Advice on 1955 Martin 00-18....

[WhiteSE]

Well, I want this particular guitar because its quite cheaper than the mint super collectors item..

is this reasonable?

clicky (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7314693589&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1)

[WhiteSE]

Anyone in Arlington, Texas who can test play this axe?

[Rockmonton]

i'd say watch the buysell's and stuff for a local used martin, a newer one, that just looks too iffy for me

[WhiteSE]

lol..i know,,,I was hoping it was a good deal going under the radar...I may have to resort to Ederly in Michigan...I love that place..

[Pickoid]

Man, I wouldn't touch that with a 10-ft pole. I can't imagine why they wouldn't have replaced the whole top, instead of splicing in that repair. There is an awful lot of stress concentrated around the bridge - I can't think of a worse place to splice a repair. And who knows what kind of tomfoolery is going on underneath the top to tie it all together. Must be some kind of giant bridge plate under there. It probably doesn't sound like a '55 Martin should. If they had retopped it, it wouldn't sound like a '55 Martin either, but SOMEDAY it might.

[WhiteSE]

Pickoid, thanks for the info...I just am a sucker for guitars that need TLC and a good home, but given that no one i know can play or look at it, I am passing..

BTW, has anyone played an Evensong all graphite guitar?? I heard one the other day and was blown away by it!

[philo426]

This guitar looks pretty beat and the top is very dark.I have seen Martins from the '30's that were not as dark as this one was.I think I would pass and try ti find a better specimen.I think this guitar was abused and/or improperly stored and just looks terrible! :no:

[WhiteSE]

I passed on it...:-)