Martin Guitar-Archtop R-18 Repair/Luthier/Vintage!

This is a Martin Archtop Guitar, which I believe is a Model R-18 made around 1934? The serial number is 57206. As you know most of the stuff I sell has a story so here it goes. My Uncle gave this to me around '55 or '56. The object of the exercise was to locate a guitar for the kid to play that did not cost alot. When I got this, it was in pretty bad shape. The case was shot, had tons of nicks and scratches, and the top was sinking. We put a spacer under the Bridge, and new strings to make it playable, and I was off and running. My Mom actually did a PTA gig with this thing,  bad shape or not about a year later. After I whined and complained alot  about the condition of the guitar, my parents finally gave in and agreed to get everything fixed up, so off to the Music store it went. The owner said it should go back to the factory for the repairs, and would probably cost about $300.00 to fix. In those days, $300.00 was alot of money, but none the less, off it went. When it came back months later, it looked shiney and new, prettier than a puppy under a red wagon. In the meantime however, I had discovered the Electric Guitar, and my parents wern't exactly happy campers after having spent alot of money on this one. I would get this one out and play it for awhile mostly just to keep peace in the family.

Ok, the issues etc.. The tuners are mid-sixties Grovers, one of the pickguard screws is wrong, missing the strap button, and the tailpiece is a 60's Repo, not sure on the Bridge. There are various nicks and scratches, but the finish is still pretty good, checking on the top. Remember what you are looking at is about 70 years old, less the time it was at  the factory around 1960 for repairs. The back  has a crack near the bottom which actually could be a seperation, since it looks like it is two piece. A couple of the frets have lifted on the treble side alittle, which causes a buzzing around the fourth, fifth fret on just the first two strings. Let's face it, this will never be a museum piece, but with the right attention certainly a great player. The fret work is for somebody that really knows what they are doing, and does it every day. So, do NOT play Luthier here unless you ARE a Luthier!! I believe the Case here was purchased from the local dealer when we picked up the instrument after repairs. Interior is nice, a few marks on the outside, latches work fine, NO KEY, and even if I had one I would not give it to you anyway. Locking these things is a really bad idea. There is some fore and aft movement, plus a little side to side with this in the case, probably was meant for a little larger instrument, but this has always resided here as long as I have owned it. And that has been a very long time.

The Fine Print: This Auction is open to THE UNITED STATES, LOWER 48 ONLY!!! For BOTH BIDDING AND SHIPPING!!! Please ask any and ALL questions BEFORE you place your bid! If your question pertains to the Auction I reserve the right to include it below. NO ZERO OR NEGATIVE FEEDBACK BIDDERS on this one.  Payment is due within 3 Days of Auction Close via Pay-Pal. The package you receive will require a signature by someone at your address, NO EXCEPTIONS!!!! This is being SOLD AS IS, ALL SALES ARE FINAL!!!!! Thanks for Looking, Take Care!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I ran out of space doing this listing, so I'm doing a quick revision on this. 1. I do not do buy it now Auctions, or end an Auction early, so please don't ask. 2. I DO NOT have any documented proof concerning the factory repairs, you will have to take my word for it. I like to think of myself as a good keeper of receipts and records, but this far back is pushing it even for me, sorry. Thanks!

I will be away on business for a good part of the day that this Auction closes. Please ask any questions you may have as soon as possible. I will respond as quickly as I can. Thanks!