Martin Guitars: An Overview

Posted on Oct 27th 2009 1:36PM by Adam Horne

When it comes to acoustic guitars, there are fewer companies more highly regarded than C.F. Martin & Company. Martin guitars, particularly their signature steel-string flattop acoustics, can be pricey but are cherished by those who use them. Since the company's creation in 1833, it has been known for a number of innovations, including the 14-fret neck (which allows for greater range than the traditional 12 frets) and the dreadnought guitar (a larger body that creates a louder, bass-heavy sound).

Martin guitars are not only acoustic -- the company has also produced electric as well as bass guitars. Today, the company produces over 180 different types of guitars out of their factories in Mexico and Nazareth, Pa. Many famous musicians have used or endorsed Martin guitars, including Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Arlo Guthrie and Johnny Cash.

Flip through our gallery to see pictures of notable Martin guitars.

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Martin Guitars

The famed guitar company produces some of the world's most highly regarded acoustic guitars.

Ric Francis, AP

Richard Drew, AP

Martin Guitars

Displayed is Elvis Presley's personal Martin Acoustic Guitar and movie posters which were auctioned Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Ric Francis)

Ric Francis, AP

Three guitars from among the 100 put up for auction by rock and roll legend Eric Clapton rest beneath his portrait at Christie's in New York, Thursday, June 24, 1999. Shown from left are a 1974 Martin 000-28 acoustic guitar, and a 1956 and 1954 Fender Stratocaster. The sale raised $5.07 million for Crossroads Centre, the Caribbean alcohol and drug rehabiliation center Clapton founded in 1997. (AP Photo/Ed Bailey)

Ed Bailey, AP

SAN PEDRO, CA - MARCH 26: Musician John Mayer performs at "One Splendid Evening" sponsored by Carnival Cruise Lines and benefiting VH1 Save The Music Foundation held on the Carnival Splendor at Port of Los Angeles on March 26, 2009 in San Pedro, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images for VH1)

Jason Merritt, Getty Images

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 7: A 1997 JC-42JC Martin guitar and a poster of him wearing the coat and holding the guitar along with other memorabilia belonging to country singing legends Johnny Cash and wife June Carter-Cash are displayed at Sotheby's September 7, 2004 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Chernin/getty Images)

Stephen Chernin, Getty Images

US singer and songwriter Paul Simon performs on the Auditorum Stravinski stage during the 42nd Montreux Jazz Festival on July 9, 2008 in Montreux. FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images

Fabrice Coffrini, AFP / Getty Images

The rarest and most coveted 1930 OM-45 Deluxe Guitar by C.F. Martin and Co. owned and played by Roy Rogers on display at Christie's on March 27, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

Neilson Barnard, Getty Images