Only4guitar

Martin guitars are the instruments of choice for musicians around the world, from the icons of rock, country, folk and bluegrass to those just beginning their careers.

They can be seen across all segments of pop culture, from television (Glee, Psych, Raising Hope and American Idol) to the movies; on Broadway and in books, online, and gracing the covers of popular magazines on newsstands everywhere.

Martin Guitars refers to the facilities and activities offered by C. F. Martin & Co. at 510 Sycamore Street in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. C. F. Martin & Co. is a guitar manufacturing company that was established by Christian Frederick Martin in 1833.

Martin Guitars includes the Martin Guitar Museum, the 1833 Shop, the Visitors Center, factory tours, and the Guitarmaker’s Connection.

Martin guitars are typically favorites with folk singers and songwriters. Many of these great instruments have been around for decades. It’s not unusual to meet a pro who has had one of these acoustic guitars since the 1960s or 1970s. Some are on a second life and were built in the 1940s or earlier. Simply a high quality, well built instrument.
Martin Guitars had originally supplied Dreadnoughts to the Oliver Ditson Company of Boston. Then in 1931, Ditson was sold and Martin brought the Ditson Dreadnougts under its fold. After the last Dreadnoughts products left Nazareth, Martin built four more Dreadnoughts in two styles. This new models of Dreadnought were sold under the the Martin company’s logo.
Martin guitars have been produced since 1833. Because of their 175-year pedigree and the master craftsmanship that has historically gone into Martins, the guitars have a large amount of prestige. Vintage Martins may be made of Brazilian rosewood. This wood has become virtually extinct and is rarely used in modern manufacturing. Because of this, a rare Martin can cost tens of thousands of dollars. A guitar is not a piece of industrial equipment and should not be treated as such. This applies doubly for Martins. They require consummate maintenance to retain their condition and, given their reputation, deserve it.

Recently, Martin Guitars was honored by both Reader’s Digest and the New York Times for their efforts in green manufacturing. By promoting better logging practices and using sustainable woods, Martin (as well as Taylor, Fender, and Gibson) are taking a leadership position in doing what they can to change the market. Naturally, more expensive guitars with traditional woods will still be available, but artists such as Sting and Dave Matthews are lending their names to this line of “green” guitars. Of course, the most green thing that a guitarist can do is buy an good old guitar, but for an old Martin, you’ll probably pay a high premium.