The Craftsmanship and Legacy of Martin Guitars

Building a CF Martin Company acoustic guitar involves several important steps. One of the most crucial steps is carving the bracing, which you won't even see on the finished product. This hidden X-shaped pattern of wood under the guitar's top is what gives Martin guitars their special sound.

Martin's most iconic American-made model, the D28, costs at least $2800. However, there are even more expensive models like the limited edition dreadnought that sells for $125,000. On the secondary market, some of the oldest Martin guitars are estimated to be worth nearly half a million dollars.

The current head of the company, Chris Martin IV, is the sixth generation of his family to run the business. His ancestor, Christian Frederick Martin, founded the company in 1833.

Martin employs around 1100 people in its two factories, one in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and another in Navajoa, Mexico. They use special woods called tone woods to make their guitars, including spruce for the tops, rosewood for the sides, and maple or mahogany for the neck. These woods are essential for creating Martin's distinctive sound.

The top and bottom of the guitar aren't single pieces but panels that are carefully cut in half and glued together. This process, called book matching, helps create a symmetrical pattern. These pieces are checked for quality using a process called candling, which involves shining light through the wood to spot any imperfections.

The sides of the guitar are made from separate pieces of rosewood, steam-pressed into a curved shape and glued together. A ribbon of Spanish cedar is added around the edges for extra support.

One of the key elements in creating Martin's signature sound is the bracing, which is a hidden pattern of wood glued under the guitar's top. This design, known as the X pattern, was invented by Christian Frederick Martin in the 1840s. It provides structural support without sacrificing tone.

The guitar's body is sanded, sealed, and stained to protect the wood. Martin uses a mix of hand craftsmanship and robotic technology in various stages of production.

The necks of the guitars are cut and shaped according to each model's specific requirements. The fingerboard, frets, and nut are added, and a technician ensures everything aligns perfectly.

Before a guitar is glued together, a technician performs a pre-fit to make sure everything aligns perfectly. The guitar is then strung up, tuned, and tested by a skilled musician to ensure it meets Martin's high standards.

Martin's guitars have evolved significantly over their 200-year history. For example, the oldest guitar in their collection, from 1834, looks and sounds very different from their current models.

Martin saw a surge in demand for its guitars during the COVID-19 pandemic as more people turned to playing music at home. This led to growth in their sales.

Despite the high price of Martin guitars, dedicated musicians value them for their unique sound and playability. They consider a Martin guitar an extension of themselves and are willing to invest in it.

Martin is also committed to sustainability and looks for alternatives to traditional tone woods to help protect the environment.

In conclusion, Martin guitars are known for their unique sound and quality, and the company has a long history of craftsmanship and innovation. Their dedication to creating exceptional instruments has made them a favorite among musicians around the world.