Is this a lemon?

[YamahaDave]

Any thoughts / expertise regarding this ‘70s Martin for sale would be appreciated…

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-mart...-127635-2958-0

[Zigeuner]

That guitar is too rough for me. The seller is starting the auction at a bit more than it's worth in my estimation.

1. Guessing that it needs a neck reset and re-gluing here and there, inside and out. The condition leads me to believe that it was stored somewhere with extreme humidity.
2. Definitely needs tuners. See #1.
3. The condition of the top looks like someone has been playing Scrabble on it.

I'd run away.

[Howard Emerson]

Originally Posted by YamahaDave

Any thoughts / expertise regarding this ‘70s Martin for sale would be appreciated…

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1972-mart...-127635-2958-0

Dave,
What it REALLY is is a Martin Shenandoah D1832.

If you could see the headstock face more clearly it would be dreadfully apparent, and yes you should laugh at that pun....

....but save your money.

Best regards,
Howard Emerson

[ssstewart]

Originally Posted by Zigeuner

That guitar is too rough for me. The seller is starting the auction at a bit more than it's worth in my estimation.

1. Guessing that it needs a neck reset and re-gluing here and there, inside and out. The condition leads me to believe that it was stored somewhere with extreme humidity.
2. Definitely needs tuners. See #1.
3. The condition of the top looks like someone has been playing Scrabble on it.

I'd run away.

"extreme humidity" : a mushroom farm perhaps? theres a fungus among us. that is one rough mushroomy martin

[Silly Moustache]

Why is the logo on the headstock obscured/
Probably as Howard says.
People buy guitars based on condition (woeful) and brand (obscured).

Therefore it isn't actually, a Martin, it's just a misused poor condition hog dread.

If it doesn't need a neck reset (most '70s Martin styles would) It suggest that it is worth about a third of the base auction price (but I still wouldn't consider it).

[redi]

A friend of mine used to refer to instruments in this condition as "boat paddles".

[JonWint]

Originally Posted by Howard Emerson

Dave,
What it REALLY is is a Martin Shenandoah D1832.

If you could see the headstock face more clearly it would be dreadfully apparent, and yes you should laugh at that pun....

....but save your money.

Best regards,
Howard Emerson

What makes you say this is a Shenandoah? I don't see it on the headstock. Looks like "EST. 1833" to me.

[IMG][/IMG]

[Zigeuner]

Originally Posted by JonWint

What makes you say this is a Shenandoah? I don't see it on the headstock. Looks like "EST. 1833" to me.

[IMG][/IMG]

I'm reasonable certain that it's a genuine Martin D-18.

[runamuck]

That's way over priced, in my opinion.

[JayBee1404]

I’m pretty sure it’s a Martin D-18, not a Shenandoah - the headstock logo clearly says ‘CF Martin & Co, est 1833’. But it’s in poor condition and the likely cost of putting it into good condition (if that’s possible) would deter me from even considering it at that price.

As always, the standard disclaimer applies - IMHO. However, I realise that YMMV, and I’m cool with that.

[Fathand]

I see the auction does have a "MAKE OFFER" button. I believe the seller is on a fishing trip. I'm not familiar with the market value of a 70s D-18 in the UK but if you're looking for a project try offering half.

[YamahaDave]

Don’t worry lads - I won’t be biting.

Enjoyed the comments - especially the mushroom farm! :-)