Martin 0-18K anyone?

TheGuitarKraut · #1 12-14-2019, 05:31 PM

I wasn't the type of guy who orders or buys any guitars without at least taking close look at them... until I came across a little guitar auction at a renowned auction house today. First I missed out on my main target then decided to focus on a nice looking little Martin 0-18K from the 1920s previously owned by a musician who's probably best known for his great guitar strings

These guitars might be really common in the US but you rarely see them over here in Germany so I tried to figure out a fair price for it and clicked THE button. Compared to some offers on the internet it looks like a bargain but I just can't tell of these pricings are realistic at all.

Good condition, no cracks, no refinish, not one of these Hawaii slide models.

-What can I expect from this beautiful little Martin?
-How much are they worth on average?
-Are there preferable production years for the 0-18K?
-Are they likely to rise in price over the next few years?

Cheers!

djcarolino · #2 12-14-2019, 10:39 PM

I've played one locally here in Portland, OR and it was truly magical. Very responsive, articulate and balanced especially for fingerstyle. I would've brought it home with me but I've already narrowed down my small bodied guitar fix. If I could remember, it was priced about 3-4K USD.

Jim Owen · #3 12-14-2019, 10:45 PM

Used to play one that my buddy owned. Still jealous.

TheGuitarKraut · #4 12-15-2019, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djcarolino

I've played one locally here in Portland, OR and it was truly magical. Very responsive, articulate and balanced especially for fingerstyle. I would've brought it home with me but I've already narrowed down my small bodied guitar fix. If I could remember, it was priced about 3-4K USD.

Ok so you think 3-4K $ should be a normal price for these? I mean they are really old and should imo even rise if you take care of them...
Like all the good old guitars I should have bought 5-10 years ago and now can't afford because of they're getting more and more unaffordable for us

SongwriterFan · #5 12-15-2019, 01:00 PM

I bought this one a couple of years ago. It's actually a 1932.

https://guitars.com/inventory/ab9738-1931-martin-0-18k

I paid about $5k for it.

SongwriterFan · #6 12-15-2019, 01:01 PM

You can hear a recording of a 1928 0-18k here:

https://www.dreamguitars.com/shop/in...18k-16884.html

TheGuitarKraut · #7 12-15-2019, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SongwriterFan

I bought this one a couple of years ago. It's actually a 1932.

https://guitars.com/inventory/ab9738-1931-martin-0-18k

I paid about $5k for it.

Just a cool guitar! Do you still enjoy it?

TheGuitarKraut · #8 12-22-2019, 08:47 AM

Finally the guitar has arrived.
I almost passed out when I saw that it's a 0-18K Slide model and not the classic spanish one.

Should I give it back or is there any way to convert it from slide to classic?
How much would this be?

Michael Watts · #9 12-22-2019, 08:51 AM

Yeah they're gorgeous little things, I'm a fan! I've played a couple of old conversions, they were both done very well and the guitars felt wonderful.

TheGuitarKraut · #10 12-22-2019, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Watts

Yeah they're gorgeous little things, I'm a fan! I've played a couple of old conversions, they were both done very well and the guitars felt wonderful.

I'm trying to find a luthier who can convert it... I've asked some pros so far but they didn't want to take the risk...

#11 12-22-2019, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGuitarKraut

I'm trying to find a luthier who can convert it... I've asked some pros so far but they didn't want to take the risk...

I know Mark Stutman at Folkway Music in Canada does these. I've had work done by him and he's very talented and easy to work with. Very experienced with vintage and conversions.

https://www.folkwaymusic.com/vintage...rtin-028k-0419

min7b5 · #12 12-22-2019, 11:09 AM

Great guitars for sure

frankmcr · #13 12-22-2019, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGuitarKraut

Finally the guitar has arrived.
I almost passed out when I saw that it's a 0-18K Slide model and not the classic spanish one.

Should I give it back or is there any way to convert it from slide to classic?
How much would this be?

Then it is not an O-18K. It is an O-18KH. It was misrepresented and you should send it back for a full refund including shipping. Do not wait on this, do it now.

Do not waste your time bouncing around investigating conversion.

John Arnold · #14 12-22-2019, 03:24 PM

Actually, Hawaiian Martins in all koa didn't generally get an 'H' in their name, since that wood meant Hawaiian. Many early examples were setup for both styles, while the later ones were dedicated Hawaiians. My Hawaiian 1934 0-18K simply says 0-18K on the neck block.
Conversion is rather expensive, due to the bar frets. Expect to pay at least $1K.

frankmcr · #15 12-22-2019, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Arnold

Actually, Hawaiian Martins in all koa didn't generally get an 'H' in their name, since that wood meant Hawaiian. Many early examples were setup for both styles, while the later ones were dedicated Hawaiians.

EDIT -
Although there was a period when Martin carried a version that came with a nut extender (ugh), the KH designation applies to a specific dedicated Hawaiian model, with very low frets intended only as position markers. These guitars cannot be played other than lap style.

I wonder if the OP received one of the early "convertible" (ugh) models? If so, no need to convert the neck. Otherwise, send it back (or learn to play "Kaulana Na Pua" . . . )