Send Me Photos
Take clear photos of the front, back, headstock, neck-block stamp and case. Please don't clean or repair the guitar first.
Vintage Martin Specialist
Sell Your Vintage Martin to a Buyer Who Knows What It Is
Vintage guitars have been at the center of my life for more than twelve years. I love learning where an old Martin has been, who played it and the stories that stayed with it. Send me a few photos of your D-18, D-28, 0, 00, 000, OM or other vintage Martin and tell me what you know. I'll look it over myself and, if it's a guitar I can buy, make you a cash offer with no obligation.
Read Guitar StoriesInsured Nationwide ShippingNo ObligationDeal Directly With Joe
12+Years Buying Full-Time
10,000+Instruments Appraised
50States Bought From
2,100+Positive Reviews
Talk With Me
Tell Me About Your Martin
You don't need to know the model, year or value. Send me whatever photos you have and tell me anything you know about the guitar. I'll look it over myself and get back to you.
If you'd like to know the ideal photos to send, read the six-photo guide.
Call or Text (602) 900-6635How It Works
Selling Your Martin Doesn't Have to Be Complicated
You'll deal with me from the first message through payment. Here's what I need to get started.
I'll Look It Over
I'll identify the model and year, then check the construction details, condition and repairs that affect its value. There's no charge for the appraisal.
I'll Make an Offer
If it's a guitar I can buy, I'll make you a cash offer. You're free to accept it or turn it down.
Agree On Shipping And Payment
If you decide to sell, we'll agree on the shipping and payment method before the guitar moves.
Nationwide Shipping
A Simple, Proven Way to Ship Your Vintage Martin
Sellers across the country have trusted me with valuable and sentimental guitars. I explain the prepaid FedEx process with the offer so you can consider the shipping arrangements before deciding.
We agree on the shipping and payment details before the guitar moves, and I stay available throughout the process.
There's no shipping cost to you. Through my special FedEx account, the box, professional packing, fully insured shipping and tracking are all provided at the FedEx location.
What You Receive With the Offer
- A clear explanation of the process
- Shipping and insurance details
- Your choice of payment method
What I Handle if You Decide to Sell
- Prepaid shipping arrangements
- Transit coverage and tracking
- Same-day payment in most cases
From Sellers Who Used the Process
Read What Sellers Said
These comments come from people who shipped guitars to me. Each one links to the original Google review.
★★★★★
“The entire process of selling/shipping is flawless, simple and time saving.”Jessica HammondRead the Google Review★★★★★
“The shipping process following was very straightforward.”Larry HattierRead the Google Review★★★★★
“Within 20 minutes the guitar's were on there way to him & the money was in my account.”Bobbie Jo Kelly GreeneRead the Google Review
Current Vintage Martin Values
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.
These broad ranges come from my Martin D-28, D-18 and D-45 value guide and are current as of August 2026.
Want an appraisal for your guitar?Visit the Free Appraisal Page| 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 a starting point, not an appraisal.
What Goes Into My Offer
The Details I Check Before I Make an Offer
Model and Year
A prewar D-28 starts in a different place than a 1960s D-28, just as an early 000 or OM can differ sharply from a later example.
Tonewoods and Bracing
Brazilian rosewood, Adirondack spruce and original scalloped bracing can have a major effect on collector demand and value.
Read the Martin dreadnought value guideOriginal Finish and Parts
The original finish, bridge, tuners, pickguard and internal work all matter. Keep every replaced part with the guitar.
Condition and Repairs
Cracks, neck resets and bridge work are common on old acoustics. Good repairs can keep a guitar playable, but they still affect the offer.
Case and Paperwork
An original case, receipts, warranty papers, repair records and replaced parts should stay together with the guitar.
Ownership History
Family photographs and a clear original-owner story can add context and value that the serial number alone cannot show.
Read Bill Minnich's D-28 storyFor more detail, read how I determine the value of an old Martin, use the Martin serial-number guide or compare Martin 0, 00 and 000 models.
Real Guitars, Real Prices
What I Have Paid for Vintage Martin Guitars
These are seven vintage Martins I bought and the actual cash price I paid for each one. Every guitar is different, so what I can 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
I'll tell you what your Martin is worth. The appraisal is free, and there's no obligation to sell.
Tell Me About Your MartinWhat To Send
Six Photos That Help Me Make An Accurate Offer
Clear, straight-on photos help me evaluate your Martin and determine what I can pay. Use natural light, and don't loosen strings or take the guitar apart.
- 01Full FrontInclude the entire body and headstock.
- 02Full BackShow the neck, body and any wear or repairs.
- 03Headstock FrontKeep the logo, tuners and nut in view.
- 04Neck-Block StampPhotograph the model and serial number through the soundhole.
- 05Bridge and TopShow the bridge, pickguard, soundhole and any cracks or repairs.
- 06Case and PaperworkInclude tags, receipts, old parts and family photos.
Guitars I've Bought
Original Owners and the Stories Behind Their Martins
These Martins arrived with the names, photographs and memories of the people who played them. I preserve those stories so they can travel with the instruments.
One Family, Apache Junction
One Family From New: A 1946 Martin D-28
The original owner's grandson shared this herringbone D-28 and the family connection that stayed with it.
Read the Complete Story
One Owner, Iowa
Linda Gayle's One-Owner 1949 Martin 0-18
Linda toured Iowa, played on local radio and kept this small Martin through a lifetime of music.
Read the Complete Story
One Owner, A Lifetime of Music
Bill Minnich's One-Owner 1955 Martin D-28
Bill bought it new in 1955. It followed him through Navy service, disappeared for seven years and returned to his family.
Read the Complete Story
Meet the Buyer
I'm Joe Dampt
I buy vintage Martin acoustic guitars from owners in all 50 states. My offers are higher than a typical trade-in or local music-store offer, and every appraisal and cash offer is free with no obligation. When an in-person meeting makes sense, I can inspect the guitar and buy it on the spot.
I've spent more than twelve years buying vintage guitars full-time and have appraised more than 10,000 instruments. I own Joe's Vintage Guitars in Mesa, Arizona, where I meet sellers by appointment. I can meet many owners in the Phoenix area, and sellers elsewhere can use my prepaid FedEx process.
I pay attention to the things that separate one Martin from another: the neck-block stamp, tonewoods, bracing, finish, bridge, tuners, repairs and the story that came with it. If I can buy your guitar, I'll explain what I see and make you an offer.
Published by Vintage Verified
Learn More About JoeVintage Verified is an independent Nashville lab that analyzes the finishes, plastics and hardware on vintage guitars without buying, selling or valuing them. I enjoyed contributing a guest essay about the authentication lessons I've learned from years of handling vintage instruments.
Read My Vintage Verified Essay
Provenance Matters
Original Photos And Stories Can Add To My Offer
When a Martin comes with original-owner photographs, receipts or a well-documented family story, I put real value on that history. Meaningful provenance can increase what I'm willing to pay because the people and stories behind vintage guitars matter to me.
I keep those materials with the guitar. I often print the owner's story and place it inside the case so the next owner knows who played it before them.
Bill Minnich bought this D-28 new in 1955. His son Steve later shared the guitar and its remarkable history with me. If you inherited a Martin, keep the case, old parts, receipts and photographs together, then send me everything you have.
Read Bill Minnich's D-28 StoryFor Sellers Who Want To Learn More
Learn More About Your Martin Before You Sell
You don't have to research your guitar before contacting me. That's what I'm here to help with. Send me what you know, and I'll work through the details myself.
If you'd like to learn more before deciding whether to sell, these Martin resources explain how serial numbers, parts, production totals and model years fit together. I enjoy working with sellers who've done some research because it makes it easier to talk through the guitar, explain my offer and make sure we're on the same page.
Martin Models I Buy
Vintage Martin Guitars I Buy
I buy vintage Martin dreadnoughts, 0, 00, 000 and OM guitars from owners across the country. The cards below show some of the eras and models I'm looking for. If you don't see your Martin listed, send it anyway. I also buy unusual models, mandolins, complete guitar collections and guitars with old repairs or changed parts.
Tell Me About Your Martin
1930s Through The 1960sMartin D-18
I pay close attention to prewar examples, Adirondack spruce tops, scalloped bracing and clean postwar guitars.
Read the Martin D-18 guide
1930s Through The 1960sMartin D-28
Herringbone D-28s and Brazilian rosewood examples from the 1930s through the late 1960s are always of interest.
Read the Martin dreadnought value guide
1800s Through The 1960sMartin 0 Models
I buy 0-18, 0-21 and 0-28 guitars, including early 12-fret examples and well-played family instruments.
Compare Martin 0, 00 and 000 models
1900s Through The 1960sMartin 00 Models
I buy Grand Concert 00-18, 00-21 and 00-28 guitars in both 12-fret and 14-fret configurations.
Read the small-body Martin guide
1920s Through The 1970sMartin 000 Models
I buy vintage 000-18, 000-21, 000-28 and rare high-trim 000 models with original or well-documented features.
Compare vintage Martin 000 models
1929 Through The 1930sMartin OM Models
Original Orchestra Models are especially scarce. I look closely at body shape, scale length, neck joint and period-correct construction.
Use the Martin model and serial guide
Prewar Through The 1970sMartin Style 40, 41, 42 and 45
I buy high-trim Martins with pearl inlay, from rare early examples through carefully documented later guitars.
Review vintage Martin values
Late 1950s Through The 1960sMartin Electric Models
I buy factory D-18E and D-28E guitars along with other unusual Martin electrics and thin-line models.
Compare the Martin D-18E and D-28E
Reviews From Sellers
What People Say After Selling Me a Guitar
These reviews are from people who sold guitars to me. Click any one to read the original review on Google.
★★★★★
“Fair, courteous, gracious and trustworthy.”Adrienne YoungSold a 1920s MartinRead the Google Review★★★★★
“They took the time to look at the photos of my Martin D18 and emailed back an appraisal.”Tony MichaudReceived a Martin D-18 appraisalRead the Google Review★★★★★
“He made a very fair offer immediately!”Larry HattierSold a loved vintage guitarRead the Google Review★★★★★
“He offered me an excellent price, & helped me through the process of getting them to him.”Bobbie Jo Kelly GreeneSold three inherited vintage guitarsRead the Google Review★★★★★
“His offer was fair and we appreciated how quickly our brother's collection was moved from another state.”Marie CoyleSold an inherited guitar collectionRead the Google Review★★★★★
“The entire process of selling/shipping is flawless, simple and time saving.”Jessica HammondCompared several offers before sellingRead the Google Review
Questions Martin Owners Ask Me
Before You Sell a Vintage Martin
You don't need to identify or clean the guitar before contacting me. Send what you know, and I'll help with the rest.
Should I Clean or Repair My Martin First?
No. Please leave the guitar as you found it. Cleaning, polishing or repairing it can remove clues I use to judge originality. Old cracks and repairs do not rule out a purchase, so send photos before doing any work.
How Can I Tell How Old My Martin Is?
Look through the soundhole for the model and serial number stamped on the neck block. Send me a clear photograph of that stamp, and I can help identify the guitar and its year.
What Factors Affect the Value of a Vintage Martin?
The model, year, tonewoods, bracing, condition, original finish and original parts all matter. Repairs such as a neck reset, bridge replacement, refinishing or crack work can also change the value.
Which Vintage Martin Models Are Most Valuable?
Pre-War D-45, D-28 and D-18 guitars can be especially valuable. Early OM and 000 models, Brazilian rosewood guitars and clean original examples also attract strong collector interest. The exact value still depends on the individual guitar.
Do You Buy Martins With Cracks, Repairs or a Refinish?
Yes. Cracks, neck resets, bridge work and refinishes are common on old acoustics. Condition and originality affect the offer, but they do not automatically rule out a purchase. Show the work clearly in your photographs.
Does the Original Case Increase the Value?
It can. An original case, receipts, warranty papers, repair records and replaced parts may add value or help document the guitar. Keep everything together and include it in your photographs.
How Do I Sell an Inherited Martin Guitar?
Start with photographs, even if you do not know the model or year. Keep the case, old parts, receipts and family photographs with the guitar. I can identify it, explain what affects its value and make an offer if it is a Martin I can buy.
Can I Sell My Martin Without Original Paperwork?
Yes. Paperwork can add helpful context, but it is not required. Clear photographs of the guitar, neck-block stamp, case and any repairs usually give me enough information to begin an appraisal.
Can You Appraise a Martin From Photographs?
Clear photographs usually give me enough information for an initial appraisal and, when the details are visible, a purchase offer. I may ask for a few close-ups before giving you a final answer.
How Does Shipping Work if I Sell My Martin to You?
I explain the process with the offer. Through my special FedEx account, the box, professional packing, fully insured shipping and tracking are provided at the FedEx location at no cost to you.
How and How Fast Do I Get Paid?
Payment is usually completed the same day. I can pay cash when we meet in person, and shipped-guitar payment options include money order, Venmo, PayPal, Cash App, Zelle and bank transfer.
Do I Have to Accept the Offer?
No. The appraisal and offer are free, and there is no obligation to sell. You can consider the offer and shipping details together before deciding.
Ready To Sell?
Ready To Sell Your Martin?
Send a few photos for a same-day appraisal and a no-obligation cash offer from Joe.
Talk With
Joe Today
Have a vintage guitar to sell or a question? I’m here to help.