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The Martin Guitar Company has been continually producing guitars for well over a century and and half, and they are widely known as being some of the finest instruments in the world.
The company has proudly adapted to constant modifications in product design, distribution and production techniques throughout its colorful history. Despite the important changes that have taken place in the industry, C.F. Martin has kept its focus on its ongoing mission statement.
When they started production in 1833, in their Nazareth, Pennsylvania facility, their concern was supplying fine instruments. That dedication is as significant to them today as it was back then.
Martin Guitars - The Early Innovations
When Martin first started guitar production there was not much standardization utilized as the instruments were totally hand crafted and constructed one-at-a-time.
An adjustable neck device was one of the initial innovations that they employed. There was a screw located on the backside of the heel of the guitar neck and a bolt extended into the head block of the guitar. Adjustments were produced by adjusting this screw. As it turns out, the adjustment device was very complicated and could slip while the strings were at full tension. Due to the difficulties with this unique neck adjustment gadget, it was gradually phased out of production.
Some of the Historical Martin Guitar Innovations
A very popular and major innovation that Martin developed in the early 1850's was development of the "X" bracing system for acoustic guitar tops. Still evident on guitars that are produced by Martin today, this innovation is characterized by brilliant treble tones and powerful base response. This innovation largely is responsible for the uniqueness of the acoustic guitar tone.
The development of the 14 fret neck in lieu of the standard 12 fret neck is another innovation that Martin developed in late 1929, and that design is utilized by nearly every acoustic guitar maker in the world. Because of the broad acceptance of this design innovation, Martin decided to introduce it on its entire product line. And as you may know, it has become the standard in the American guitar industry since that time.
A trademark of the guitar community was developed by Martin that was named after a large class of British battleships during World War I. That being the dreadnought guitar. It was in 1931 that Martin first introduced the dreadnought shape. This has been such a popular shape that nearly every guitar maker in the industry has adopted some form of it. It has been on of the stellar performers in the entire Martin Guitar line.
How Martin Addresses Ecological issues
Martin adapted its long standing ecological policy in 1990. This program embraces environmentally responsible usage of traditional guitar building woods, while additionally encouraging the pursuit of alternate, more sustainable-yield wood species.
Additionally they are responsible for forming a consumer focus group to investigate the usage and acceptance of woods that are structurally sound, while exhibiting cosmetic characteristics that previously not acceptable in the guitar making trade.
To further enhance its environmental objects, Martin has chosen to put on exhibitions explaining the advantages of the usage of sustainable-yield wood sources as a viable option to traditional sources.
Martin Guitars Continuing Adherence to Principles
One of the most meaningful reasons Martin has enjoyed dominance and longevity in the industry is the unfailing adherence to the high standards and musical excellence of their musical instrument lines. Martin has never wavered from their core belief and attitude toward guitar construction even though there have been changes to the product mix and marketing strategies over the years.
The company mission statement that was authored by Frank Henry Martin nearly 80 years ago reads: "A good guitar cannot be built for the price of a poor guitar, but then who regrets the extra cost of a good guitar?". That expression is still the company motto that is adhered to today, and it is what the company has long based its dedication to quality on.
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