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

[Rudy4]

Originally Posted by AfterViewer

You mean, the Golden Eggs of Guitardom ?

Whatever you choose to call it!

I'm guessing that specification is "Martin".

I suggest the O.P. compare this instrument to some of the Waterloo models and what they are selling for.

For slightly less money you get a guitar that's based on the Sears, Roebuck, and Company catalog specifications.

It's like what Father Guido Sarducci related as being all you really need to know for a degree in economics, "Supply and Demand".

[jaymarsch]

I couldn’t possibly weigh in on what makes this guitar special without playing it and experiencing the tone and the playability regardless of the maker or the materials.
Best,
Jayne

[tbeltrans]

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.

That is an optional item. You can get either a Martin or Gibson authentic headstock sticker.

Tony

[Glennwillow]

Well, it sure is a pretty guitar! Congratulations!

- Glenn

[Daniel Grenier]

$5500 is by no means overpriced given the specs. What I would consider (at that price) is what does it sound like.

[cc132]

Originally Posted by hann

I think so!

Wow, that's gorgeous. Martin doesn't always get sunbursts right, but when they do, they get them right.

[Sponserv]

Given the specs there is nothing that surprises me about a $5500 price tag on this guitar. I had a Custom Shop 000-28 built about 7 years ago and it was amazing. Retail was right at $6,000.

[jricc]

It's an easy 1k just for compiling that list!

[Mycroft]

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.

It also says a lot about how it was built.

[ewalling]

I think if I made a guitar with that many specifications, I'd want 5k for it, too!

[bobster7]

It has the new ‘non shrinking/peeling’ binding which is very high end.

[Br1ck]

Just for fun I went on the Martin website and built a D 35 Custom just like the used one I bought for $2200. Cleared $5k pretty quickly. I would never have bought one new, but the wood binding alone is great to have.

[DanR]

That's a beautiful and terrific guitar. Sinker mahogany, Adirondack spruce and sunburst all add up and I think the $5.5k is reasonable.

[colins]

Originally Posted by Rudy4

... It's like what Father Guido Sarducci related as being all you really need to know for a degree in economics, "Supply and Demand". ...

Agreed, and this may contribute to the wide range of pricing on upcharges for customisation. Visit a few websites and compare, for example, the pricing for some custom tonewoods at SCGC with similar tonewoods from well-known luthiers like Tim McKnight and Laurie Williams. The differences can be up to 1,000%, or more.

[hann]

Well, a turn to the story.

Seller said a member of family did this.
He’s offered to refund.

What’s the cost to get this right you think?