Vintage Martin

[rickthescot]

I have been blessed by the good Lord to be the custodian of a Martin 1945, OOO-18. It belonged to my wife's father who passed away when she was in her teens. He was from west Texas he played it and sang to his wife and 6 kids all the time. The guitar was in the hands of my brother in-law for many years and he would let me play it when I visited. He passed a couple months ago and in his will declared that this family item would go to his sister (my wife) as he knew how much I loved it and knew I would care for it. I know it is not mine, it belongs to the family and I already know who gets it when I go. The wife will ask me to play it at times and a little western swing will bring her to tears remembering her Dad.
It plays great and sounds heavenly. The frets are still fine and the action is perfect.
However, it has a bit of an issue which you can see from the pictures and I am looking for opinions/advice on getting it repaired. I absolutely do not want it refinished, refurbished or anything of that sort. Just want the bad spot dealt with.

 

[TeleBluesMan]

Great guitar! The sunburst finish adds a lot of value. Absolutely do not get it refinished. If you haven't already, you might want to post it over on the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum, you'll get some good advice:
https://umgf.com/the-vintage-corner-f3/

 

[Freeman Keller]

The crack should be repaired and cleated. A good Martin tech will know how. You say the action is perfect but you still should have the neck angle checked.

Its a lovely old guitar with a lot of family history.

 

[Chiogtr4x]

Are you going to have the top repaired?

Is the top finish wear on either side of the neck from a lot of heavy strumming?

(I bet this guitar would be fantastic to play- a lot!)

 

[rand z]

Beautiful!

I'd follow Freeman's advise.

He, as much as anyone here, knows what he's doing.

imo.

 

[Freeman Keller]

Beautiful!

I'd follow Freeman's advise.

He, as much as anyone here, knows what he's doing.

imo.

Thanks, but I have a funny policy with old Martins. I can repair them and have done a few neck resets and crack repairs and stuff but I usually turn down working on them. I tell the owner to have the work done by an authorized Martin repair person (pucker up and pay the cost) and keep the receipt. Having that paper trail is very valuable when and if you decide to part with the guitar. Both my Martins were reset and worked on by someone who's name you would recognize, that will be important when I part with them this spring.

 

[Stubee]

That’s a very cool and also rare—the sunburst—and quite valuable family heirloom! I agree to go to the UMGF and ask or search for guitar repair shops that work on a lot of vintage Martin guitars. I’d not take that to just any shop that works on modern Martins. It may cost you a bit more, and maybe not but if so it’s worth it.

 

[KokoTele]

That’s a very cool and also rare—the sunburst—and quite valuable family heirloom! I agree to go to the UMGF and ask or search for guitar repair shops that work on a lot of vintage Martin guitars. I’d not take that to just any shop that works on modern Martins. It may cost you a bit more, and maybe not but if so it’s worth it.

This is what I was going to suggest. The UGMF crowd will know who to recommend, though shipping it to the factory for repair is a good option too.

 

[schmee]

My old 1938 Martin had a side crack. I just floated some CA glue into it after taping all around the crack right up to the crack edge. I pulled it flush and glued it.
But that one looks a bit worse. I would have an expert fix it, but if you decide that is too much $ it is likely doable yourself with some proper clamps etc, and having it held together well is better than leaving it IMHO.
Does yours have a V neck?

 

[Wildeman]

Awesome instrument, that repair should be done by the best guy around you, choose wisely please.

 

[Freeman Keller]

My old 1938 Martin had a side crack. I just floated some CA glue into it after taping all around the crack right up to the crack edge. I pulled it flush and glued it.
But that one looks a bit worse. I would have an expert fix it, but if you decide that is too much $ it is likely doable yourself with some proper clamps etc, and having it held together well is better than leaving it IMHO.
Does yours have a V neck?

1945 should be hide glue which makes the repair both easier and harder. Easier because the old glue and new glue will melt together, harder because HHG is hard to work with.

 

[Boreas]

It looks to me like it is an old crack because the end grain is so shiny/oxidized. But it may be simply from the old glue. How long has it been pulled up like that?

The reason I ask is that the longer the wood has been out of alignment, the harder it is to get it back in place properly as the wood can be permanently distorted. This may lead to bigger gaps and/or repair difficulty. As others have mentioned, this is not an instrument to be trifled with, as it is quite valuable and quite delicate. If you do find a good luthier, make sure you get plenty of references. Otherwise, I think I would be inclined to CAREFULLY ship it to Martin - regardless of cost. But there should be some good luthiers in TX. A superior repair vs an "adequate" repair can be a matter of big money, tone, and longevity on a vintage Martin. Having Martin repair provenance may pay for itself.

 

[Dukex]

Very cool, have many, many hours of enjoying it.

 

[hdvades]

Wonder Martin and the story behind it. +1 what Freeman Keller said.

 

[Buckocaster51]

Neat

OOOs are the guitar God would play…if She played guitar

 

[Chiogtr4x]

Neat

OOOs are the guitar God would play…if She played guitar

I keep these pictures of Nornan Blake's 000 ( don't know if he still owns it, or sold at auction) just because this guitar is worn, and beautiful, and I fantasize about playing it!

 

[39martind18]

My old 1938 Martin had a side crack. I just floated some CA glue into it after taping all around the crack right up to the crack edge. I pulled it flush and glued it.
But that one looks a bit worse. I would have an expert fix it, but if you decide that is too much $ it is likely doable yourself with some proper clamps etc, and having it held together well is better than leaving it IMHO.
Does yours have a V neck?

Done been one-upped! Details and pics, please, schmee! My '39 has that lovely, EXTREMELY comfy V neck.

 

[kuch]

Nice Martin. Seems that it has some good vibes going for it. I bet she sounds great.

If you can swing it, have it worked on at the Martin factory. It's a treasure.

Enjoy

 

[39martind18]

To be a caretaker of these old instruments is an extreme joy and a responsibility. The joy, of course is in the playing, but also in the possessing something very special. In my case, literally and figuratively, the avatar guitar has been my pride and joy for right at 50 years. I promised the first owner I'd never sell it, and I have no problem in adhering to that oath. I've fought for it, had notable pickers play it, and absolutely loved both playing it for myself and others and allowing others the experience of playing this piece of musical history. Be both proud and humble that you have this opportunity not afforded but to a very few! -And get it fixed, best by Martin approved luthiers. We old Martin caretakers have a responsibility to preserve these treasures for future generations, especially in the case of yours, since it is a familial instrument.

 

[schmee]

Done been one-upped! Details and pics, please, schmee! My '39 has that lovely, EXTREMELY comfy V neck.

It was an R18 archtop. Yeah those V's are comfy. No adjustable trussrod in these, the neck was perfect after 75 years! That's what properly aged wood will do for you. That guitar had the lowest action of all my guitars including the electrics! Not very loud though, but wonderful to play sitting on the deck etc! (and not a flat radius like later Martins!)