From the classic to the unusual to the simply incredible, Mass Street Music carries some of the world's most sought-after vintage guitars - both acoustic and electric. Owner Jim Baggett simply loves guitars - he's a pre-war vintage Martin aficionado and lends his expertise as a regular contributor on the popular PBS series "Antiques Roadshow". Here on the Vintage page, Jim shares his thoughts on some of these great, one-of-a-kind finds.
So, whether you're shopping for THE guitar or just looking and dreaming, enjoy our vintage guitar page. Every day is new, and you just never know what's going to come through the door here at Mass Street Music. Questions about any of these instruments? Just email Jim at or give us a call at 1-800-747-9980.
This vintage 1949 Gibson J-45 is a classic sunburst, round shouldered guitar, in Good Condition. The top of this guitar has had quite a bit of repair and is priced accordingly. The top has several repaired cracks and some added finish. The pickguard is newer, but correct color and size. The X braces have been replaced as well as two or three smaller top braces. The guitar is structurally sound, but does have a fair amount of belly to the top. The neck is straight and the frets are in excellent condition. The finish on the back sides and neck is in nice original condition, showing finish checks, nicks, scratches and wear. The tuners are newer Kluson style. The sound and playability are very good, with a lot of bass. This 1949 Gibson J-45 will make someone a great player. Non original hard case included. Serial #2097 14. $2,500. Consignment item, sorry no free shipping. USED
Wow...this 1953 National Double Neck Lap Steel is in Excellent Plus condition, with the original case, cord and even a cool slide with it. We've had one of these in the store before, a '51, but this one is much cleaner. Both necks here are the same height. This is a really cool lap steel and more fun than a barrel of monkeys to play. USED
$1,095.00
This 1966 Fender® Twin Reverb is all original and in Excellent Plus condition. A really fine amp and a total classic. Give us a call at 1-800-747-9980 for details on this vintage amp. Detail photos of innards coming soon! $2,195. Serial #A 05049. Consignment item, sorry no free shipping. USED
Cool Gibson J-45 acoustic from '74 or '75. This has been played and loved well but has a lot of life left. We're rating it as Good Condition. There is a repaired top crack (which our own great shop did), a few nicks and small dings, and some headstock shrinkage, normal for a J-45 of this age. This comes with an older Guild hard case. $1,200. Consignment item, sorry no free shipping. USED
This vintage 1942 Martin D-18 may well be the cleanest pre-war D-18 that I have ever seen. An actual under-the-bed sleeper. The guitar is so clean that the description is pretty short. This has a very reasonable original neck set, very nice original bridge and a bright, clean finish that has only minor finish checking. The tuners were replaced in the 80s without modification or extra screw holes. We do not have the original tuners, but a set could easily be be installed if desired. The sound is also wonderful, bright, clean and loud. The original case is in very good condition. This 1942 Martin D-18 is a very collectible guitar that is a delight to play. Serial #81030. $38,500. For more information give us a call at 1-800-747-9980 and ask for Jim, or email Jim Baggett directly at USED
This beautiful vintage 1962 Martin 00-16C is unusual and quite interesting! This is in Good Condition and does have a replaced bridge. The pickguard and 'Mark Twain' inlay were added later, as was a strap button at the back of the neck. This has two very small repaired back cracks, with a bit of overspray, but they were nicely repaired. Average amount of finish checking and crazing. This has good action and is a great player. Wondering about the Twain inlay? So were we. Turns out Twain was not only one of America's best storytellers and writers, but also a player, and this 00-16C is very similar to Twain's. He purchased a used 1835 Martin 2 1/2-17 back in 1861 for a mere $10. Read more of the fascinating story of Twain's guitar and musical interests at the Museum of Musical Instruments. We suspect this one may have been used by a Twain recreation actor or just a big fan.
This 1962 Martin 00-16C comes with a hard case. Serial # 185290. While Twain's sold for $15 million, you can get this one for only $1,250. Consignment item, sorry no free shipping. USED
Great example of this classic Guild X-175 Manhattan. This archtop is from 1975 and is in Excellent condition with a little playwear and nice finish checking as you'd expect in something of this age. It's beautiful and has really great sound. A nice big body, 17" wide and 3 1/8" deep with a scale of 24 3/4". This appears to be all original including the very cool original tailpiece and the humbuckers which were introduced to this model in the '60s. One of Guild's longest running models, this was in production for over 30 years, with production ending in 1984. This beautiful blonde Guild X-175 Manhattan comes with the original hard case as well. $2,000. Consignment item, sorry no free shipping. USED
Very cool vintage 1969 Gibson J-50 acoustic - a really versatile guitar with good volume. This is all original and in Excellent condition, right down to the original bridge pins. There is minor play wear and normal finish crazing. This is a good player with a very nice, straight neck and a 1 9/16" nutwidth. This comes with a soft case. Serial # 520582. $2,350. Consignment item, sorry no free shipping. USED
A really beautiful, vintage 1956 Gibson J-45! This is in Very Good Plus condition and comes with a new hard case. There are minor nicks, scratches, and play wear and the finish is worn off part of the back of the neck. However, there is no damage or breaks. This also includes the original adjustable bridge, which was an option in 1956. This is a perfect guitar for rhythm and strumming. Looks cool, sounds cool.
"An amazing guitar. Wonderful note definition and the absolute definition of what a J-45 should sound like, to me. The very large neck is both really comfortable, and a joy to play." - Jason J.
Serial #17986-12. $5,600. Consignment item. USED
This vintage 1960 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman is outstanding. This is in Excellent condition, with all original parts. This looks and plays great with just enough wear to the finish to let you know someone enjoyed playing it. The original case is included and is also in Excellent condition. Serial #35117. $9,500. Consignment item. USED
