1983 Martin D-41 - fair price?

[egordon99]

And if you can't see ALL the red flags in that description, I recommend you stick with buying a new Martin from an authorized dealer. Totally no disrespect intended; just trying to keep you from getting burned/scammed.

Edited to add I was specifically referring to the D-35 ad/description you posted.

[rule18]

Originally Posted by egordon99

What the heck are "tubing mechanisms"????

I would run far far away from that guitar/seller.

You know, tubing mechanisms. To properly tube the guitar. Ok, maybe it's just that the "b" is next to the "n" on the keyboard and the seller types like many of the rest of us?

[tuner440]

Originally Posted by slidestonowhere

How does this one look to you? It's a D-35, not a D-41, but looks like a pretty good deal.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/184826098189?ul_noapp=true

The seller wrote me this:
"This Martin has all original parts and tubing mechanisms. I am the first and only owner so assured there has be no polish over the original hardtop as well! The only un original part is the fish an tuner that was installed!

The tone is the real selling point on this guitar. Amazingly warm D-35 tone you can only get from an aged Martin.

The guitar has no structural issues, just wear from 47 years of playing. The neck is slightly bowed and if you want lower action could use a reset (my local luthier quoted me $175 for this but I like my strings a little higher so never got it done).

$175 for a neck reset sounds extemely low. Are you sure your tech meant neck reset or set up? If "neck bow" means excessive relief, then that's a separate issue. Martins usd a square tube rod in the neck at the time. Some developed too much relief. If the guitar indeed has too much then compression fretting would be needed and should only be done by a technician who's highly qualified. Have the guitar evaluated for relief by a competent tech. If you play "cowboy chords' no higher than the 5th fret, you may be able to live with it.

[egordon99]

Originally Posted by rule18

You know, tubing mechanisms. To properly tube the guitar. Ok, maybe it's just that the "b" is next to the "n" on the keyboard and the seller types like many of the rest of us?

Yeah but the eBay ad mentions a Fishman pickup and then the email/additional description mentions a Fishman tuner. Add in the bit about a low cost neck reset and there are way too many red flags indicating that the seller really doesn't know much about guitars, let alone a vintage Martin.

[rule18]

Originally Posted by egordon99

Yeah but the eBay ad mentions a Fishman pickup and then the email/additional description mentions a Fishman tuner. Add in the bit about a low cost neck reset and there are way too many red flags indicating that the seller really doesn't know much about guitars, let alone a vintage Martin.

Oh, I'm not disagreeing at all, I would walk from this as well. I was merely pointing out the seller's lack of finger/key coordination.. LOL

[egordon99]

Originally Posted by rule18

Oh, I'm not disagreeing at all, I would walk from this as well. I was merely pointing out the seller's lack of finger/key coordination.. LOL

And who calls them "tuner mechanisms" anyways? I've always just called them "tuners".

[Stevien]

Also note that a 1983 Martin will not have an adjustable truss rod. Martin didn't phase those in until '85.
Steve

[Goodallboy]

Originally Posted by egordon99

And who calls them "tuner mechanisms" anyways? I've always just called them "tuners".

“Tuning facilitators” in some circles. :-)

[slidestonowhere]

Ha - I was also wondering what "tubings" are. I appreciate the feedback.

[redir]

Originally Posted by slidestonowhere

Good catch. I spoke with the store owner and he did say that the saddle is as low as you can get it.

Does the fact that it's been refretted (by Martin) lower the value?

And does the built-in pickup (also done by Martin) lower the value?

No and no. If anything a refret would increase the value, same could be said for a pickup.

[Sponserv]

Neck reset for $175??? Where do I sign up? LOL

[UncleJesse]

Way too high. I sold a 2017 D41 with a few dings (but perfect neck angle) recently for $3200.

[slidestonowhere]

Thank you all for the helpful feedback.

In the end, I bought this '68 D-35:
https://reverb.com/item/40629810-196...d-35-brazilian

I went and played it and loved the feel and the sound. It's been regretted and the pick guard was replaced, but other than that, it's in amazing condition. The "tubing" mechanisms are the originals

[redir]

Originally Posted by slidestonowhere

Thank you all for the helpful feedback.

In the end, I bought this '68 D-35:
https://reverb.com/item/40629810-196...d-35-brazilian

I went and played it and loved the feel and the sound. It's been regretted and the pick guard was replaced, but other than that, it's in amazing condition. The "tubing" mechanisms are the originals

The guy who sold it might regret it but i know what you mean

That BRW back and sides is beautiful. That's the good stuff, with the spider webbing.

[gfirob]

I'd add that 1983 was about the point that Martin was almost bankrupt (according to Chris Martin) and funky stuff was going on at the factory. I think that year they made only about 3,000 guitars (I had a custom 0028 12 fret made that year and it had a four piece top (?). There is no truss rod and the rosewood or the finishing (whichever) had an odd almost Koa color to it. I have owned 2 Martins from 1983 and they were just odd, though they sounded good.