Vintage Martin Guitars
Vintage Martin guitars have been part of The Music Emporium since the day we opened in 1968, and decades of sourcing and authenticating them inform every example in our shop.
Our selection spans pre-war classics from 1929–1942, golden-era post-war flat-tops, and standout examples through the 1960s and beyond.
From our Lexington, Massachusetts showroom near Boston, players and collectors from across New England come to compare these instruments side by side.
Vintage Martin Guitars FAQ
Common questions about vintage Martin guitars - the eras we carry, how we authenticate them, and where to play them.
Where can I buy a vintage Martin guitar near Boston?
The Music Emporium in Lexington, Massachusetts has been a Martin dealer since 1968 and has spent decades sourcing standout vintage Martins for our showroom near Boston. Players and collectors travel from across New England to compare vintage Martins side by side.
What years of vintage Martins do you typically stock?
Our vintage Martin selection spans pre-war classics (1929–1942), the golden era of post-war American flat-top building, and more recent vintage from the 1960s through 1990s. Inventory rotates; some periods are deeper at any given time than others.
What is the difference between a pre-war and a post-war Martin?
Pre-war Martins (1929–1942) are widely regarded as the golden era of the company's flat-top building - lighter bracing, often Brazilian rosewood back and sides, and a tone many consider the standard against which all later acoustics are measured.
Post-war Martins remain superb instruments built with the same traditional methods, but specs and materials evolved. Our team can walk you through specific examples in person.
How do you authenticate vintage Martins?
Every vintage Martin we list is inspected and authenticated by our team before it goes on the floor or the website. We document originality - finish, bracing, tuners, pickguard, and other details - and disclose any repairs or non-original components clearly. Our long relationship with Martin and decades in the vintage market inform every assessment.
Are vintage Martins a good investment?
Clean, original vintage Martins from sought-after eras and models have historically held their value well, and many have appreciated significantly.
That said, the best reason to buy a vintage Martin is still how it plays and sounds - our recommendation is to choose the instrument that speaks to you and let the long-term value follow.