Martin 00-18 1952

Serial #127132, so a 1952 00-18. The guitar is in very good condition--clean, few scratches, a small crack on the side and another by the pick guard.

My question is that I think the crack by the pick guard was made worse by damage during shipping. The seller had described the crack as "microscopic"--verified by very detailed photographs. The crack isn't huge now, but I am wondering how much a second, now quite noticeable crack would decrease the value of the guitar.

Thanks, Adam

ANSWER

Hi, Adam--

A guitar this old is bound to have some signs of wear. Having not seen the guitar, I cannot judge its condition but the following pricing info from the Blue Book might be helpful:

Excellent $3,000 - 3,500
Average $1,900 - 2,200

It is best NOT to try to repair the guitar as any alterations would definitely decrease the value MORE than the imperfections will.

Lynne