MUSIC Vintage Martin guitar up for auction to support Music Conservatory of Sandpoint

By Reader Staff

According to the Martin Guitar Company, its iconic product is “playable history; part of a long line of legendary instruments stretching back to the company’s beginnings in 1833.” Nearly 200 years old as a company, Martin guitars have been “strummed by Civil War soldiers around campfires [and] helped shape the sound of modern music at the turn of the 20th century.”

Working to create the next century of musicians, the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint will be auctioning a 100-yearold Martin guitar at its annual fundraising gala, titled An Evening in Vienna and scheduled for Saturday, March 11 at the Sandpoint Events Center (102 Euclid Ave.). The event starts at 5 p.m., dinner will be provided by 113 Main Street and a live orchestra will provide the musical sounds of the evening.

Following dinner and a silent auction, there will be a live auction where the vintage guitar will be featured, along with several other unique items and experiences.

The 1922 00-18 Martin guitar being auctioned has an appraised value of more than $12,000, with an appraisal valuation of mint condition (Value 5) for playability and excellent condition (Value 4.5) for structural soundness, needing no maintenance or repairs.

Tuners, nut, interior bracing and purfling are completely original to the instrument. The instrument’s overall rating is valued at 3.8, due to cosmetic details.

To find out more about the guitar and other auction items, call Curt Hagan at 208-290-7833.

To purchase tickets for this event, stop by the conservatory at 110 Main St. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For tickets, also call 208265-4444 or email katherinec.mcs@ gmail.com.