Joe's Vintage Guitars - Preserving History One Guitar at a Time

Martin Value Guide · October 2026

Vintage Martin Plectrum Guitar Value Guide

A vintage Martin 1-17P is approximately $1,600 to $2,000, a 1-28P is $3,200 to $4,000, and an OM-18P is $6,800 to $8,400 in excellent original condition. Rare variants require individual appraisal.

Comparison Photo: 1927 Martin 5-21 tenor

Four-pin bridge of a 1927 Martin 5-21 tenor used as a comparison for four-string identification
Four-pin bridge on a 1927 Martin 5-21 tenor, shown as a four-string comparison. Plectrum guitars are a different, longer-scale type; four strings alone do not identify one.

Original 1-17P, 1-28P, 000-18P and OM-18P instruments. Tenors and later conversions are separate markets. Compare The Authentication Guide.

Estimated Value Ranges

Approximate retail value references in U.S. dollars for excellent original instruments. Rare models require individual appraisal.

Model And PeriodEstimated Retail Value (USD)
1928 To 1939 1-17P$1,600 to $2,000
1928 To 1930 1-28P$3,200 to $4,000
1930 To 1931 OM-18P$6,800 to $8,400
000-18P And Other Uncommon ExamplesIndividual Appraisal
Converted Or Replacement-Neck GuitarIndividual Appraisal

These ranges are estimates, not confirmed sale prices. Dealer purchase offers and consignment proceeds differ from retail value.

Condition And Originality

Plectrum guitars have a different neck and scale from tenor models. Confirm the full factory model, original neck, bridge and string arrangement. Conversions and replacement necks need separate valuation. The OM-18P range is approximate because the model is scarce.

For the broader comparison, read how repairs and changed parts affect guitar value. If the finish has been changed, the refinish value guide explains full and partial work and why an acoustic needs its own assessment.

Your Martin's Model, Year And Condition

Get A Value For Your Martin

Send photos of the instrument and any repair records for an assessment of your guitar. You can read about Joe Dampt and the instruments he buys before getting in touch.

Photo Credits

Photographs from Joe's Vintage Guitars. Comparison photographs are labeled and do not depict the exact model being valued.

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