Martin Guitar

Martin Guitar at Kirstein

C. F. Martin & Co. was founded in 1833 by Christian Friedrich Martin and remains a family-owned company today. Its headquarters are located in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Across six generations, Martin developed constructions and body shapes that have had a lasting influence on the history of the steel-string acoustic guitar. The Martin name is particularly closely associated with X-bracing and the Dreadnought. Accordingly, premium acoustic guitars remain at the heart of the Martin range.

Which Martin guitar is right for you?

Martin covers a wide range of requirements without being limited to a single price or performance level. The X Series offers a comparatively accessible entry into the Martin world and, on many models, combines durable materials with stage-ready electronics. The Road Series is aimed at players looking for a versatile acoustic guitar for rehearsals, live performances and songwriting. The Junior Series and Little Martin provide more compact instruments for travelling, smaller playing environments or musicians who deliberately prefer a more manageable body size. You can also find suitable dimensions among the short-scale acoustic guitars.

15, 16 and Standard Series

The 15 Series focuses on a deliberately understated appearance and a woody, direct tonal character; current models are made in Nazareth. The 16 Series likewise combines solid-wood construction with modern features that are often suited to stage use. The Standard Series is even more closely oriented towards Martins historic classics. It includes well-known models such as the D-18 and D-28. The series is made in Nazareth from solid woods and represents traditional construction features such as X-bracing and classic neck-to-body joints.

Modern Deluxe, Authentic and Custom Shop

Players who want to combine traditional Martin construction with modern details will find suitable instruments in the Modern Deluxe Series. The Authentic Series follows historic pre-war Martin guitars particularly closely and uses traditional manufacturing techniques together with historically inspired specifications. Custom Shop Editions are also available for distinctive versions and individual instruments. For a cross-brand overview of this class, see Premium & Custom Shop Acoustic Guitars.

Dreadnought, 000 and OM: comparing Martin body shapes

The choice of body shape has a clear influence on both playing feel and tonal direction. Martin Dreadnoughts such as the D-18 or D-28 have a large body and are particularly suitable for powerful strumming, accompaniment and playing styles where projection is important. You can explore the corresponding selection among the Dreadnought guitars. 000 and OM models are more compact and are often chosen for fingerstyle, recording and detailed songwriting because of their balanced character and more comfortable body size. These body shapes can be found among the Grand Auditorium & OM guitars.

Martin for stage, studio and special requirements

Alongside purely acoustic instruments, Martin offers numerous models with pickups and integrated electronics. These guitars are suitable for live performances as well as rehearsals and amplified singer-songwriter setups. The range also includes 12-string instruments for especially broad, overtone-rich accompaniment; suitable models can be compared among the 12-string acoustic guitars. Artist and special models complement the range for musicians and collectors looking for distinctive specifications or a connection to particular artists. The Signature Acoustic Guitars category provides additional orientation.

Martin guitar strings and the right setup

Martin is not only a guitar manufacturer but has also produced its own strings for decades. When choosing a set, string gauge, material and desired playing feel all play an important role: lighter sets can support easier fretting and bending, while heavier strings provide a firmer playing feel. In the Strings for Steel String Guitars category, you can compare different options for your Martin or another steel-string acoustic guitar.

Why buy Martin Guitar at Kirstein?

With a Martin guitar, body shape, series, wood selection, electronics and personal playing feel all influence which instrument is best suited to your intended use. Kirstein supports your choice with expert advice and in-house specialist workshops. Purchases also include a 3-year Kirstein warranty and 30 Day Money Back subject to the applicable conditions. This helps you choose the right Martin model, from a compact travel instrument to a premium Standard Series or Custom Shop guitar.