C.F. Martin & Co. are America’s oldest
acoustic guitar manufacturer, a multi generation, private company that has remained in the C.F. Martin & Co organisation since 1833.
C.F. Martin & Company (known affectionally as Martin) is a guitar manufacturer based in the USA established by Christian Frederick Martin in the 19th century, highly regarded for its acoustic and flat top guitars. The company has also manufactured mandolins and tiples, and several incarnations of electric guitars and basses, none of which are still in production these days.
The company’s headquarters are located in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. The original factory on North Street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2018 although no longer in use by the company. The current headquarters on Sycamore Street includes the Martin Guitar Museum, which presents guitars made by the company over the years. Open to visitors periodically.
The range of instruments manufactured by Martin include steel-string and classical acoustic guitars and ukuleles. The company also manufactures instruments and strings in Navojoa, Mexico. It produces approximately 193 guitars per day.
C.F. Martin & Co are credited with the design, development and production of the modern steel-strung acoustic guitar that we are familiar with in the 21st century. C.F. Martin & Co has provided inspiration for other countless guitar builders in their quest for compelling, beautifully crafted, hand built instruments. Martin’s most iconic creation, the “Dreadnought”, launched in 1916, remains the archetype for the perfect marriage of volume and a well-balanced tone in an acoustic guitar.
Learn more about the Dreadnought and its influence on popular music.
Today, Martin Guitars are still innovating while keeping true to their tradition of outstanding craftsmanship. Guitar Village has been a long-time dealer of Martin Guitars in the UK and are proud to be Europe’s flagship Martin Custom Shop Dealer. We have a whole room filled with dozens of Martin acoustics ranging from travel guitars right up to unique Custom Shop creations as well as used and vintage.
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