1968 martin d18 guitar serial number 230857

by raymond
(hicksville,ohio)

Wondering what the value is. it has the pickguard missing but in good condition and has the case with it. we also have the original receipt with the amount and place where bought. my dad bought it new in 1968. and should we replace the pickguard or leave it alone?

ANSWER

Hi, Raymond--

First of all, DO NOT replace the pickguard. Anything that is not original will subtract more from the value than will a missing pickguard.

Here is the Blue Book general info on your guitar:

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.

Here is the Blue Book pricing info:

1968-1969
Excellent $2,500 - 3,000
Average $1,650 - 2,000

If the guitar is in otherwise great shape, the missing pickguard should not reduce it from the "Excellent" category. The original receipt and the original case will help to keep the value up.

If you are thinking of selling the guitar, we have a new Guitar Classifieds on the site.

Best Wishes,
Lynne