• From: Southern New Jersey, USA
  • Registered: 2006-04-23
  • Posts: 2,966

Topic: Guitar Help

My husband isn't a name brand kind of guy, but has wanted a Martin since he was about 16.  He played a 00042 model the other day and wants it.    Without him knowing, I already contacted the salesman, (who has now held in for 4 days) and went to see the guitar and tried to negotiate the price.  I have the serial# and planned to do more research yesterday, but I ran out of time.  I looked around on e-bay today, but I didn't really get anywhere. He's holding it until Monday afernoon.

A couple things are bothering me...I don't trust the salesperson 100% and they change employees a lot at this shop...he's said a couple things that were annoying...he thinks I'm stupid

He's pressuring me a little and telling me another salesperson has a buyer...which I don't believe 100%

The salesperson says he doesn't know the year ???  I think that's odd, it's hard for me to compare, but maybe it doesn't matter that much, it's used and within the last 2-4 years...not sure how much that effects the price..  My hubby did indicate that its a few years old...I don't want to ask him too much, since its a surprise present for Christmas!

I know one time when I was w/ hubby and bought a used Larivee, they referenced a blue book kinda' referece for value.  This salesman is telling me Martin values would only be listed if it were vintage. 

Is there a database where one can enter a serial # or if I called Marin Guitar on Monday morning and gave the serial number can I get the year, possible value?

The tag price was $3499, I just tossed out $3000, he said he could give it to me for $3100.  The fact that the hubby already played it and approved it is a big plus, I just want to pay a fair price and not be taken.

Thanks. smile

StringsforaCURE~Helping cancer patients one STRING at a time.
http://stringsforacure.com/

Angela's Website

2 Reply by Jess (edited by Jess 2007-10-13 18:19:14)

  • Jess
  • Platinum
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 312

Re: Guitar Help

the 00042 is a beautiful guitar, I've wanted a Martin for a long time too...still haven't got one! sad

Edited to add: Check out this: http://www.martinguitar.com/history/dating.html

-Jess
Check out my band Beth and The Black Cat Bones http://www.myspace.com/bethandtheblackcatbones
Also my own page for my guitar playing http://www.myspace.com/jesszub
  • From: Benicia, Ca.
  • Registered: 2006-05-08
  • Posts: 5,828

Re: Guitar Help

Is the one you looked at used at that price? I looked that guitar up at musiciansfriend.com and the standard 00042 model is $4399.00 and the 00042 Marquis model that is the model Clapton played on MTV for his Unplugged Session, their price $5599.00. I would assume the one you looked at is either used or red hot. The prices I quoted are about a $1000.00 off the list prices.

                                                                                                 GO TRIBE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                                                 J Dawg

What is success? Is it do yo' own thang, or is it to join the rest?   -Allen Toussaint
  • From: Southern New Jersey, USA
  • Registered: 2006-04-23
  • Posts: 2,966

Re: Guitar Help

Hi Jess,

A big THANKS to you across the universe in Australia!!!   smile (We have relatives near Perth) A good salesperson would have offered to look it up for me or at least pointed me to this link.

It's from 2004, therefore it was made 30 years after my hubby got his Martin knock-off for a high school graduation present...even if he chipped in, no one could afford a Martin, so this is either good karma or a creative way for me to justify that pricetag!!!

dawg-he mentioned something about the Clapton model, also I was confused about something the hubby said about the neck, he's very fussy about necks...I think Clapton's model has a v-neck vs. a c-neck, which is rounded? Not sure and I think I know more than my salesperson. (hope you are doing well smile )

Jess wrote:

the 00042 is a beautiful guitar, I've wanted a Martin for a long time too...still haven't got one! sad

Edited to add: Check out this: http://www.martinguitar.com/history/dating.html

StringsforaCURE~Helping cancer patients one STRING at a time.
http://stringsforacure.com/

Angela's Website

  • From: Benicia, Ca.
  • Registered: 2006-05-08
  • Posts: 5,828

Re: Guitar Help

I'm doin' well Angela. Even the Fender special Clapton editions have a different V-style neck preferred by Eric. Did you find out if the Martin you have your sights on was used or not?

                                                                                                        Go Tribe,

                                                                                                        J Dawg

What is success? Is it do yo' own thang, or is it to join the rest?   -Allen Toussaint
  • From: Southern New Jersey, USA
  • Registered: 2006-04-23
  • Posts: 2,966

Re: Guitar Help

He was told it was used and I'm assuming that's true being its a 2004, it probably came in on a trade.  It has some additional appointments that differ from the Clapton Martin model, but nothing that effects the sound, just aestetics, binding down the neck...

ohiodawg13 wrote:

I'm doin' well Angela. Even the Fender special Clapton editions have a different V-style neck preferred by Eric. Did you find out if the Martin you have your sights on was used or not?

                                                                                                        Go Tribe,

                                                                                                        J Dawg

StringsforaCURE~Helping cancer patients one STRING at a time.
http://stringsforacure.com/

Angela's Website

  • From: Benicia, Ca.
  • Registered: 2006-05-08
  • Posts: 5,828

Re: Guitar Help

Sounds like a good deal, but even at $3100.00 I would seek out a guitar tech in your area and have him give you an opinion even if it costs a few beers or a meal or whatever. Martins do get better with age as long as they're stored and cared for properly.

                                                                                             GO TRIBE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                                             J Dawg

PS top of the 9th  4-2 & one out.....................I Believe!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What is success? Is it do yo' own thang, or is it to join the rest?   -Allen Toussaint