United States · Est. 1833
C.F. Martin & Co.
The oldest American guitar manufacturer, C.F. Martin & Co. has been building the world's most respected acoustic guitars since 1833.
About the brand
C.F. Martin & Co. was founded in 1833 by Christian Frederick Martin Sr., a German immigrant who established his workshop in New York before moving to Nazareth, Pennsylvania — where the company has been based ever since. Martin invented the X-bracing system for acoustic guitar tops in the 1840s, which became the universal standard for steel-string acoustic guitars worldwide.
The Martin D-28 (1931) and D-45 became the defining instruments of American folk and country music. Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley all played Martins. The Dreadnought body shape — invented by Martin — became so dominant that it is now the default shape most players think of when they imagine an acoustic guitar.
Martin continues to manufacture in Nazareth using many traditional hand-building techniques, with the 28 and 45 series representing the premium American-made range. The Road Series and X Series offer the Martin sound at more accessible prices. After nearly 200 years, Martin remains the standard by which all steel-string acoustic guitars are measured.
Key facts
- Founded in 1833 — the oldest continuously operating American guitar manufacturer
- Invented X-bracing, now the universal standard for steel-string acoustic guitar construction
- D-28 and D-45 played by Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley
- Dreadnought body shape invented by Martin is now the world's most copied acoustic design
Iconic models
Martin D-28
The most iconic dreadnought acoustic guitar in history, with its rosewood-and-spruce combination that became the world reference standard.
Martin D-45
Martin's most luxurious acoustic guitar, with elaborate abalone inlays and impeccable construction — the ultimate aspiration of any collector.
Martin 000-28
The mid-size Martin that Eric Clapton made famous on his MTV Unplugged performance, reigniting mass interest in 000-size acoustic guitars.
Martin OM-28
Martin's long-scale Orchestra Model, a favorite of fingerstyle and country players for its tonal balance and dynamic response.
Martin LX1
Martin's best-selling travel guitar, with its HPL wood body and accessible price that made it the go-to beginner guitar bearing the Martin name.