1938 D-18 Martin Guitar

I am trying to get the value of a 1938 D-18 Martin Guitar. It was left to me by my grandfather. Do you know who I can get a formal appraisal from for my insurance company? Thanks for your help.

ANSWER

Hi, Sean--

Here is the Blue Book info on your guitar:

1934-1938

Excellent $33,000 - 40,000
Average $24,000 - 28,000

****Add 50% for Sunburst finish mfg. during the 1930s.

Here is some additional information:

D-18
- dreadnought body style, solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, round soundhole with three-stripe purfling/rosette, five-ply top binding, one-ply back binding with rosewood (1932-36), tortoise (1936-1966), or black (1966-present) outer layer, 12/19-fret (1932-34) or 14/20-fret (1934-present), ebony fingerboard (1932-1947) or rosewood fingerboard (1947-present) with pearl dot inlays, three-per-side chrome tuners, ebony bridge (1932-1947) or rosewood bridge (1947-present) with black white dot pins, tortoise (1936-1966) or black (1966-present) pickguard, available in Natural or Sunburst (optional) finish, 25.4 in. scale, mfg. 1932-present.

This information should help you with your insurance company.

Best Wishes,
Lynne