Martin/Vega V845

by Steve
(England)

Ive not purchased this yet, so would like to know more about it, including what is a good price. It is in good condition, only a few plec scratches in front of the scratch plate. Told it dates to about 1970.

Neck is straight and action is good. It looks and sounds fantastic, and mentions on the label inside the guitar that it is made under the C. F. Martin Organisation. A little online searching suggests it was built in Europe, maybe as a cheaper version of the infamous D28. Any information on value would be greatly appreciated.

Steve

ANSWER

Hi, Steve--

In 1970, Vega was acquired by the C.F. Martin company for its banjo operations. Martin soon folded Vega´s guitar production, and applied the trademark to a line of imported guitars. Ten years later, Martin sold the Vega trademark rights to a Korean guitar production company.

The V845 was made around 1971 and was made in the Netherlands for Martin, when Martin owned Vega. It is very very comparable to an old Martin D-28- and in fact sounds incredibly similar, if not exactly like one. It also plays like an old Martin D-28. Solid German spruce top in natural finish. Solid East Indian rosewood back, sides, bridge and fingerboard. South American mahogany neck. Kolb enclosed tuning machines. Cost £227.50 when new in 1977. The bracing appears to be the same as a D-28.

The Blue Book does not list this particular model, but they appear to be selling for $600-800.

Lynne