An Evening with Martin Guitars

Guitar Village recently played host to a very special visit from Chris Martin IV, the sixth-generation CEO of C.F. Martin & Co.

Along with the guitar skills and product knowledge of guitarist, Craig Thatcher, our specially invited guests were treated to demonstrations, a talk on the history of Martin Guitars and a Q&A session giving our customers a chance to speak directly to the man whose family name graces these prestigious guitars.

Guitar Village has been an keen Martin dealer in the UK for decades and has always carried a large stock in our 15th century premises. The night was co-hosted by Martin’s UK distributor, Westside Distribution who provided goody bags and prizes as well as some specially built decor for the shop.

This relaxed and informal evening started with product specialist and musician, Craig Thatcher talking about his love of Martin guitars and playing a few songs before handing over to Chris Martin IV, the great-great-great-grandson of founder Christian Frederick Martin. We were then taken on a journey through two centuries of Martin family history and the development of the acoustic guitar as we know it today. Martin, after all, refined and popularised the steal-string acoustic and invented the fabled “dreadnought”, an influential and much copied design famous for its huge sound.

 Part 1 – Chris Martin IV on the History of Martin Guitars

Part 2 – Craig Thatcher | Hear Martin Guitars in action!

Many thanks to Chris Martin IV, Craig Thatcher, Westside Distribution and all those in attendance.

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View our range of Martin Guitars including Martin Custom Shop HERE.

Photos by CLICK and a FLASH and Guitar Village