buying it, but life event has put that on hold.

[mcduffnw]

Originally Posted by ChuckD-28

Thank you for the detailed response - I figure it will not appreciate much in value but will be a great daily player for me. It has a great sound, and I can’t help but think if properly renecked, the neck is more about comfort and playability than about the raw sound of the guitar. The body of the guitar is original and sounds fantastic - I’m wondering how much the neck replacement affects the sound compared to a contemporary 1951 instrument.

It will appreciate in value, especially if it sounds great as you indicate, it will just appreciate at a slower rate than an all original version...but...if you keep it even 5 years, you will definitely make money on it, if and when you sell it.

But more importantly, you found a vintage Martin whose sound and intonation you love and at a really great price. Jump on it quick before someone else does!!!



duff
Be A Player...Not A Polisher

[davidd]

Originally Posted by ChuckD-28

I am considering purchasing a ‘51 D-28 that had its neck replaced by a reputable luthier in the 1980s.

Other than that, and the expected wear and tear to the finish, it has the following issues: a b string crack that’s been well cared for, and a minor back crack that’s been professionally repaired and the bridge has been replaced at some point.

The guitar sounds amazing and feels great. It keeps its intonation perfectly.

It has a beautiful, loud and open sound - but I’m trying to get my head around what the value should be. Does anyone have any advice or ideas as to where the price should be?

Are you sure it is a replaced neck rather than a neck reset?

[ChuckD-28]

Originally Posted by davidd

Are you sure it is a replaced neck rather than a neck reset?

I am, the neck is a Martin neck and has an adjustable truss rod - the work was done in the late 1980s