Vintage acoustic guitars are widespread and available from a large number of companies, but none of those others can ever claim to be as “vintage” as C.F. Martin & Co. Martin has a very long history in the music business and beats every other company and corporation in this regard. Several famous guitarists had specially made guitars from Martin, and the company’s age has given it a lot of time to cover all of your guitar needs, but it is most famous for it acoustic guitars.
In 1833, C. F. Martin, Sr., the first of four men named C. F. Martin to run the company, emigrated from Germany to New York, where he first established his shop. In 1838, he moved it to Pennsylvania. Formerly a cabinet maker in Austria, Martin left after the Violin Makers Guild compelled cabinet makers to cease making musical instruments. Martin made and sold ukeleles, mandolins, and Hawaiian guitars as each of those instruments became popular. But Martin has been and always will be known for its excellent acoustic guitars.
Famous guitarist Jimmy Rodgers was the first star to request a specially made guitar from Martin. This was the “Blue Yodel” 000-45 guitar. Later came Gene Autry with his specially made D-45. Throughout the 1940′s and 1950′s, Martin acoustic guitars became extremely popular in country music circles. A number of stars played Martin guitars, but the most famous was Hank Williams, who played a D-28.
C.F. Martin & Co. made their 500,000th guitar in 1990, and their millionth in 2004. They are now the oldest surviving guitar production company in the world. These are very popular and rare vintage acoustic guitars. If you’re collecting acoustic guitars, you cannot miss getting a Martin. Their history making guitars is unparalleled, and they have the star power to back up their quality. It’s tough to beat a Martin, and you can’t complete a collection without one.
