C.F. Martin & Co. North Street Facility
Since 1833, Martin Guitars – America’s oldest and most successful acoustic guitar maker – have set the standard by which other acoustics are measured. Martin’s instruments have been played by everyone from Elvis Presley to Coldplay, from Johnny Cash to Kurt Cobain, and from Laura Marling to Lewis Capaldi. Their designs past and present have had a massive influence on virtually every other acoustic guitar maker in existence and have been at the epicentre of countless era-defining moments of musical history. In many ways, the illustrious history of Martin Guitars is the history of the acoustic guitar as we know it today.
The story of Martin Guitars starts in 1833 when C. F. Martin Snr. began applying his furniture making skills to the crafting of acoustic guitars. Martin Guitars quickly established an enviable reputation for quality and tone, however, constant development coupled with an unquenchable desire for excellence drove the company forward, designing both new body shapes and manufacturing techniques in the process.
There are two Martin advancements that forever revolutionised the acoustic guitar market: the use of X-Bracing and the Dreadnought body shape.
First developed in the mid 1850s, X-Bracing facilitated the progression from gut strung instruments to steel strung, as it provided the strength and stability required to prevent the increased string tension from pulling the guitar apart, while still allowing the guitar’s top to resonate freely. Although first used over 150 years ago, X-Bracing has never been bettered and is still used around the world today.
The Dreadnought is the most popular and copied acoustic guitar shape of all time. First launched in the early 1900s and named after a British battleship, the Dreadnought has become the staple core of acoustic guitars. Its influence is such that virtually every luthier, workshop and manufacturer in existence that produces acoustic guitars offers a Dreadnought shape – such is the enduring appeal of the design.
Martin’s current range of more than 120 instruments represents the very best in 21st century cutting edge manufacturing techniques, while retaining immaculate handcraftsmanship passed down by generations of skilled luthiers. There is perhaps no better example of this than the SC-13E that won ‘Best In Show’ at NAMM 2020 with a revolutionary construction that saw Martin continue their proud tradition of pushing the envelope of acoustic guitar design.
In order to craft the perfect acoustic tone, you need to have the optimal interface between the instrument and its player, which is why in 1970 Martin launched their own line of guitar strings that allowed players to get the very best from their cherished guitar. Jump forward to the present day and Martin now offers a comprehensive range of acoustic strings including their best-selling Authentic Acoustic line that offers a perfect balance of tone, feel, projection and longevity.
Whatever your musical tastes or aspirations, whether your budget is major or minor, Martin has a model for you. When purchasing a Martin, you become an owner not just of a quality acoustic guitar, but a piece of guitar history
