Martin Guitar Co

C.F Martin & Co. has been creating the finest instruments in the world since 1833. It continues to innovate, introducing techniques and features that have become industry standards including X-bracing, the 14-fret guitar and the “Dreadnought” size. One of the world’s leading acoustic instrument makers, Martin guitars are hand-made by skilled craftsmen and women, who use a combination of new design and techniques along with those introduced by the company founder.

The company, founded by German immigrant Christian Frederick Martin Sr. in the U.S. has been continuously family owned and operated for six generations. Embraced by artists all over the world, the Martin guitar has helped define virtually all genres of music, from classical and country to blues, folk and acoustic rock.

www.martinguitar.com

C.F. Martin & Co factory. Mark Markley photograph
C.F. Martin & Company factory.
Chris Adamcik adjusts the body. Mark Markley photograph
Chris Adamcik adjusts the body.
Close up of a Martin Guitar body in process. Mark Markley photograph
Close up of a Martin Guitar body in process. Mark Markley photograph
Todd Garrity adjusts the body for a perfect neck fit. Mark Markley photograph
Brian E. Pritchard strings a custom guitar. Mark Markley photograph
Brian E. Pritchard strings a custom guitar. Mark Markley photograph
Dale Eckhart shapes the bracing. Mark Markley photograph
Dale Eckhart shapes the bracing. Mark Markley photograph
Stephen Kresge inserts the rosettes. Mark Markley photograph
Stephen Kresge inserts the rosettes.
Bart Buschi hammers the frets. Mark Markley photograph
Bart Buschi hammers the frets into the fingerboard.
Anette Pemberton works on the X bracing. Mark Markley photograph
Anette Pemberton works on the X bracing.
Martin 0-45, a Joan Baez parlor guitar. Mark Markley photograph
Martin 0-45 Joan Baez guitar.
Mark Markley photograph
Mark Markley photograph
Clamping the neck to the body.