Already in business for more than one hundred and seventy years, the Martin Guitar Company sells acoustic guitars that are considered among the best musical instruments in the world. The company has continuously managed to thrive in the ever-changing music industry. From the creations of C. F. Martin, Sr. of the 1830's to the latest developments introduced by C. F. Martin IV, the family-run business has achieved remarkable feats, reflecting six generations of guitar making. C. F. Martin is definitely an indisputable leader in the music industry.

The story behind one of America's most famous guitars began on January 31, 1796, in Markneukirchen, Germany, with the birth of Christian Frederick Martin, Sr. Born into a long line of cabinet makers, Christian Frederick took up the family craft at the early age of 15, when he left his hometown and traveled to Vienna to apprentice with Johann Stauffer, a renowned guitar maker.

The accepted practices of business during the early days of Martin guitar making were much different from those of today, they were those of a simpler time. In that time it was common to barter in retail trade, and C. F. Martin's personal records show many entries where he traded musical merchandise for something else such as clothing, or a case of wine. The Lower East Side of New York City, with its teeming masses, was a much different world than the pastoral Saxony where Martin spent his childhood.

In the ensuing years, the company experienced several exciting commercial and technological breakthroughs. Historical records show C.F. Martin and company selling guitars through high profile retailers in New York City, and through other busy ports of call. Additionally, guitars showed up along many cities serviced by waterways, as this was prior to the railroads crossing the continent.

Martin's shipping records made frequent mention of sales in Boston, Albany, Philadelphia, Richmond, Petersburg, Nashville, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and New Orleans. Business in the period was obviously satisfactory, for in an advertisement in 1850 the company declared, "C. F. Martin Guitar Maker, respectfully informs the musical public generally that the great favor bestowed upon him has induced him to enlarge his factory, in order to supply the increasing demand for his instruments."

Martin Guitar has always adhered to the highest standards of musical excellence, and it has also been managed very competently. This probably explains the company's remarkable success throughout its many years in business. Their choice of products and their marketing have changed over time, but the company's basic attitude to guitar-making has always been the same. Frank Henry Martin is known for having said to potential buyers, "A good guitar cannot be made for the same price as a poor one, but nobody regrets the extra cost of a good guitar." This statement of policy was uttered almost eighty years ago, but it still accurately reflects the attitude at Martin Guitar.

The Guitar Center showcases dozens of Martin Guitars as well as and hundreds of other acoustic guitars. New musical instruments added every day.