What do the letters mean on Martin guitars?
Martin started building guitars in 1833, and by 1898, they were using a standardized system to number their instruments by body shape and style. The first letters or numbers indicate the body shape (0, 00, OM, D, etc.) that are followed by a style number (15, 18, 28, 45, etc.), and separated by a dash.
How do you date a Martin acoustic guitar?
By means of the serial number of your Martin can therefore quite precise date of production be determined. Look in the sound hole of the guitar in the direction of the neck and you see on the neck block model and serial numbers are stamped.
What does HD stand for on Martin guitar?
Herringbone
Originally all 28 Series guitars had Herringbone inlays. The H in HD actually stands for Herringbone. Originally the herringbone binding was taken off of the D-28 as a cost saving measure to keep the guitar affordable to everyday players.
When was the first Martin guitar made?
The first standard-sized guitar model was introduced by Martin in 1922 which was designed for use with steel strings that needed additional internal bracing. The 14-fret neck was developed in 1929. It was 1931 when Martin produced dreadnought guitars under their own brand name.
How do Martin guitars get their numbers?
In 1898, Martin also began numbering their guitars, beginning with number 8000, an estimate of the number of instruments produced to that date, stamping the serial numbers on the neck block below the “C. F. Martin & Co.” stamp. The earliest Martins have paper labels, sometimes accompanied by an outer back stamp as well.
Why did Chris Martin start making guitars?
Chris Martin’s arrival from Boston University in the 1970s, with a business degree to his name, happened when demand for acoustic guitars had dropped thanks to the rise of synthesiser-based dance music. “I came back with ideas about continuous improvement, and because of the market, there was willingness here to shift gears,” Chris recalls.
What do the letters on a Martin guitar mean?
“Size” is the body size designation that Martin uses, as stamped inside the guitar on the neck block starting in October 1930. All measurements are in inches. “Frets” represents the frets clear of the body.