Martin Guitars are made by C F Martin and Company at its factory in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, where the company has operated since 1839. Martin also manufactures a smaller number of models and its guitar strings at a second plant in Navojoa, Mexico.
Martin is a privately held company that has remained under the control of the founding Martin family for six generations, making it one of the oldest continuously family run manufacturers in the United States.
This article covers who owns Martin Guitars, where its instruments are actually manufactured, its founding history, and how the Mexico plant fits into production.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns Martin Guitars?
Martin Guitars is privately owned by the Martin family, which has controlled the company through six generations since its founding in 1833. Current models are available on Martin’s official website.
Christian Frederick Martin IV serves as Executive Chairman, continuing the family’s direct involvement in the company, while Thomas Ripsam serves as Chief Executive Officer overseeing day to day operations.
Unlike many legacy instrument makers that have been sold to larger conglomerates over the decades, Martin has stayed independent and family controlled throughout its nearly two century history.
Where Are Martin Guitars Made?
Most Martin guitars are made at the company’s factory in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, which produces approximately 193 instruments per day using a combination of traditional hand craftsmanship and modern production techniques.
A specific group of more affordable models, including the X Series, Backpacker Series, Road Series, Dreadnought Junior, PA5 models, and select ukuleles, are manufactured at Martin’s plant in Navojoa, Mexico rather than in Pennsylvania.
Martin also produces its own guitar strings, including the SP line, and some string manufacturing likewise takes place at the Mexico facility alongside instrument production.
When Was Martin Guitars Founded?
Martin was founded in 1833 in New York City by Christian Frederick Martin, a German immigrant trained as a guitar maker under Johann Stauffer in Vienna. More on the company’s history is documented on Wikipedia.
Martin relocated the business to Nazareth, Pennsylvania in 1839, seeking a community that reminded him of his home region in Saxony, and the company has remained headquartered there ever since.
Martin is generally credited with developing X bracing in the 1850s, a structural design still used across the acoustic guitar industry today.
The company later introduced the 14 fret neck design and the Dreadnought body shape, both of which became industry standards for acoustic guitars. Martin instruments have been played by musicians including Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Bob Dylan.
Are Martin Guitars Worth It?
Martin’s premium Nazareth built guitars are widely regarded among the best acoustic instruments in the world, and that reputation extends to the Mexico built X Series, which Guitar.com called a genuine surprise for the price after Martin overhauled the line’s wood grain patterns and build quality.
Owners on forums like the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum generally describe the X Series as a high quality entry point into the Martin name, praising the fit, finish, and tone for the price, and many use them as durable travel or backup guitars they do not have to baby.
The main criticism of the X Series centers on its use of HPL, or high pressure laminate, for the back, sides, and sometimes the neck instead of solid wood.
Some players find the material’s look and feel unconvincing up close, though most agree it holds up better to temperature and humidity swings than solid wood, making it a practical choice for travel and gigging.
Frequently Asked Questions About Who Makes Martin Guitars
Are all Martin Guitars made in the USA?
No, not all Martin Guitars are made in the USA. Most are made at the company’s factory in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, but specific budget friendly series, including the X Series and Backpacker Series, are made at Martin’s plant in Navojoa, Mexico.
Is Martin Guitar still family owned?
Yes, Martin Guitar remains privately owned by the Martin family, now in its sixth generation of leadership since the company’s founding in 1833.
How can I tell if my Martin guitar was made in Mexico or Pennsylvania?
Check the model series and serial number. Martin publishes which model lines, such as the X Series and Road Series, are built at its Mexico facility, while its core Nazareth built models carry different series designations.
What is Martin Guitar’s most famous innovation?
Martin is widely credited with developing X bracing in the 1850s and popularizing the Dreadnought body shape, both of which remain standard features across the modern acoustic guitar industry.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.