#306138 martin guitar serial numbers how to#

By 2015, 45% of the wood that Martin uses came from FSC sources with certification.This means they adhere to very high standards about social and environmental responsibility. Martin guitars are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).Then, the company adheres to CITES guidelines regarding the harvesting of endangered wood species and responsible timber sourcing. In 1990, Martin guitars formalized their statement about environmental stewardship.Here, artists and craftsman can transform a customer’s ideas into reality. Then, in 1979, Martin guitars opened its Custom Shop. These were made in Korea, then shipped to Martin guitars in the United States.

The Stinger guitar was similar in design to Fender guitars. The company tried making electric guitars again, this time solid body, from 1985-1996. Consequently, Martin discontinued making them after they failed to catch on. In the 1960’s, Martin guitars briefly produced hollow body electric guitars. This provided greater sound volume and projection, compensating for the lack of sound equipment.

The second invention was the dreadnought body style, which was larger than the standard guitar.

This allowed guitars to be played like banjos and to replace them in jazz bands.

One was the development of the fourteen-fret guitar.

1920’s and The Great Depressionĭuring the depression, Martin guitars survived thanks to the introduction of two modifications. Steel strings placed considerably more tension on the upper part than catgut strings of the past. Increased strength and stability of the top made for an easy transition to steel strings at the beginning of the next century. In the 1850’s, Martin developed the X-bracing system for guitar tops. Yet, it is now a warehouse and a retail site.

Therefore, he built one in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. By 1859, the need for a factory was evident. Originally, Martin guitars were made entirely by hand. Martin had relatives, and the land reminded him of his native Germany. Six years later the company relocated to Nazareth, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Then, he opened his first shop in New York City in 1833. Martin felt it would be easier to produce his guitars in America. Eventually, the court system sorted things out granting the rights to the cabinet makers’ guild.Īfter dealing with the restrictions of European guilds, C.F. However, both the cabinet makers’ guild and the violin makers’ guild, claimed rights to oversee the crafting of guitars. He learned to make guitars in Vienna, Austria, from Johann Georg Stauffer. After finishing his apprenticeship with Stauffer, C.F. Martin was from a family of German cabinet makers. Martin and Company appeared in 1833 in New York City, New York. The Story of Martin Guitars The BeginningĬ.F. Information given here, on finding serial numbers, can help with that process.

#306138 martin guitar serial numbers how to#

Knowing how to research serial numbers can aid in obtaining information about the age and authenticity of a guitar. Cheap acoustic guitars are easy to find but will be of far inferior quality. Also, Martin guitars are notorious for their beauty, unique sound, and for maintaining and increasing in value with age.Ī Martin guitar is an investment and something that you can enjoy for a lifetime. Martin and Company has been providing musicians with finely crafted instruments with unique details. The Martin name is synonymous with quality guitars.