1996 Martin HD-40MS Marty Stuart Signature Guitar

by John Sauter
(DeKalb, IL USA)

I am thinking about purchasing this guitar from a private party and was wondering if you could give me a blue book value to see if his price is reasonable. He is currently asking $4000.00. The condition of the guitar is as follows:

This guitar is number 164 of 250 guitars made. The current owner thinks it was made in 1998 or 1999. It is in perfect condition except for a very small ding on the top (can't even photograph) and a very light/small scratch on the back (again, can't photograph). Beyond that, everything is original and in new condition. Comes with original hard shell case which is in perfect condition as well. The guitar was kept in its case with a humidifier and was never played outside of his home. Also, the current owner bought it new at a guitar shop for whom he worked and gave me references to contact if I desired.

He sent me photos, but I wasn't sure if it would be right to forward them to you. From what I can see, there are no visible defects on the guitar.

I have seen these guitars in the past for around $3500.00, so I'm wondering if I should make him an offer.

Thanks in advance for your help!

John

ANSWER

Hi, John--

Here is the Blue Book general info:

HD-40MS MARTY STUART (1996)
- dreadnought 14-fret-style body, solid Sitka spruce top, solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, standard X scalloped forward-shifted bracing, round soundhole with herringbone pearl rosette, grained ivoroid binding, fine herringbone top inlay, B/W back inlay, fine herringbone back purfling, mahogany neck, 14/20-fret ebony fingerboard with 103-piece Marty Stuart designed pearl/abalone/recomposite stone fingerboard inlay (steer horns, horseshoes, dice, hearts, and flowers) and 20th fret Marty Stuart signature inlay, grained ivoroid-bound headstock with solid Indian rosewood overlay and gold foil logo, three-per-side gold Gotoh tuners with Butterbean knobs, ebony belly bridge, white bridge pins with pearl dots, tortoise color pickguard, label signed by CFM IV and Marty Stuart, Natural polished gloss finish, 25.4 in. scale, case included, limited edition run of 250 instruments, mfg. 1996 only.

The pricing info:

Excellent $3,000 - 3,500
Average $2,050 - 2,400

Lynne