[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 D 28 2009 MINT CONDITION NEVER PLAYED WITH CASE $1,699.00 Time Remaining: 33m |
 1967 Martin 00 18C Pristine $1,500.00 Time Remaining: 3d 22h 37m Buy It Now for only: $1,500.00 |
 Yamaha AEX 500N Hybrid Crossover Nylon Thinbody Classic design by Martin Taylor $375.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 41m |
 2003 CF Martin D 45D 18 D 21 D28 D 35 D 41 D 42 $4,799.00 Time Remaining: 28d 20h 21m Buy It Now for only: $4,799.00 |
 Martin 00 15 Acoustic Guitar $810.00 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 1h 11m |
 Martin D 1 Acoustic Guitar in Hard Case $680.00 Time Remaining: 26d 22h 57m Buy It Now for only: $680.00 |
 Blueridge BR 7s w Martin Strings $500.00 Time Remaining: 2h 29m |
 MINT Condition CF C F Martin Mike Longworth D45 D 45 Limited Edition Guitar $7,995.00 Time Remaining: 2d 4h 46m Buy It Now for only: $7,995.00 |
 2003 Martin D 35 Dreadnaught Acoustic Guitar USA D35 $1,325.00 (21 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 35m |
 Mint Condition Little Martin Guitar $229.99 Time Remaining: 2h 45m |
 Martin 000 28EC Eric Clapton Signature Acoustic Guitar circa 2005 made in USA $1,950.00 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 2m Buy It Now for only: $1,950.00 |
 2001 12 String Martin D12 1 Acoustic Guitar Case with Original Paperwork N3 $540.00 (33 Bids) Time Remaining: 2h 46m |