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.
![C.F. Martin & Co factory. Mark Markley photograph](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MARTINGUITAR.RLWEB10.jpg)
![Chris Adamcik adjusts the body. Mark Markley photograph](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MARTINGUITAR.RLWEB4_.jpg)
![Close up of a Martin Guitar body in process. Mark Markley photograph](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MARTINGUITAR.RL_.jpg)
![Todd Garrity adjusts the body for a perfect neck fit. Mark Markley photograph](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MARTINGUITAR.RL4_-e1538685341508.jpg)
![Brian E. Pritchard strings a custom guitar. Mark Markley photograph](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MARTINGUITAR.RL1_.jpg)
![Dale Eckhart shapes the bracing. Mark Markley photograph](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MARTINGUITAR.jpg)
![Stephen Kresge inserts the rosettes. Mark Markley photograph](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MARTINGUITAR.RLWEB13.jpg)
![Bart Buschi hammers the frets. Mark Markley photograph](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MARTINGUITAR.RLWEB12.jpg)
![Anette Pemberton works on the X bracing. Mark Markley photograph](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MARTINGUITAR.RLWEB11-e1449273868241.jpg)
![Martin 0-45, a Joan Baez parlor guitar. Mark Markley photograph](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MARTINGUITAR.RLWEB6_.jpg)
![Mark Markley photograph](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MARTINGUITAR.RLWEB5_.jpg)
![Mark Markley photograph](https://www.craftinamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/MARTINGUITAR.RLWEB2_.jpg)