What’s so special about this that cost $5.5k?

[hann]

Chanced upon a used guitar with the above specs.

It was being offered at a great price, nowhere near its retail, so I grabbed it.

Was surprised to learn from seller he paid 5.5 before taxes for it.
I’ve seen many custom 000-18s for 3.6-4.5k new.

So I’m just curious what about this could a retailer sell at 5.5.
Don’t see anything in the specs particularly enchanting.

[DownUpDave]

The Adirondack spruce top and bracing plus the sinker mahogany back and sides is what makes it “custom” and much more money then standard

[hann]

Oh for sure, but I’ve seen customs with Adi and bracing too for less than 5.

Does a 12/4 sinker neck cost hundreds more?

[sinistral]

When I went on the “build your own guitar” tool on Martin’s website, some of the options listed above aren’t available (I think you need to work with a Custom Shop dealer to get the full array of choices) and the price of the guitar I came up with was $4,994.00. I could easily see the above guitar costing $5,500 with everything included.

You can build, more or less, the guitar here and see for yourself what each of the extras cost:

Martin Guitar—Custom Guitar Configurator

[tbeltrans]

The "modern adhesive" is what really makes that guitar - very rare and the sound, oh! the sound - like Brazilian only better.

Tony

[hann]

Surely You jest.

[ssstewart]

worth every penny of $5500 based on specs.

[Rudy4]

The one specification not listed that might make it worth $5500 (or more...) is the name on the headstock.

Yes, that means a LOT to many purchasers.

[Slothead56]

Sounds like the OP has an “axe” to grind!

[sinistral]

Originally Posted by Slothead56

Sounds like the OP has an “axe” to grind!

Yeah, not just the OP. A lot of bedpans needed cleaning this morning…

[Kyle215]

The Golden Era bracing is a high end upgrade, too. This looks like a nice guitar

[hann]

Originally Posted by Kyle215

The Golden Era bracing is a high end upgrade, too. This looks like a nice guitar

I think so!

[tbeltrans]

Originally Posted by hann

Surely You jest.

Yes, definitely. But don't call me "Shirley" (as quoted from the movie "Airplane").



Tony

[AfterViewer]

Originally Posted by Rudy4

The one specification not listed that might make it worth $5500 (or more...) is the name on the headstock.

Yes, that means a LOT to many purchasers.

You mean, the Golden Eggs of Guitardom ?

[Mr. Jelly]

Sinker B & S
Sinker neck!
GE bracing
Custom Shop build
Adi top

Each item adds at least $500 to the base price.