MARTIN GUITAR | Since 1833, C. F. Martin & Co.® has remained family owned and operated—six generations dedicated to building the finest acoustic guitars in the world. From a small New York City workshop to Nazareth, Pennsylvania, Martin has helped shape the sound of American music. Every generation has balanced tradition and innovation, carrying forward values of craftsmanship, quality, and environmental stewardship. When you pick up a Martin, you hear nearly two centuries of family history.
A Family Business
Founder C. F. Martin Sr. changed guitar making forever with his invention of X-bracing—a design that gave acoustic guitars their strength and voice. His grandson Frank Henry Martin went on to introduce the Dreadnought, a body style that redefined modern music. In recent decades, Chris Martin IV continued that spirit of innovation with the X Series and the forward-thinking SC models. Each generation has pushed the craft forward while honoring the legacy that started it all.
Photo: Three generations of Martins—C. F. Martin III (left), Frank Herbert Martin (center), and Frank Henry Martin (right).
The Story Behind The D-19 190th Anniversary Guitar
To celebrate 190 years of craftsmanship in 2023, Martin Guitar reimagined a special model from its past: the D-19. In this video, Chris Martin IV shares the story of his great-great-great-grandfather’s arrival in America and how the family business began in New York City before moving to Nazareth, Pennsylvania. He explains how the original D-19, introduced in 1976, reflected Martin’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, and why it was the perfect model to revive for such a milestone year. Filmed inside the Martin Museum, the interview connects past and present as the 190th Anniversary D-19 takes its place in Martin history.
Visit the Martin Museum
The Martin Guitar Museum in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, is where nearly two centuries of music history come alive. Open to the public and free to visit, the museum houses more than a hundred instruments, from early gut-string guitars to the millionth Martin ever made. Legendary artist instruments are also on display, including Kurt Cobain’s and Hank Williams’ D-18s, Eric Clapton’s signature prototype, and Johnny Cash’s D-42. Visitors can also explore ukuleles, mandolins, milestone showpieces, and even the company’s original tools and workbenches. Rotating exhibits and unique artifacts make every visit unforgettable. It’s more than a museum—it’s a celebration of artistry, culture, and the enduring legacy of Martin.
The Ballad of the Dreadnought
The Martin Dreadnought changed the sound of modern music—and The Ballad of the Dreadnought tells its story. Narrated by actor and Martin player Jeff Daniels, this documentary traces the guitar’s rise from humble beginnings in 1916 to its place on the world’s biggest stages. You’ll hear how it became the instrument of choice across nearly every genre, with reflections from artists including Seth Avett, Rosanne Cash, David Crosby, Vince Gill, Jason Isbell, Del McCoury, Roger McGuinn, Steve Miller, Graham Nash, Sturgill Simpson, and Stephen Stills. The film is both a tribute and a testament to the guitar that forever shaped the sound of music.
Behind the Glass Series
Ever wondered what treasures lie behind the glass at the Martin Guitar Museum? In this video series, museum and archives manager Jason Ahner takes you on a closer look at some of Martin’s most historic guitars. From the very first Martin ever built to rare pre-war icons like the 1930 OM-45 De Luxe, the 1929 Ditson 111—the world’s first Dreadnought—and the “holy grail” 1942 D-45, each episode uncovers the stories behind instruments that shaped music history. You’ll also meet guitars tied to legendary artists like Joan Baez, James Taylor, Judy Collins, and Waylon Jennings. Behind the Glass is your front-row seat to guitar history.
Setting the tone for over 50 years
At Martin, we’ve always believed strings are the vocal cords of a guitar—and far too important to leave to someone else. That’s why, in 1970, we acquired Darco Strings and began making our own. Decades of R&D, engineering, and innovation have gone into perfecting strings that let tonewoods sing with clarity, warmth, and power. Today, our lineup includes Authentic Acoustic®, Retro®, Kovar™, and more—crafted with the same care and attention to detail as our guitars. Whether you play guitar, ukulele, mandolin, or banjo, Martin Strings deliver the tone and reliability you’ll fall in love with, again and again.
