I have a 1959 MARTIN guitar to sell. How do I get a fair price?

Question

The guitar has been lovingly used and has one crack on the back that was not professionally repaired. A music store has offered $1700 with plans to sell it for $2400. I would sell it on Ebay or Craig's list, but I don't know what I need to put in the description to get the buyers I need. This is for my Grandpa, so I really want to do this right. Any suggestions? I know NOTHING about guitars.

Answer 1

my answer to your previous question remains. it is exactly the same situation. 1959 was not a great year for martin, gibson or most other brands. your guitar has a flaw that if repaired at any level other than professional will seriously impact the price of the guitar. you may get a little more for the instrument on ebay ( by listing all flaws and scratches, taking great pictures and posting several times ) but instruments with cracks are much harder to sell when not seen in person. since it is a martin, you should mention the # on the inside. it will be a D- then 2 numbers or something like that.

* your guitar is not a collector's item, mueseum quality, or anything really valued in that realm. it is a good quality guitar that is  nice for a player who wants it to use on a regular basis.

* if you are comparing it to values of fender and gibson electrics of that time, the late 50's and early 60's produced the most valueable electric guitars out there.

* if you are comparing it to pre war martins and gibsons, that was the golden age for them.