How much is a Vintage 1966 Martin D-28 Guitar Braz. Rosewood worth?

[Rosewood99]

Found this ad in my local Craigs list. It's only an hour away and I might check it out. Is this 3.5K a good price?

d-28.jpg

[drive-south]

If its really BRW and in good shape thats a very good price.

[Dwight]

Check it out, maybe price a new top.

[Acousticado]

Originally Posted by Dwight

Curious why they would sell it for $3500 when they know it's worth more. I would think any guitar dealer would take that off their hands. Sounds like a two good to be true story to me.

In the text, the seller acknowledges a poor refin on the top and likely bridge replacement, so that’s probably why.

[Rosewood99]

Originally Posted by Acousticado

In the text, the seller acknowledges a poor refin on the top and likely bridge replacement, so that’s probably why.

Correct, but is the price low enough to justify getting the top refinished?
I have no clue how much that would cost.

[Br1ck]

I've played some really bad Brazilian D 28s. Buyer beware.

[Rosewood99]

Originally Posted by Br1ck

I've played some really bad Brazilian D 28s. Buyer beware.

It's local so I'll be able to play it first. But how much would refinishing be and could it even be done?

[seesound]

I could not pay that much for something that has had a poor repair effort-this greatly reduces the value and is almost impossible to bring it back to "normal"
my 2 cents...

[Rosewood99]

Originally Posted by seesound

I could not pay that much for something that has had a poor repair effort-this greatly reduces the value and is almost impossible to bring it back to "normal"
my 2 cents...

So it definitely cannot be refinished?

[mcduffnw]

Originally Posted by paulzoom

So it definitely cannot be refinished?

Sure it can definitely be refinished.

The cost will vary by who does it, you know...local tech vs TJ Thompson...that kinda thing...how much needs to be done, and/or how much you want to pay for to be done over and above the minimum needed work...and if there are any structural issues they will have to deal with in the process.

I would hazard a guess on the low side of $600 to $1,000, and then up.

At that price it is being offered at...it won't last long if it is any good at all, as someone who can do the work themselves will likely buy it to fix and flip...or someone who just wants a good beater vintage D-28.

If you are gonna move on it...move quick!

duff
Be A Player...Not A Polisher

[Acousticado]

Originally Posted by paulzoom

So it definitely cannot be refinished?

Of course it can, but at what cost/benefit? Imo, it won’t devalue the guitar further because that ship has already sailed. The best thing you can do is to go see and play it. If the seller won’t agree to go with you somewhere where the guitar repair can be evaluated “in the wood”, then at least take pics and send somewhere reputable for an opinion, including to learn what the guitar will be worth if you chooses to refin. Good luck!

[seesound]

Not saying it couldn't be, but I am thinking it will cost well more than a grand to have someone reputable do it..and gosh only knows what else they attempted to repair along they way.

Originally Posted by paulzoom

It's local so I'll be able to play it first. But how much would refinishing be and could it even be done?

The refinish doesn't look that bad. Unless it looks worse in person, I'd be tempted to leave it. Just add a better guard.

The big issue with a refinish, beyond the value, is whether or not they thinned to top excessively. A pro refinish will not hurt the guitar structurally, but amateurs often sand and thin the top such that it is structurally compromised. If that's the case, then the guitar is a good candidate for conversion, meaning re-topping it, usually the style of the 1930's. They only way to know for sure is to have a good repairman evaluate it and/or measure top thickness.

In round numbers I'd expect a top refinish to be about $1,000, though I have not priced that work anytime recently. They have to remove the neck and bridge, so there is a considerable amount of work involved.

[Mycroft]

Originally Posted by paulzoom

So it definitely cannot be refinished?

You should ask that question of your local luthier, or at least in the Build and Repair forum.

Go look at it. Play it. Listen to it. Keep in mind that there is a difference between "pretty" and "playable." It may be ugly and play like a monster. Or it may be a pig with lipstick.

[guitar george]

Looks like the seller has researched these guitars quite a bit. If the rest of the guitar is "pristine", as stated, you couldn't lose much. Offer $3,000.00 and see what happens.