Martin mando on Craigslist

[morganpiper]

A guy is selling this martin for 500.00 in my town, is it worth it? He claims, and i quote:
"This is a beautiful old Martin mandolin. It is in good condition. No cracks or anything like that. Ready to play. This vintage Martin mandolin plays and sounds fantastic. Priced to sell fast!!! The first $500 gets a really nice vintage American made instrument."

Any opinions?

[sunburst]

Martin has always built quality. If it is in good shape, needs no set up or repair, I'd say that's a good price, especially if it comes with a case.
Martin canted top, flat back mandolins are not among the most versatile or most desired of instruments, but you can be assured of good quality.

[EdHanrahan]

Most Martins in average condition seem to go for around $800 or a bit more, maybe $1,200 if pristine and a few hundred more if pristine and somewhat unique, like w/ sunburst finish or all koa. The year (based on serial number) should have some effect, but I'm not sure what. At the other end, I paid $400 for a '54 in cosmetically so-so condition (fair amount of finish checking) but otherwise sound.

So "Priced to sell fast!!!" sounds to me like a true statement. I'd go for it.

[allenhopkins]

Looks like a Style A. Can't find many under $750 these days; $500's a real good price.

[Shelagh Moore]

I remember mine fondly... as others have said it sounds like a good price if everything is in order.

[morganpiper]

Thanks. I will look at it today and let y'all know.

[Bill Lemerise]

Go for it. I paid that for my '61. It has great tone,tuners and action. The ebony nut and bridge give it a warm woody tone that I like a lot. Fun to strum with no pick. It does not bluegrass well.

[MLT]

I just received (last Christmas) a Martin as pictured and as described. I am enojoying it alot. I am not sure the exact amount that my wife paid but I believe it to be between 700-900. Based on playability and sound, I too say go for it as it is a great deal.

[Bruce Clausen]

For comparison, here's a 1947 A model currently on CL in Vancouver (BC). Looks like it's had a rough life, but the owner says it's working. Price is $315.

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/va...590159258.html

[morganpiper]

Talked to the gentleman this eve, we are going to meet tomorrow, said it had kluson tuners, forgot to ask about a case. ill keep y'all posted.

[Eddie Sheehy]

Make sure the neck is straight.

[JeffD]

Yea if its in good shape it is a great mandolin. I have played them and I love the sound.

[morganpiper]

Well folks, much to my dismay, i had to pass. Wish i remembered the serial #, it started with an A-?? It seemed to me the neck was a bit off, and the gentleman actually pointed out a hairline crack that traveled about a 1/4 inch below the neck, parallel to the neck, and reached to the sound hole. looking at the sound hole from an angle, it appeared to be more than superficial, maybe that's why the neck was askew? Thanks for all y'alls advice. It's on the Austin CL. if anyone looks at it, I'd sure like to know what they think. Cheers
oh yeah, he changed the posting to 400.00