OK, I've been getting my feet wet playing a few new J-45s this week, and will be looking at some other new models as well as older ones over the next few weeks in Toronto ON, Rochester & Ithaca NY. Perhaps elsewhere as well.

My interest in an older one stems from the simple fact that, in my experience, they feel and sound superior to the newer ones. It is that great sound and playability that I'm after, if I can afford it. However, the vintage guitar market, with so many considerations that affect the guitar's value & selling price, is all new to me.

I would love some advice on how to consider the following features. In other words, how would you rank each of these factors in terms of how they affect the value of an instrument:

* repaired cracks
* repaired seam
* new/non-original bridge
* new/non-original finish
* new/non-original tuners