-
Wonderful analysis @Mrfredsporty , I figured this out fairly early on in my guitar journey. I only have two guitars in the guitarsenal that are not worth considerably more (today and volatile historically to say the least) than what I paid for them. One because it is a recent purchase and the other because it is a custom build made by an unknown but fantastic small bench luthier. I will acknowledge it was hard the first time I spend an uncomfortable amount of money on a guitar without knowing what would happen to its value but the 8 years of careful buying and selling has led to a collection that is more valuable than what I paid for it. I have bought broken guitars off of Craigslist and had them fixed. I have bought used/vintage from trusted reputable dealers (still had to have work done) and have bought new guitars from small bench luthiers. Guitar collecting for value is not for everyone and there is a definite learning curve on who to buy from and who to use for repair work. It is darn near a lifestyle but if you like it, totally satisfying and rewarding. All that said it is an adjunct to actual playing which can be done on any guitar the player finds pleasing to listen to and to play. One of the best guitars I had that fit this bill was a Yamaha Fg735s. You can find these used in the 200 or so dollar range.
I am chuckling hearing you say this Martin will be your last guitar. Lots can happen in 5 years especially if you keep hanging around and playing………Very happy you have found your “It” guitar,….for now, hehehe.
