04 - 07 Executive Chairman of the world renowned C.F. Martin & Co. , Chris Martin discusses the history of Martin Guitars + more!

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This episode is with C. F. Martin, IV, or "Chris" as he prefers, who is the Executive Chairman of the world-renowned C. F. Martin & Co. and the 6th generation of Martin family to run the business. Martin acoustic guitars are prized worldwide for their exceptional tone, design, craftsmanship and attention to detail. Under Chris Martin's direction, the Company has maintained its integrity and industry wide respect while growing and prospering to unprecedented manufacturing and sales levels. Martin Guitar was founded in 1833 and is headquartered in Nazareth, PA. IN this interview, Chris talks about some of the famous Martin guitars belonging to Willie Nelson, Joan Baez, Post Malone, Eric Clapton and more plus we talk about some of the new models that have just been released or re-issued.

Martin Guitar is proud to announce the release of its remastered X Series lineup. This exciting update brings a fresh and innovative approach to guitar design, featuring new high-pressure laminate (HPL) patterns and playability enhancements that are sure to help unleash the artist within players of all skill levels.

The X Series has long been revered for its affordability, durability, and versatility, making these guitars a top choice for both aspiring musicians and seasoned professionals. With this remastered collection, Martin Guitar aims to redefine the expectations of what an affordable acoustic guitar can and should be.

The key highlights of the remastered X Series lineup include:

•New High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) Patterns: The X Series boasts an array of stunning HPL patterns, including three new additions to the lineup – cocobolo, ziricote, and Brazilian rosewood – joining mahogany, koa, and all-black. These innovative and durable HPL backs and sides provide a striking and unique look that sets the X Series apart.

•Enhanced Playability: X Series guitars are made to play – designed to deliver legendary Martin tone and ultimate playability. Comfortable and responsive, they now feature a thinner fingerboard with a gently beveled comfort edge, refined string spacing, and a modernized bridge contour for a smooth and enjoyable playing experience.

•Comprehensive Range: The remastered X Series offers a diverse range of body sizes to cater to different musical styles and preferences – 0, 00, 000, D, and GPC – ensuring that there is an X Series guitar for every player.

•Eco-Friendly Construction: Martin Guitar remains dedicated to sustainability with the remastered X Series. These guitars are crafted with responsibly sourced materials, making them an environmentally conscious choice for musicians.

The remastered X Series also features headplates that match the respective HPL patterns, satin tuners, refined rosettes, and Martin E-1 electronics with a built-in chromatic tuner and volume, tone, and phase controls. X1 models feature HPL bodies, Stratabond necks, and Richlite® fingerboards and bridges, while X2 models feature satin-finished spruce tops, HPL backs and sides, and select hardwood necks, fingerboards, and bridges.

The remastered X Series lineup includes the following models: 0-X2E Cocobolo, 00-X2E Cocobolo, 000-X2E Brazilian, D-X1E Koa, D-X1E Mahogany, D-X2E Brazilian, D-X2E Mahogany, D-X2E Ziricote Burst, D-X2E Brazilian 12-String, GPC-X1E Black, GPC-X2E Cocobolo, and GPC-X2E Ziricote.

These guitars combine tradition with modernity, providing players of all skill levels with the perfect tools to create, perform, and inspire.

Martin Guitar is unlocking the sonic beauty of sustainable tonewoods with the all-new GPCE Inception™ Maple. Combining nature and technology, this groundbreaking acoustic-electric features one-of-a-kind skeletonized scalloped bracing and sonic channels for increased resonance and superior tone – technology that’s purpose-built for this model’s particular tonewoods.

The skeletonized bracing and sonic channels inside the body (pictured below) work together to increase sustain and amplitude, optimize airflow, and reduce the guitar’s mass without losing structural support, making maple sound better than it ever has. It’s a testament to Martin Guitar’s relentless pursuit of innovation, taking the art of guitar manufacturing to new heights and new sounds.

The GPCE Inception Maple is made from a combination of sustainable tonewoods, including an FSC®-certified European spruce top, maple sides, and an eye-catching three-piece back of maple and black walnut. These woods provide a clear, projective, and balanced tone, improving upon what has, up until now, been the standard sound of maple.

The guitar also features a new satin amber fade sunburst finish, black walnut binding, maple arrow fingerboard inlays, gold open gear tuners, a cutaway to help players reach the highest frets, a 25.4” scale length, LR Baggs Anthem electronics, and a molded hardshell case.

"The new Martin GPCE Inception Maple marks a new innovative approach to building acoustic guitars utilizing sustainable domestic woods,” says Fred Greene, Vice President of Product Management at Martin. “Our new innovative design will allow guitar players to experience the Martin tone they have always loved in a guitar made from woods sourced in North America. I am super proud of our design team for taking on this challenge and providing a creative and unique solution that guitar players will find both fun and inspiring to play."

Tom Lee Music – Hong Kong – take a look at Martins oldest distributer: https://www.tomleemusic.com.hk/en

Want to check out fare prices on older model guitars, try here: https://guitars.com/inventory

A plaque placed on the sight of the first martin guitar show - location: 40° 43.367′ N, 74° 0.474′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Tribeca. Marker is at the intersection of 196 Hudson Street and Vestry Street on 196 Hudson Street.

WILLIE NELSON’S '“TRIGGER”

Eric Clapton mtv unplugged

john mayer LIMITED EDITION gray sunburst guitar

This 2 1/2-20 1970s original Martin guitar was destroyed during the filming of the movie The Hateful Eight. A prop guitar was suppose to be swapped out for the actual guitar, but that didn’t happen. Martin Guitar has since changed it’s loan policy regarding museum instruments.

OTHER MARTIN GUITARS ON DISPLAY AT NAMM