Sell Your Martin Guitar
Sold my old Martin guitar to Gavin at Edgewater. Really knowledgeable guy and overall a great experience.
Isaac Dailey
Edgewater Guitars buys vintage and rare Martin guitars from sellers nationwide, with free expert appraisals and same-day cash offers. Based in Valley City, Ohio near Cleveland, we travel across Ohio and the region for valuable pieces and pay fair top dollar. Call or text (440) 219-3607 for a no-obligation offer.
What Martin guitars we buy
We focus on pre-1970 Martin, especially the Brazilian rosewood golden era, and we also consider rare or high-end newer models case by case. We are actively buying:
Pre-war dreadnoughts and OMs from the 1930s, including herringbone D-28
D-28 and D-18 dreadnoughts from the 1940s through the 1960s
000 and OM models such as 000-28, 000-18 and OM-28
Smaller 00 and 0 size guitars such as 00-18 and 0-18
Higher-end appointments such as D-45, D-42 and 000-45
Brazilian rosewood instruments made before 1969
Vintage parlor, 12-fret and tenor Martins
What we have paid for vintage Martins
Real prices reflect specific guitars in specific condition, so yours may differ. These are recent Edgewater purchases:
1959 Martin D-28: we paid $8,700
1954 Martin D-18: we paid $7,250
1948 Martin 000-28: we paid $14,200
1934 Martin OM-28: we paid $43,210
1933 Martin 000-15: we paid $110,500
Why sell your Martin to Edgewater
Edgewater is run by two owner-operators with more than 15 years each buying and appraising vintage guitars, backed by 137 five-star Google reviews. Because we buy, we give straight appraisals and never inflate a value to win a sale. You get a free appraisal, a fair same-day cash offer, and local in-person pickup or insured nationwide shipping.
How selling works
Send a few photos and the serial number for a free appraisal.
Get a fair, no-obligation cash offer, usually the same day.
Meet locally for a cash pickup, or we arrange prepaid insured shipping.
Get paid.
Real reviews from Martin sellers
We reached out about our Martin guitar and within 1 to 2 days we had an immediate response.
Carmen Karecki
A very positive experience. Easy to work with and no pressure. I highly recommend them as a great resource for both selling or buying a vintage guitar.
Dick Koch
Very knowledgeable and professional shop. They made a good and fair offer on a few vintage instruments. Highly recommend.
Benjamin Carnahan
How do you determine what my guitar is worth?
We evaluate each instrument based on brand, model, year, condition, originality, rarity, and current market demand. Our extensive knowledge of the vintage guitar market allows us to make competitive offers based on real-world values.
Do you buy guitars in any condition?
Yes! While mint condition guitars command premium prices, we purchase instruments in all conditions, including those with modifications, wear, or damage. Even project guitars can have value.
Do I need to clean or repair my guitar before selling it?
No, please don't make any repairs or even clean vintage instruments before contacting us. Original condition—even with dust, grime, or minor issues—is often preferable for accurate valuation. Improper cleaning can actually damage valuable finishes on vintage instruments.
How do I know if my Gibson guitar is valuable?
Gibson guitars from the 1950s-1970s typically hold the highest value, especially Les Paul, SG, ES-335, and Flying V models. Key factors include year of manufacture, model type, condition, originality, and rarity of finish. Pre-1970 instruments with original parts and finishes command premium prices.
Do you offer more for guitars with original cases?
Yes, original cases—especially for vintage instruments—can significantly increase value. 'Case candy' such as original paperwork, warranty cards, tags, and accessories also adds value. Keep everything together when selling for maximum return.
What payment methods do you offer?
We offer several secure payment options including cash (for in-person transactions), certified check, bank wire transfer, PayPal, or direct deposit. For high-value instruments or collections, we can accommodate special arrangements to ensure your comfort and security.
Will you travel to my location to purchase guitars?
Yes, for valuable instruments or collections, we regularly travel throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia. For exceptional pieces, we may travel nationally. This service is complimentary for instruments meeting certain value thresholds.
How long does the entire selling process take?
For most guitars, the entire process from initial contact to payment can be completed within 1-3 days. For rare or extremely valuable instruments requiring in-person evaluation, the timeline might extend to a week. We pride ourselves on efficiency and respect for your time.
What makes a guitar "vintage"?
Generally, guitars 30+ years old are considered vintage, with those from certain golden eras (1950s-1960s for many electric guitars, pre-1945 for acoustic instruments) being especially desirable. However, specific brands and models may be considered vintage or collectible from different periods based on construction changes, company ownership transitions, or historical significance.
Do modifications decrease my guitar's value?
Modifications typically do decrease value for collectible vintage instruments, with the impact varying based on the extent and reversibility of the changes. Original parts, finishes, and electronics command premium prices on vintage instruments. However, some professional modifications on player-grade instruments may have minimal impact, and certain period-correct modifications on specific models (like Parsons-White B-benders or Bigsby additions) can occasionally increase value.
