Discover vintage Martin acoustic guitars for sale, from pre-war dreadnoughts with scalloped bracing and herringbone trim to postwar and 1970s D-28s, D-18s, 000s, and OMs. Martin flat-tops from the golden era through the 1970s are among the most sought-after acoustic guitars in the world, prized by players and collectors for their warmth, power, and the way they open up with age.
At Mahar’s Vintage Guitars, every vintage Martin is authenticated, documented, and professionally set up before it ships. We photograph serial numbers, bracing, bridge plates, and any repairs up close, and we disclose refinishes, neck resets, cracks, and non-original parts in every listing, so you know exactly what you’re buying. Our inventory changes constantly, so check back often.
Want something newer? Explore our used Martin guitars (1980s to today), see our full Martin guitars collection, or browse our vintage acoustic guitars.
We buy vintage Martin guitars and welcome trades toward your next instrument. Considering the sale of a single guitar or a whole collection? Use our Sell My Vintage Guitar form to make it easy.
Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Buy a Vintage Martin
Pre-war, postwar, and 1970s Martins
Martin’s construction changed a great deal between the 1930s and the 1970s, and knowing which era a guitar belongs to is the key to understanding its tone and value. Collectors often call the 1930s through 1944 the golden era: these guitars have scalloped X-bracing, Adirondack spruce tops, and Brazilian rosewood or mahogany, and the D-28 of the period carries herringbone trim around the top. Martin stopped scalloping the braces in 1944, and by the late 1940s Sitka spruce had replaced Adirondack for most production. Brazilian rosewood was used for back and sides through the late 1960s before Martin moved to Indian rosewood. In 1976 Martin introduced the HD-28, which brought back scalloped bracing and herringbone trim.
What drives value in a vintage Martin
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Era and construction — pre-war construction, herringbone trim, Adirondack spruce, and Brazilian rosewood are the features that command the highest premiums.
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Originality — original finish, bridge, bridge plate, tuners, and pickguard matter. A refinished or heavily modified guitar can be worth significantly less than an original example.
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Repair history — neck resets and refrets are routine on a guitar this age and don’t necessarily hurt value if done well. Top cracks, bridge replacements, and brace repairs should be disclosed and assessed for stability.
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Rarity — uncommon models, short production runs, and special features, such as a shaded top or a 12-fret neck, can carry a premium beyond standard production.
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Case and documentation — the original case and serial number documentation add value and help establish provenance.
How we authenticate and grade our guitars
Every Martin in this collection is inspected in-house before listing. We verify the serial number against Martin’s production records, check bracing, bridge plate, and construction details against the stated year, and note any repairs, refinishes, or non-original parts clearly. Each listing includes close-up photos so you can evaluate condition and authenticity before buying, and every guitar receives a professional setup before it ships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is herringbone trim on a Martin, and why does it matter?
Herringbone is a zigzag inlay strip around the edge of the top. On Martin’s D-28, herringbone was standard through the golden era and ended in the mid-1940s, then returned on the HD-28 in 1976. A genuine pre-war herringbone Martin is among the most collectible acoustic guitars made.
What does scalloped bracing do?
Scalloping removes wood from the braces under the top so the top can vibrate more freely. Many players and collectors prefer scalloped-brace Martins for a more open, responsive sound with strong bass, which is one reason pre-1944 guitars are so highly prized.
Is a refinished or modified vintage Martin worth less?
Usually, yes. A refinish or major modification can reduce a vintage Martin’s value substantially compared with an original-finish example, even if the guitar sounds great. Some repairs, such as a professional neck reset, are expected on a guitar this age. We note every repair and non-original part clearly in the listing.
Do vintage Martins with Brazilian rosewood need special paperwork to ship internationally?
Brazilian rosewood is regulated under international trade rules (CITES), so shipping a guitar that contains it to another country may require additional documentation. We’re happy to guide you through the process, and import duties and taxes are the buyer’s responsibility and vary by destination country.
Can I trade my current guitar toward a vintage Martin?
Yes, we accept trades toward vintage Martin instruments. Send us details and photos of your guitar and we’ll provide a trade valuation. You can use our Sell My Vintage Guitar form to make it super easy.