Most Valuable Martin Guitars
Pre-war Martin guitars (made before 1946) are among the most valuable acoustic instruments in the world. Built with Brazilian rosewood, Adirondack spruce tops, and hide glue construction, these instruments produce a tone that modern guitars rarely match. Here are the most valuable Martins.
Most Valuable C.F. Martin & Co. Guitars
| Guitar | Excellent |
|---|---|
| $700,000–$1,500,000 | |
| $650,000–$1,400,000 | |
| $550,000–$1,300,000 | |
| $525,000–$1,250,000 | |
| $500,000–$1,200,000 | |
| $490,000–$1,150,000 | |
| $475,000–$1,100,000 | |
| $460,000–$1,080,000 | |
| $450,000–$1,050,000 | |
| $200,000–$400,000 | |
| $175,000–$350,000 | |
| $150,000–$300,000 | |
| $145,000–$290,000 | |
| $140,000–$275,000 | |
| $130,000–$260,000 | |
| $125,000–$250,000 | |
| $125,000–$250,000 | |
| $120,000–$240,000 | |
| $110,000–$220,000 | |
| $110,000–$220,000 | |
| $100,000–$200,000 | |
| $100,000–$200,000 | |
| $95,000–$190,000 | |
| $90,000–$180,000 | |
| $85,000–$170,000 | |
| $82,000–$165,000 | |
| $80,000–$160,000 | |
| $80,000–$160,000 | |
| $75,000–$150,000 | |
| $60,000–$120,000 | |
| $50,000–$100,000 | |
| $45,000–$90,000 | |
| $45,000–$90,000 | |
| $40,000–$80,000 | |
| $40,000–$80,000 | |
| $35,000–$70,000 | |
| $28,000–$55,000 | |
| $28,000–$52,000 | |
| $25,000–$48,000 | |
| $24,000–$45,000 | |
| $22,000–$42,000 | |
| $22,000–$42,000 | |
| $20,000–$38,000 | |
| $19,000–$36,000 | |
| $18,000–$35,000 | |
| $18,000–$35,000 | |
| $18,000–$35,000 | |
| $16,000–$32,000 | |
| $15,000–$30,000 | |
| $14,000–$28,000 |
* Prices reflect excellent condition, all-original examples. Sorted by maximum excellent-condition value.
What Drives C.F. Martin & Co. Guitar Values?
- ▸Brazilian vs. Indian rosewood: Pre-1970 Brazilian models are worth 3–5x equivalent Indian rosewood guitars
- ▸Pre-war construction: Hide glue, scalloped bracing, and Adirondack spruce produce superior tone
- ▸Body size: 000, OM, and Dreadnought sizes have highest demand; parlor sizes are more niche
- ▸Style number: Higher style numbers (45 > 42 > 28 > 21 > 18) indicate more ornamentation and value
- ▸Pearl trim: Style 45 with full abalone pearl inlays is the most valuable production Martin
- ▸Originality: Original tuners, bridge plate, and nut are critical to value
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most valuable Martin guitar?
The most valuable production Martin guitars are pre-war D-45s from the 1930s–early 1940s. Fewer than 100 were made before WWII interrupted production. A pristine pre-war D-45 in original condition can sell for $200,000–$400,000+. These guitars feature Brazilian rosewood backs and sides, abalone pearl inlays, and the legendary pre-war scalloped bracing.
What years are pre-war Martin guitars?
Pre-war Martins were made before 1946, when WWII materials shortages and post-war production changes altered construction. The most coveted period is roughly 1934–1942, when Martin was producing its most iconic Dreadnought and Orchestra Model guitars with premium materials. Brazilian rosewood was used through 1969, so 'pre-war' specifically refers to pre-1946 construction techniques.
How do I tell if my Martin has Brazilian rosewood?
Brazilian rosewood has a distinctive dark chocolate-to-black streaking with a pore structure visible as fine dark lines. It often has an oily sheen and a more complex grain pattern than Indian rosewood, which tends to be more uniformly purple-brown. Brazilian rosewood also has a distinctive sweet, cedar-like scent when freshly sanded. For definitive identification, consult a luthier or vintage instrument appraiser.
What does Martin's style numbering mean?
Martin uses a style number to indicate the level of ornamentation. Style 18 uses plain bindings and no inlays. Style 28 adds herringbone trim and side dots. Style 35 has a three-piece back. Style 40 adds an abalone rosette. Style 42 adds abalone around the top edge. Style 45 has full abalone pearl inlays throughout — the most ornate and valuable standard production style.