How Do You Describe An Instrument for Sale?

[StyleOverShow]

I have a 1984 Martin 6 String Acoustic Guitar, M-18 that I'm trying to sell. SN is 446284. It is a Spruce top with a mahogny back. Mid tones are incredible and this thing is loud!

Any help on pricing would be appreciated. Haven't found many references to this particular model, so is it rare?

In detail, there are a few dings on the headstock, a couple on the spruce top and a small scratch (see photos). How do I describe these in the ad and what determines the 'condition'.


So this isn't in mint condition.
Is it in "very good condition", no neck damage, no cracks, small cosmetic dings and scratches consistent with age.
Or "good condition", etc. What are the criteria?

[StyleOverShow]

More Pic

[bongomania]

Different sellers have different standards and interpretations of the grades like "excellent" and "very good" etc. So opinions will differ. Personally I would say your guitar is "very good", which IMO is kind of like a B- on a report card. Not the greatest, but pretty decent all things considered.

But the best way to go about it is to avoid those terms that can be so easily misinterpreted, and just stick to the facts. Describe each ding and scratch accurately, saying things like "there is a patch about 1" square on the back upper bout where the finish has scraped through down to the wood, but the wood itself is undamaged" or "there is a chip about the size of a pencil tip out of the wood near the neck pocket". Pay a lot of attention to the straightness of the neck and any wear around it.

Once you've done that, you can feel free to talk up how great it sounds, how smooth it plays, and what a rare collectible it is.

[peterbright]

It's more important that you list & show with pictures the dings, dents & scratches than assign a "correct" overall description. You might want to ask your question on the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum. There are many knowledgeable people there.

[tplyons]

What you call it doesn't matter so much, as long as you disclose everything.

[scootron]

As long as you have pictures of the areas, you are covered. You can describe the various subjective virtues, so long as you visually document the imperfections. No one can complain about a nick or scratch that was clearly depicted.

[MakiSupaStar]

Create a scale define your scale and rate it on your scale. Give it a scale for different attributes of the instrument. Then give it a rating on each attribute and back it up with a picture.