Adrienne Young
★★★★★
Fair, courteous, gracious and trustworthy – it was a pleasure doing business with this company – feeling no regrets after selling our 1920’s Martin on to these folks – we highly recommend. Thank you!
Sell Your Vintage Martin Guitar
Expert Martin Guitar Buyer and Collector Specializing in Vintage Acoustic Guitars
There’s something special about a Martin acoustic. Martins mean a lot to me, and I’m always looking to buy vintage ones. I want Martin D-18s, D-28s, 0-18s, 00-18s, 000-18s, 000-28s, D-45s, and just about any other vintage Martin, and I’ll consider any Martin built before 1970. If you’re looking for a trusted Martin guitar buyer, you’ve come to the right place. I’m based in Mesa, Arizona, and I buy vintage Martins in all 50 states. I’ll make you a fair cash offer, then play it myself or make sure it goes to someone who will. And if you just want to know what your Martin is worth, I can tell you. If you’ve got a vintage Martin you’d like to sell, call or text me at (602) 900-6635 or email me at joesvintageguitars94@gmail.com.
The model and serial number are stamped on the neck block, visible through the soundhole. Include both in your message if you can.
Table Of Contents
- Introducing Joe Dampt, A Martin Guitar Connoisseur
- How To Sell Your Vintage Martin Guitar
- How Much Is My Martin Guitar Worth?
- What I Have Paid For Vintage Martin Guitars
- Where To Sell Your Martin Guitar For The Best Price
- My Guitar Buying Process
- Our Clients’ Testimonials
- Identify Your Martin Guitar’s Model & Value
- Looking To Sell? Joe’s Vintage Guitars Is Ready to Buy
- Receive The Best Cash Deal for Your Vintage Martin Guitars
- FAQs About Vintage Martin Guitars
Introducing Joe Dampt, A Martin Guitar Connoisseur
My name is Joe, and I’m in this to keep musical history alive, one guitar at a time. To me a vintage Martin isn’t just an instrument; it’s a piece of American history. Whether you have a pre-war Dreadnought or a classic 000, I treat every Martin with real respect. I grew up on the players who defined the Martin sound, Doc Watson, Merle Travis, and Ernest Tubb, and I keep that in mind on every guitar I look at. If you want to sell a vintage Martin, or just want to know what it’s worth, I can help. The evaluation is free, and the process is honest and gets you top dollar. I’d love to hear your guitar’s history and help you figure out the next step. Call me at (602) 900-6635 or email joesvintageguitars94@gmail.com today.
How To Sell Your Vintage Martin Guitar
I travel all over the country buying acoustic guitars, which often means I can come to you and buy yours in person. I want selling a vintage Martin to be as easy and safe as possible, so I handle all the logistics for you. Here is the whole process:
- Send Photos And The Serial Number. Text or email a few photos, plus the neck block stamp through the soundhole if you can get it.
- Get My Offer. I look at every guitar personally and come back fast with a fair cash number.
- Pickup Or Insured Shipping. I come to you when I can. Otherwise I arrange prepaid, fully insured packing and shipping at no cost to you.
- Get Paid, Same Day On Average. Cash in person, or your choice of transfer the moment we have a deal.
If we can’t meet in person, I set up prepaid packing and shipping with no risk to you. I cover the cost and provide the right materials for a fragile vintage acoustic. From the moment it’s packed to the moment it arrives, it’s fully insured and handled by me. You get paid quickly and safely, with no packing headaches, no shipping risk, and no lost boxes. Contact me today to get top dollar for your vintage Martin without the stress.
How Much Is My Martin Guitar Worth?
It depends on the model, the year, the condition, and how original it is. Send me a few photos and I’ll give you a free appraisal with a clear answer. It’s quick, accurate, and there’s no obligation to sell. To give you a feel for the market, here are the broad ranges from my Martin D-28, D-18 and D-45 value guide, current as of August 2026:
| Pre-War D-45 (1936 to 1942) | $450,000 to $675,000 |
| Pre-War D-28 (1931 to 1944) | $80,000 to $300,000 |
| Pre-War D-18 (1931 to 1944) | $25,000 to $110,000 |
| D-28 (1950 to 1959) | $12,000 to $19,000 |
| D-28 (1960 to 1969) | $6,000 to $11,500 |
| D-18 (1950 to 1959) | $7,000 to $11,000 |
Condition, originality, and repairs move every one of these numbers, so treat them as the map, not the appraisal. If you want to dig deeper, I’ve written a guide on how to determine the value of your old Martin acoustic guitar, and my Martin Serial Number Guide helps you pin down the exact year and production details. You might be just curious, or you might be ready to sell. Either way, I’ll make sure you have what you need.
What I Have Paid For Vintage Martin Guitars
Sellers always want to know what a dealer will really pay. Here are seven vintage Martins I bought, along with the actual cash price I paid for each one. Every guitar is different, so what I pay for yours depends on its year, condition, and originality.
1947 Martin D-28
I Paid$28,000
1945 Martin D-18
I Paid$13,000
1949 Martin 000-28
I Paid$11,000
1947 Martin 00-21
I Paid$7,500
1960 Martin 000-18
I Paid$6,700
1931 Martin 0-18K
I Paid$5,000
Your Martin Could Be Next
Send me a few photos and I will tell you what your Martin is worth. The appraisal is free, and there is no obligation to sell.
Get A Free AppraisalWhere To Sell Your Martin Guitar For The Best Price
It’s worth understanding the trade-offs between selling privately and selling to a Martin collector or dealer. A private sale can work out, but I wouldn’t recommend it for a first-time seller with a high-end acoustic worth over $4,000. There’s real liability in it, especially around shipping and buyer disputes. Martins react to temperature and humidity, so shipping one is tricky and takes know-how to avoid damaging the guitar.
I take the worry out of it with nationwide shipping and proper packing. Unlike a private seller who might be underinsured, I carry high-value insurance made for vintage instruments, so the guitar’s covered from the moment it leaves your door.
If you do sell privately, platforms like Reverb.com offer some protection, but watch out for the high selling fees, and remember marketplaces usually side with the buyer in a dispute. Sell to me and you skip the shipping stress and the risk of a forced return. I handle the logistics, the insurance, and the packing, so you can focus on getting top dollar for your Martin. And if you would rather chase the highest sale price than sell outright, ask me about consignment.
My Guitar Buying Process
Precise Martin Identification
After decades of doing this, I can date and identify your guitar down to the construction details. I’m always glad to talk through the history of a vintage Martin, from the bracing patterns to the tonewoods that make it what it is. I’ll work out the real market value so you know exactly what your guitar is worth.
A Trusted Home For Your Beloved Martin
Over the years I’ve bought a lot of heirlooms and historic acoustics that weren’t being played anymore. When you sell me a vintage Martin, I promise it’ll be appreciated, well cared for, and played the way it should be. I take being a caretaker for these ‘Golden Era’ instruments seriously, and I make sure they go to a good home.
Transparent Cash Offer
I’m always ready to pay top dollar for vintage Martins and other quality collectible guitars. I work to be one of the best buyers in the country, with strong cash offers on everything from pre-war Dreadnoughts to classic 00-21s. If you want to sell your Martin through a safe, straightforward process, reach out for a free evaluation today.
Our Clients’ Testimonials
- 400+ Five Star Google Reviews
- 2,000+ Five Star Reverb Reviews
- 12+ Years of Professional Experience
- Guitars Bought in All 50 States
- Same Day Payment
A Pre-War Martin specialist, featured by KJZZ 91.5, Phoenix’s NPR affiliate
Tony Michaud
★★★★★
If you are looking to get your guitar appraised, I highly recommend reaching out to Joe’s vintage guitar’s. Even though they are a busy place, they took the time to look at the photos of my Martin D18 and emailed back an appraisal…and they were super nice!! Thanks Joe’s Vintage Guitar’s!!
Larry Hattier
★★★★★
I had a loved vintage guitar I decided to sell, but wanted to engage a professional vintage guitar business, who understood the vintage market and would make a fair offer for my guitar. I was a first timer to the experience and Joseph at Joes Vintage guitars was absolutely fantastic to work with and made the process simple to understand. He was prompt to take my call, answered all my questions, I simply sent pictures, and he made a very fair offer immediately! And the shipping process following was very straightforward. He sends you all the details of where to bring it, how to pack it, how to label it, and Joes directly takes care of all of the boxing/packing and shipping costs (outside of the seller properly packing it in its case). He was also fast to respond when I had any questions about the process. They also had paid me the same day as well for my guitar. I can’t say enough about the great experience I had and would highly recommend Joes Vintage guitars to anyone looking to sell a vintage guitar, but confused about the process, since they make it so easy. 200% recommend!!
I had 3 Vintage guitars that belonged to my Daddy. He was 96 when he passed away almost 3 years ago. I was ready to let them go as it was time. I found Joe here on Google. He was completely understanding & I sent him pictures. He offered me an excellent price, & helped me through the process of getting them to him. I went to FedEx he has an account & within 20 minutes the guitar's were on there way to him & the money was in my account. Very satisfied & thankful for his helpful attitude & promptness in helping me. I recommend him very highly & also very trustworthy. This is the way to do business.
Marie Coyle
★★★★★
The best transaction ever! I highly recommend Joe's services. My beloved brother's collection was overwhelming to know how to evaluate and process, in the wake of his recent passing. I called Joe and he was kind and experienced, and promptly shared his expertise with no expectation of a sale. The process with Joe seemed so "right" for my family and I to pursue. His offer was fair and we appreciated how quickly our brother's collection was moved from another state (within days of initial contact!) and we know that our brother's guitars are now in the possession of someone who fully appreciates his unique collection, which was so dear to him. Thank you, Joe!
Jessica Hammond
★★★★★
I wish I could give Joe more than 5 stars. He appraised 2 guitars for me incredibly quickly at no cost. He purchased a third one from me at a price that I’m certain cannot be beat by other online buyers (I had an inbox of offers from other places where I entered information for appraisals). The entire process of selling/shipping is flawless, simple and time saving. This is coming from someone who not only can’t believe I’m typing this but still can’t believe how smoothly the transaction went. He provided me with an unbelievable experience-almost felt as if I found a passionate local shop yet it was all done via technology and FedEx where he has an account and I, as others mentioned, received full payment before leaving FedEx. Nothing stated on his website is exaggerated- everything is risk free and up until the very end, seemed too good to be true but it’s ALL 100%. I will forever recommend Joe’s vintage guitars!! I will also probably have questions for him in the future as I continue to clear out guitars/guitar equipment. THANK YOU once again!
1923 Martin 0-21, Player Grade
A century old and every bit as sweet as ever
Compact body, vintage voice, and loads of character. This 1923 Martin 0-21 is a genuine player, the kind of guitar that rewards every hour you put into it.
Martin, Nearly 200 Years Old
Almost two centuries old, and in great condition
Some instruments just survive. This one thrived. A Martin pushing nearly 200 years old and still looking great, thanks to the care it’s had over the generations.
1966 Martin D-28
A D-28 from one of Martin’s finest decades
The 1960s were a great decade for Martin dreadnoughts, and this 1966 D-28 shows why. Big, balanced, and built to last, exactly what a good Martin should be.
Looking To Sell? Joe’s Vintage Guitars Is Ready to Buy
I love these guitars, and I want them to keep being cherished and played. Whether I keep one myself or pass it to someone who’ll appreciate it as much as I do, I want to honor its history. The stories behind these guitars matter to me as much as the guitars. When I buy one, I hang onto photos of the original owner and the history that comes with it. I write those stories up, print them, fold them, and put them in the case, so the players of the past live on through their instruments.
Linda’s 1950s Martin 0-18
I got to meet Linda, a musician who spent years sharing her music, including playing this very 1950s Martin 0-18 on the radio years ago. For her this guitar wasn’t just wood and wire; it was a companion through a lifetime of broadcasts and songs. When she decided she was ready to pass it on, I took that history seriously and wrote her story down so the next player knows what this guitar has been part of. Moments like that, keeping the connection between a player like Linda and her Martin alive, are why I do this.
Receive The Best Cash Deal for Your Vintage Martin Guitars
Martin D-18
Buying Pre-War and Golden Era D-18s. I pay a premium for mahogany-body dreadnoughts with original scalloped bracing and Adirondack spruce tops.
Martin D-28
Buying vintage herringbone D-28s. I know the Brazilian Rosewood models from the 1930s through the late ’60s well.
Martin 0-18, 0-21, 0-28
Buying Single-0 Martin models. I like the projection and history of these early concert-sized guitars.
Martin 00-18, 00-21, 00-28
Strong cash offers on Grand Concert 00 models. I can spot the rare 12-fret and 14-fret configurations with original finishes.
Martin 000-18, 21, 28
Buying vintage 000 ‘Auditorium’ models. I pay top dollar for Pre-War examples and clean, original 000-28 guitars.
Martin OM Models
Looking for original Orchestra Model (OM) Martins. I know how rare the 1929 to 1933 era is and pay a premium for authentic examples.
Martin D-45, 42, 41, 40
Buying high-trim Martin dreadnoughts. I know the original abalone pearl inlay and the rare early production numbers.
Martin Electric Models
Looking for rare 1960s Martin electrics like the D-18E and D-28E and thin-line hollow bodies. These models have an unusual place in Martin’s history, and I appreciate them.
FAQs About Vintage Martin Guitars
What Should I Look For In An Appraiser When Evaluating My Vintage Martin Guitar?
Work with someone who specializes in vintage and high-end acoustics. I’ve handled a lot of Martins and I know the details that actually move the value: model variations, serial numbers, tonewoods, and original parts. I base every evaluation on current market trends and years of hands-on work, so you get a clear, honest read on what your guitar is worth.
How Much Is My Vintage Martin Guitar Worth?
It depends on the model, the year, the condition, and how original it is. Pre-war models and Brazilian rosewood guitars sit at the top of the market, and clean, all-original examples bring the most. The fastest way to a real answer is to send me a few photos for a free appraisal. I’ll tell you exactly what you have and what it’s worth in today’s market, with no obligation to sell.
What Factors Affect The Value Of A Vintage Martin Guitar?
A few things drive the value: the model, the year, overall condition, how original the parts are, and any modifications or repairs. Pre-war models and Brazilian rosewood guitars are especially in demand. I also factor in how it plays, how it sounds, and what the market’s doing. I’ve got the experience to assess your guitar accurately and give you a fair appraisal.
Are There Specific Martin Guitar Models That Are More Sought-After?
Yes. A few Martin models are always in demand with collectors and players: pre-war D-28s and D-18s, 1930s OM and 000 models, and anything with Brazilian rosewood. Limited editions and clean, well-kept vintage instruments draw strong interest too. I know how to spot these high-value models and can tell you exactly what you have and where it sits in today’s market.
Should I Clean Or Repair My Martin Before Selling It?
No, please don’t. Leave it exactly as it is. A well-meant cleaning or a quick repair can actually hurt the value of a vintage Martin, because collectors pay for originality, right down to the dust and the worn spots. Don’t polish it and don’t have anything fixed. Send me photos of the guitar as it sits and let me take a look first.
Do You Buy Martins With Cracks, Repairs, Or A Refinish?
Yes. Old Martins have usually lived a little, and cracks, repairs, and even refinishes don’t scare me off. Condition and originality change the offer, not my interest. A worn guitar with its original finish is often worth more than one that’s been made pretty again, so don’t assume yours is too rough to sell. Send photos and I’ll give you a straight answer.
How Do I Sell An Inherited Martin Guitar?
Start with photos, even if you don’t know what the guitar is. The model and serial number are stamped on the neck block inside the body, visible through the soundhole, so include a shot of that stamp if you can. I’ll identify the guitar, tell you what year it was made, and give you a free appraisal so your family knows its fair value. No paperwork is needed, and I make a point of preserving the story that comes with the guitar.
Can I Sell My Vintage Martin Guitar Without Original Paperwork?
Yes, you can sell a vintage Martin without the original paperwork. A bill of sale or warranty card adds context, but it’s not required to confirm authenticity or value. I inspect each guitar closely to verify its originality and condition, and I’ve bought and appraised plenty of valuable Martins with no paperwork at all. Clear photos and any history you know help, but what matters is the guitar itself.
How And How Fast Do I Get Paid?
Fast. My average turnaround for payment is the same day. I can often travel to you and pay cash in person, and if we ship instead I can pay by money order, Venmo, PayPal, Cashapp, Zelle, or bank transfer. More than one seller has had the money in their account before leaving the FedEx parking lot.
What Does Pre-War Mean For Martin Guitars?
Collectors use pre-war for Martins built before the WWII era spec changes, roughly 1944 and earlier, with 1930s examples the most coveted. These typically carry a meaningful premium over comparable post-war guitars, though actual value still depends on the model, condition, and originality. If you’re not sure where yours lands, send me photos and I’ll tell you.
Talk With
Joe Today
Have a vintage guitar to sell or a question? I’m here to help.