[Please see our listing of quality used Martin guitars following this brief history of the company.]
The story of Martin Guitar began on January 31, 1796 in Markneukirchen, Germany with the birth of Christian Frederick Martin, Sr. He was born into a long line of cabinet makers. Remarkably, the guitar manufacturer has managed to stay under family management for six generations now. A very impressive story for any business.
Martin 000-14 Fret Quilted Sapele w/Adirondack Top Guitar
Martin would strive for nothing but the best instruments when starting in 1833, and the company continues to produce only the best guitars today at their expanded manufacturing plant in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.
During the 1920's there was a very high demand for ukuleles. Martin began making ukes and actually produced twice (estimated) the amount of ukes as they did guitars in 1920. The plant facilities actually had to be expanded for the increas workload.
Although Martin is today a solid company that enjoys a high demand for it's quality instruments, the great depression saw them suffering like most did. From 1929 to 1931, production was cut in half. The workers wages had to be lowered, and they even went to a 3 day work week.
To help recover from the depression, and to help bolster lagging sales, 2 very significant developments were achieved, the creation of the now famous "Dreadnought" guitar and the invention of the 14-fret neck.
Christian Frederick Martin IV was born on July 8, 1955 and is the sixth generation Martin to be active controlling the Martin Guitar legacy. Under Chris’ management, the Sycamore Street facility was expanded, the successful Backpacker travel guitar was introduced, and the limited edition guitar program was expanded to include signature models of significant artists like Gene Autry, Eric Clapton, and Marty Stuart as well as unique collaborations like the 1996 "MTV Unplugged" MTV-1 guitar.
Perhaps the boldest new direction that Chris took was the development and introduction of the patented "X Series" guitars, which thoroughly re-examined the way guitars are designed and constructed. Through the use of innovative processes combined with computer aided manufacturing, the "X Series" models offer an affordable acoustic guitar without compromise of tone or craftsmanship.
The Martin Guitar Company is thriving under Chris' management, and it looks as though the famous Martin name will continue it's trek from history and into the future for a very long time to come.
[Editor's Note:] Used Martin guitars are often an excellent investment. Nearly all used Martin guitars hold their value well, but many actually appreciate in value, sometimes greatly. You can hardly go wrong when purchasing used Martin guitars, as long as you do your homework before buying.
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 Martin 000 15SM 12 Fret Neck Slotted Headstock Slope Shoulder Auditorium Body $1,379.99 Time Remaining: 8d 15h 36m Buy It Now for only: $1,379.99 |
 MARTIN GUITAR OCM 28B LAURENCE JUBER CUSTOM EDITION w BRAZILIAN ROSEWOOD $5,495.00 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 42m |
 Martin HD 28V $1,900.00 Time Remaining: 2d 4m |
 1981 Takamine EF 349 Acoustic Electric Mahogany Guitar Martin Lawsuit $395.00 Time Remaining: 4d 18h 39m Buy It Now for only: $395.00 |
 Martin D 16GT Dreadnought Gloss Top Acoustic Guitar w hard case a WOW $850.00 Time Remaining: 3h 17m Buy It Now for only: $935.00 Bid now |
 1995 Martin D 45 AN AMAZING GUITAR $5,499.00 Time Remaining: 28d 20h 52m Buy It Now for only: $5,499.00 |
 1997 MARTIN HD 28 NEAR MINT D28 D35 $1,350.00 (22 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 3h 46m |
 OUTSTANDING 1992 MARTIN D28 ACOUSTIC GUITAR W CASE PRO SET UP SERVICED $1,695.00 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 59m Buy It Now for only: $1,695.00 |
 Martin 000 28EC Acoustic guitar Eric Clapton Signature model Mint $2,189.00 Time Remaining: 1d 20h 16m |
 Martin SWDGT 2005 $750.00 Time Remaining: 2h 34m Buy It Now for only: $900.00 Bid now |
 MARTIN D 28 SITKA SPRUCE INDIAN ROSEWOOD GREAT PLAYER HARD CASE $1,749.99 Time Remaining: 8d 1h 46m Buy It Now for only: $1,749.99 |
 1964 Martin D28 D 28 Vintage Acoustic Guitar Brazilian Rosewood Project $1,575.00 (17 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 22h 25m |