Martin - History of craftsmanship

The History of Martin Guitars: A Look at Over 190 Years of Craftsmanship

The history of Martin Guitars begins in 1833 when Christian Frederick Martin Sr., a German-born guitar maker, opened his first shop in New York City. Soon after, he moved to Nazareth, Pennsylvania, where the company's headquarters remain to this day. There, Martin began to revolutionize classical instrument-making with innovative ideas and achievements, starting a path that would permanently change the music industry and give voice to thousands of songs.

More impressions: Craftsmanship of days long gone!

The Martin family tradition: generations of guitar makers

The company now spans six generations and has always adhered to the values that Christian Frederick Martin Sr. established over 190 years ago: Craftsmanship, innovation and an unwavering dedication to quality. Each generation has brought its own innovations and improvements that have made Martin one of the most respected guitar brands in the world. As a result, the Martin sound is just as relevant today as it was 100 years ago, with young artists such as Ed Sheeran and Shawn Mendes turning to Martin instruments early in their careers.

Innovation and tradition: the X-bracing revolution

One of the most significant legacies of C.F. Martin Sr. is X-bracing, an internal bracing system that not only improved the stability of guitars, but also enabled the full, resonant sound that is now the hallmark of Martin guitars. This construction technique became the standard in guitar making and is still used in all Martin models today. But that's not all, Martin is still working on updated versions of this bracing today, in an attempt to permanently improve and optimize its guitars. The number of instruments that are still on the market after 100 years demonstrates the longevity of the instruments.

Craftsmanship: Handcrafted Masterpieces

To ensure this longevity, Martin guitars are still largely handcrafted, making each guitar a unique piece. The combination of traditional techniques and the latest technology ensures that every Martin guitar meets the highest quality standards. Whether it's a guitar from the Standard Series or a Custom Shop model, every Martin guitar undergoes a careful manufacturing process.

Materials and Sound: The Importance of High-Quality Raw Materials

In this manufacturing process, Martin places great importance on the selection of materials. Martin uses only the finest woods, such as mahogany, rosewood, and spruce, to ensure the characteristic sound of their guitars. These woods are carefully selected, dried, and processed to meet the specific requirements of each guitar. The use of these high-quality materials contributes significantly to the warm, full sound of Martin guitars.

The Legacy of Martin: A Guitar for Every Generation

Martin guitars have long been the choice of many legendary musicians, from Johnny Cash to Eric Clapton. Each guitar, whether in the hands of a professional or a hobbyist, carries the legacy of nearly two centuries of guitar-making craftsmanship. The timeless quality and distinctive sound of Martin guitars make them the first choice for musicians of all genres. Anyone who has ever held a Martin in their hands immediately understands the appeal of these instruments.

Why Martin Guitars at session: Our Commitment to Excellence

At session, we are proud to offer one of the most extensive collections of Martin guitars in Germany. As an official dealer, we provide a wide selection of all series and models, from entry-level models to Custom Shop unique pieces. Our team in Walldorf, Frankfurt, and of course here at session.de is here to help you find the perfect Martin guitar and ensure that you acquire an instrument that will bring you joy for a lifetime. We even celebrate our Martin Weeks once a year, where we focus intensely online and in our stores on helping more people discover and fall in love with the Martin sound, even after 190 years.