C. F. Martin & Company
C.F. Martin & Company (often referred to as Martin) is an American guitar manufacturer established in 1833 by Christian Frederick Martin. It is highly respected for its acoustic guitars and is a leading manufacturer of flat top guitars. The company has also made mandolins and tiples, as well as several models of electric guitars and electric basses, although none of these other instruments are still in production.
Industry
1833 in New York City. Relocated to Pennsylvania in 1839.
Christian Frederick Martin IV (Executive Chairman); Thomas Ripsam (CEO)
- acoustic and classical guitars, ukuleles, strings
- formerly: electric guitars, tenor guitars, mandolins, tiples, basses
The company's headquarters and primary factory are situated in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, located in the Lehigh Valley region of the state. The original factory on North Street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2018. This building no longer houses manufacturing, instead a luthier store called Guitar Maker's Connection. The current headquarters on Sycamore Street includes the Martin Guitar Museum, which features over 170 guitars made by the company over its history. Visitors can see pictures of famous guitar owners, try out and purchase guitars, or take a factory tour.[1]
The range of instruments manufactured by Martin include steel-string and classical acoustic guitars and ukuleles. The company also manufactures instruments and strings in Navojoa, Mexico. It produces approximately 193 guitars per day.
History[edit]
The Great Depression[edit]
The Great Depression in 1929 drastically affected Martin's sales. The company came up with two innovations to help regain business.
