Martin OM-15 with crack on back

[merwin101]

I am considering buying a used Martin OM-15 for $800 with what the seller describes as "One superficial crack on back that does not penetrate wood and can only be seen in bright day light."

Here is an image of the crack.

The full ebay listing is here. (I'd actually be buying the guitar locally over craigslist).

I appreciate any opinions on how much of a red flag this crack is. Thanks!

[HHP]

The crack itself is easily fixable. I just don't think I would put $800 into an OM-15 with a repaired crack, much less one I would have to pay to fix.

[Bax Burgess]

Looks as much a scratch as a split.

[LouieAtienza]

Being a new one would cost between 35-50% more, if everything else checked out fine, why not?

[fazool]

Thats a guitar that interests me but that's pricey - you could get one without a crack for $800 if you look around

[John Arnold]

Two oft-repeated lies:
1) The check is in the mail.
2) The crack does not go all the way through.
In the past 33 years of being a full-time repairman, I have not seen one crack on a solid wood acoustic guitar that does not go all the way through. Cracks are less visible on the inside of the guitar, but that does not mean they are not through. IMHO, it is pretty much impossible on wood that thin.

[tonyo]

I couldn't imagine that crack doesn't go all the way through.

[Reasley]

Originally Posted by John Arnold

Two oft-repeated lies:
1) The check is in the mail.
2) The crack does not go all the way through.
In the past 33 years of being a full-time repairman, I have not seen one crack on a solid wood acoustic guitar that does not go all the way through. Cracks are less visible on the inside of the guitar, but that does not mean they are not through. IMHO, it is pretty much impossible on wood that thin.

Very similar to the pre-owned auto category when someone says "The AC just needs a charge." Yeah, r-i-g-h-t, LOL.

[fazool]

I asked the seller a few questions - it also needs a neck reset.

Definitely a nice fixer-upper but a proper crack fix & finish will run you about $150, then a proper neck reset will run you $250.

$500-ish is more appropriate, given the condition. And even then you will be it for $750 and have a repaired guitar when a very good condition used one can be had for $800.