Martin acoustic/electric guitars
Martin might be known for their acoustics, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t kept up with modern musical advancements. Take an iconic Martin acoustic, pop in some electronics, and you get a world-class acoustic/electric that’s perfect for any type of gig.
If looks could kill, you better stay away from the Martin DX Johnny Cash acoustic/electric. Martin took their ever-popular DX body (which is based on the D-35), added Fishman MX electronics, and gave it a paint job that would make the “Man in Black” proud. Acoustic or amplified, this guitar is hard to beat!
Need more access to the higher frets? The Martin SC-10E features a unique asymmetrical body shape with a rounded bottom end and single cutaway for extra comfort and projection. Add the discreet Fishman MX-T electronics, and you get a guitar that’s ready to take the stage.
Yes, there are plenty of Martin guitars that cost a pretty penny. But just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the premium quality and playability of a Martin acoustic/electric. The Martin OMCX1E utilizes special high-pressure laminate back, sides, and top to keep costs down and tone and projection up! Plus, the slick black finish is guaranteed to turn heads at your next gig.
And if you wish you could find one of the traditional body styles that made Martin famous with premium Fishman electronics included, check out the Martin Modern Deluxe Series. Not every Modern Deluxe model has electronics, but if you see a model name that ends in “E”, like this Martin D-28E, you can be sure it’s going to come equipped with premium Fishman electronics!
Martin ukuleles
Martin’s centuries of guitar-building expertise aren’t restricted to six stings. Starting in the 1920s, Martin ukuleles have been seen on stages and beaches across the country and around the world. They’re made with the same build quality as their guitar counterparts, just smaller!
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (also known as Iz) is one of the most popular Hawaiian singers and ukulele players ever to come out of Hawaii. As a tribute to his musical contributions, Martin created the 1T IZ tenor ukulele. Its high-quality quilted mahogany construction and Koa inlay makes this tribute as beautiful to look at as it is to listen to.
What could be more Hawaiian than a ukulele made of Hawaii-native Koa wood? If you want a true authentic Hawaiian ukulele, check out the Martin T1K tenor ukulele or its higher-pitched sibling, the Martin C1K concert ukulele. They’re both made of beautiful Koa wood and utilize Martin’s legendary building methods, making them some of the best ukuleles you can get your hands on.
Martin guitar accessories and cases
For an instrument as amazing as a Martin guitar, only a Martin accessories and cases will do. And luckily, there are plenty of Martin guitar accessories and cases to fit any musical or protective need.
Owning a Martin guitar is an investment. So protect your investment with a high-quality Martin guitar case. Martin makes cases for every model they manufacture. Whether you need a case for your smaller 000-style acoustic, Little Martin travel guitar, or 14-fret dreadnought model, there’s a case for you!
You can also pick up other accessories to make playing your Martin even better, like capos, straps, and strings, along with maintenance essentials, like guitar humidifiers. If there’s a product related to acoustic guitars, Martin makes it!
History of Martin guitars
The story of Martin guitars goes back almost to the beginning of the six-string acoustic. The first acoustic guitars as we’d recognize them today were built in 1779. The original founder of Martin guitars, Christian Frederick “C. F.” Martin I, was born in 1796 in a small town in Germany. His father was a cabinet maker who dabbled in guitar building. At the age of 15, Christian apprenticed under a well-known guitar maker to develop his craft.
Back in 18th and early 19th century Germany, craftsmen operated under a guild system. Since the guitar was a recently new invention, the guilds fought over which guild would be allowed to manufacture guitars. Unfortunately for the cabinet-makers guild (which C. F. Martin and his family were a part of), the violin-makers guild won the heated debate and earned exclusive rights to build guitars.
Finding the guild system too restrictive, C. F. Martin moved to New York City and opened C. F. Martin & Co. in 1833. However, it wasn’t long before he moved his manufacturing headquarters to Nazareth, Pennsylvania, where it still resides today.
Over the literal centuries, Martin has been responsible for some of the most innovative and industry-defining developments in the flattop acoustic guitar. In the 1850s, Martin is credited with developing X-bracing for acoustic guitars to give them more brightness, projection, and top strength — which become the industry standard for steel-string acoustic guitars.
In the early 1900s, players were looking for more volume out of their instruments to play for larger audiences. Understanding the market needs, Martin invented the larger-bodied dreadnought in 1916 for greater projection and low-end. The new body shape eventually transformed into the iconic Martin D-series. The dreadnought went on to become the most popular acoustic guitar shape of all time, copied by countless other builders around the world.
Although times may have changed, Martin guitars have been at the forefront of the acoustic industry for almost 200 years! Their classic designs and top-notch build quality make them the go-to for millions of musicians all over the world.
Martin guitars have been there for nearly every major musical moment in the past two centuries. They were strummed by Civil War soldiers, took the stage in the hands of some of the very first music superstars like Gene Autry and Jimmie Rodgers, captivated Woodstock crowds, headlined MTV Unplugged, and can still be heard on countless modern recordings with musicians like Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Neil Young, John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, and Seth Avett, just to name a few!
Since the beginning in 1833, C. F. Martin & Co. has been completely family owned and run. The current owner of Martin is C. F. “Chris” Martin IV, the great-great-great-grandson of the original founder.
Who knows; with a Martin guitar in your hands, perhaps you’ll help write the soundtrack for the next century.
