600$ to "fix" my 1960 Martin 000-18...ouch. Should I do it?

[capnjim]

So I brought in my 1960 Martin 000-18 to get the side and back cracks repaired (40 bucks). The repair guy said its a really nice sounding guitar and is worthy of a restoration. He wants to do a neck re-set and fret job.
600$!!!
He is a top notch luthier and I trust him completely, and he has done lots of high end guitar restorations.
I paid 800$ for the guitar.
The thing is, I don't even play acoustic that much. Just a bit of open cord fingerpicking.
The guitar does sound really really nice.
I am worried if I do the work, it will change the character of the guitar?
Should I shell out the cash or keep it as-is??

If I ever decide to sell it, will I get that 600$ back? or is it easier to sell it all original.
Its a tough one.
Cheers

[mr. beaumont]

Well...does it need it?

As for worrying about originality for resale, you don't pay extra for an old mustang with original oil.

[capnjim]

Yes, its needs it very bad. The action is 1/4" out of spec and the first several frets are severely worn.
But it still plays OK with open cords.
A neck re-set does not affect its value regarding originality? It will be done with the proper hide glue.
I feel at 800$ (Cdn funds) I got a good deal. Not sure if 1500$ is such a good deal.

[stuco]

$600 is not much to do all that work. That guitar is worth restoring so yes, I would do it if it were mine.

[bluesfreek]

That guitar depending on the rest of it's condition could be worth anywhere from $3000 to $5000 CDN. I'd get it fixed.

https://reverb.com/ca/price-guide/gu...8-1960-natural

[Athens]

No, don't do it. Just send it off to me and I'll suffer with it. :

Really though, for a top shelf Luthier to do a neck reset and full refret that's about right.

If the guitar is otherwise in good shape its definitely worth doing.

[Prof_Stack]

Oh yeah, go for it. NO question.

[guitar12]

I say go for it. You just might find yourself playing acoustic a lot more once the guitar is more playable due to the reset.

Rob

[guitar george]

Originally Posted by capnjim

So I brought in my 1960 Martin 000-18 to get the side and back cracks repaired (40 bucks). The repair guy said its a really nice sounding guitar and is worthy of a restoration. He wants to do a neck re-set and fret job.
600$!!!

The repair guy said it's a really nice sounding guitar. Do you think it is a really nice sounding guitar? That's all that really matters. Can you play it comfortably the way it is? If so, I would leave it alone. For the $800.00 you paid for the guitar, you will probably never loose any money on it. For $1,400.00 invested and with all those repairs it might be harder to sell someday without loosing some money. What kind of cracks did you have repaired for only $40.00? Guitars with repaired cracks are not easy to sell.

[mr. beaumont]

Originally Posted by capnjim

Yes, its needs it very bad. The action is 1/4" out of spec and the first several frets are severely worn.
.

Then yes, absolutely! As others have mentioned, that guitar is worth a lot more than what you paid for it and the repairs combined.

[Steadfastly]

It's worth it if you really appreciate that guitar. If not, you could buy a Yamaha FS800 for $200.00 and be just as happy. They certainly wouldn't be the same guitar but as it it, you could sell the Martin for more than $200.00. It all depends on how you look at things. I know what I would do if it was mine.

[Tube Sound]

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

Then yes, absolutely! As others have mentioned, that guitar is worth a lot more than what you paid for it and the repairs combined.

Agree. You should at least get your money back. If I were you, I would do it because (1) I own it (2) I love the sound and play-ability (3) It's a 58 year old Martin. If number (2) doesn't work for you, don't do it. Find another buyer at $850.

[catfish]

Originally Posted by bluesfreek

That guitar depending on the rest of it's condition could be worth anywhere from $3000 to $5000 CDN. I'd get it fixed.

https://reverb.com/ca/price-guide/gu...8-1960-natural

OP is talking about the guitar that initially had these defects -- click on two pictures to enlarge https://guitarscanada.com/index.php?...-value.218185/

Even if expertly repaired, it will not cost $3000 Canadian, I think.

[zoopeda]

Originally Posted by capnjim

So I brought in my 1960 Martin 000-18 to get the side and back cracks repaired (40 bucks). The repair guy said its a really nice sounding guitar and is worthy of a restoration. He wants to do a neck re-set and fret job.
600$!!!
He is a top notch luthier and I trust him completely, and he has done lots of high end guitar restorations.
I paid 800$ for the guitar.
The thing is, I don't even play acoustic that much. Just a bit of open cord fingerpicking.
The guitar does sound really really nice.
I am worried if I do the work, it will change the character of the guitar?
Should I shell out the cash or keep it as-is??

If I ever decide to sell it, will I get that 600$ back? or is it easier to sell it all original.
Its a tough one.
Cheers

That’s reasonable money for the repairs you mentioned. Also, a great sounding 1960 000-18 is definitely worth $800+$600=$1400 (!!!) in my book. Sounds like a steal!

[Mycroft]

Just to add to the chorus, it sure is. They are not making any more 58 year old guitars these days.