Martin
Since 1833
C.F. Martin & Company, founded by Christian Frederick Martin Sr., is America's oldest guitar manufacturer and the gold standard for acoustic guitars. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship, rich tone, and legendary durability, Martin guitars have been the choice of musicians from Johnny Cash to Bob Dylan for nearly two centuries.
192
Years in Business
2M+
Guitars Sold
$150M
Annual Revenue
Complete Martin Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about Martin guitars.
Market Overview
Average Price
$2,100
+3% vs last year
eBay Listings
1,500
Active listings
Sold This Month
950
+6% vs last month
Price Range
$1,200-$25,000
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Complete Martin Product Lineup
From the legendary D-28 to innovative Modern Deluxe series, Martin offers instruments that have shaped American music for nearly two centuries
Dreadnought Guitars
Iconic large-body guitars with powerful projection
Flagship dreadnought with East Indian rosewood
Classic mahogany dreadnought
Three-piece rosewood back for enhanced bass
Premium model with abalone inlays
Herringbone trim with scalloped bracing
Mahogany with gloss top finish
12-string electric dreadnought
000 & OM Series
Medium-body guitars with balanced tone
Triple-O with rosewood back and sides
All-mahogany Triple-O
Orchestra Model with long-scale neck
East Indian rosewood with simple appointments
Premium Triple-O with elaborate inlays
Cutaway Orchestra Model with electronics
Specialty & Vintage
Limited editions and vintage-inspired models
Authentic pre-war specifications
Exact vintage reproductions
Handcrafted bespoke instruments
Limited annual releases
Artist collaboration models
Contemporary features with classic tone
"From the legendary D-28 to innovative Modern Deluxe series, Martin offers instruments that have shaped American music for nearly two centuries"
Martin Timeline
Company Founded
Christian Frederick Martin Sr. founded C.F. Martin & Company in New York City after immigrating from Germany.
Move to Nazareth
Company relocated to Nazareth, Pennsylvania, where Martin guitars are still made today.
X-Bracing Innovation
Martin developed the X-bracing pattern, revolutionizing acoustic guitar construction and becoming the industry standard.
Dreadnought Design
Created the dreadnought body shape, originally for the Oliver Ditson Company, later becoming Martin's most popular design.
D-28 Introduction
Launched the iconic D-28 model, which became the gold standard for dreadnought acoustic guitars.
OM Series Launch
Introduced the Orchestra Model (OM) series with 14-fret neck join, influencing modern acoustic guitar design.
000 Series
Developed the 000 (Triple-O) body size, offering a more balanced tone between bass and treble.
Herringbone Returns
Reintroduced herringbone purfling on D-28, responding to player demand for vintage appointments.
HD-28 Launch
Introduced the HD-28 with herringbone trim and scalloped bracing, combining vintage and modern features.
Vintage Series
Launched Vintage Series guitars with authentic pre-war specifications and aging techniques.
Performing Artist Series
Introduced PA Series with Fishman electronics, targeting performing musicians.
Reimagined Series
Launched Reimagined series with modern appointments while maintaining classic Martin tone and feel.
Sustainable Initiatives
Expanded use of sustainable and alternative tonewoods, including richlite fingerboards and responsibly sourced materials.
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each Fender model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
D-28 Buying Guide
The Gold Standard
Considered the benchmark dreadnought - powerful bass, clear trebles, and the classic Martin tone that defined American music
East Indian Rosewood
Traditional rosewood back and sides provide rich overtones and complex harmonics that improve with age
Investment Value
D-28s hold their value exceptionally well and are highly sought after in the vintage market
D-18 Buying Guide
All-Mahogany Construction
Mahogany back, sides, and top create a focused, woody tone with excellent note separation - perfect for recording
Vintage Appeal
The choice of folk legends like Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash, offering authentic vintage Martin character
Excellent Value
More affordable than rosewood models while maintaining Martin's legendary build quality and tone
OM-28 Buying Guide
Versatile Body Size
Orchestra Model size offers excellent balance - comfortable for fingerpicking yet projects well for strumming
Long-Scale Neck
25.4" scale length provides enhanced string tension and clarity, especially beneficial for fingerstyle playing
Professional Choice
Favored by professional musicians for its versatility, recording quality, and stage presence