Turn Your Guitar Into Cash
Introduction:
Dating a vintage Martin acoustic is more straightforward than dating most other American guitar brands, because Martin used one continuous serial number sequence starting in 1898 and recorded the last serial number produced each year. That single system, combined with a handful of well-documented construction changes, lets you place almost any Martin flat-top to an exact year or a tight window.
Step One: Find Your Serial Number
Martin has kept its serial number in the same place for more than 125 years: stamped into the neck block, visible through the soundhole when you look up toward the neck. Martin guitars do not use a soundhole sticker or label for the serial the way some other brands do. Guitars built before 1898 carry no serial number at all; look instead for a C.F. Martin stamp on the center back strip and neck block, and rely on construction details to date the instrument. Once you have the number, run it through our Martin serial number lookup to confirm the exact year.
Step Two: Identify Your Serial Number Era
Martin used one continuous serial sequence from 1898 onward, so the era matters more than a decoding format. Click through the eras below to find the one that matches your guitar.
Step Three: Verify with Model Features
Serial numbers date your Martin to a year. Model-specific features and authentication checkpoints confirm what you actually have.
Step Four: Determine Value
After dating your Martin acoustic, understanding its value depends on several factors:
Model and body size
Whether the back and sides are Brazilian rosewood, East Indian rosewood, or mahogany
Originality of the bracing, bridge, and finish
Overall condition and any repairs
Market demand for that specific model and era
Most Valuable Eras:
Pre-war Martins (before 1946), especially herringbone D-28s and 1929 to 1933 OM-28s
Wartime D-18s with scalloped bracing, built before late 1944
Brazilian rosewood examples from before the 1969 export restriction
Need Expert Help?
Dating a Martin acoustic is more reliable than most brands thanks to Martin’s single serial sequence, but confirming originality, wood species, and condition still benefits from an expert eye. If you are uncertain about your guitar, our team can help.
Whether you are looking to:
Get an accurate date for your Martin acoustic
Understand what your vintage Martin is worth
Sell your guitar to a passionate collector
Simply learn more about your instrument’s history
Contact us today for assistance with dating or valuing your Martin acoustic!
Why Choose Us?
Why Sell to Edgewater Guitars?
Top Dollar Offers
We don't have retail overhead costs, allowing us to pay more for your instruments than most guitar shops or pawn shops.
Fast & Simple Process
No waiting for your guitar to sell on consignment. Get an offer within hours and cash in hand as soon as same day.
We Come To You
For valuable instruments, we'll travel throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia for in-person evaluations.
Trusted Experts
Our team has decades of experience evaluating vintage and rare guitars, ensuring accurate assessments of your instrument's value.
What We Buy
Edgewater Guitars purchases instruments in all conditions, from mint collectibles to well-played vintage pieces. While we specialize in vintage and rare guitars, we buy quality instruments from all eras.
How it works
Selling your guitar is EASY
01
01
Tell Us About Your Guitar
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02
02
Get Your Free Valuation
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Get Paid
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Frequently Asked Questions
More Questions?
Selling Options
Multiple Ways To Sell
Sell Online
Submit photos and information through our secure form for a quick online valuation and offer.
Sell By Phone
Speak directly with our experts at (440) 219-3607 for immediate assistance and valuation.
In-Person Evaluation
Schedule an appointment for an in-person assessment of valuable or multiple instruments.
Whether you're selling a prized vintage instrument or simply clearing space, we make the process easy, fair, and rewarding.