C. F. Martin & Co.® Celebrates 190 Years of Acoustic Excellence, Launches New Model

Martin Guitar marks 190 years with limited edition model and event at site of C. F. Martin’s original workshop

Nazareth, PA
November 6, 2023

NAZARETH, Pa. – C. F. Martin & Co. is proud to mark its 190th anniversary in the industry. To celebrate this remarkable milestone, the company is excited to announce the release of the all-new D-19 190th Anniversary model.
Since its founding in 1833 by Christian Frederick Martin, Martin Guitar has been a trailblazer in the world of acoustic guitar craftsmanship. Over the course of nearly two centuries, the company has become synonymous with quality, innovation, and enduring musical heritage. The Martin name has graced countless stages and recordings around the world, earning a place of distinction among musicians and collectors alike.

THE D-19 190th ANNIVERSARY
In honor of this 190-year legacy, Martin Guitar is thrilled to introduce the limited edition D-19 190th Anniversary – a stunning guitar that pays tribute to tradition, while embracing innovative design and quality craftsmanship.

"One hundred and ninety years ago, on November 6th, my great, great, great grandfather and grandmother and their two children arrived in New York City from Germany. They came to America seeking opportunity and freedom. They initially settled at 196 Hudson Street and opened the first Martin Guitar workshop in the New World. I was looking for a way for us to celebrate this milestone. In 1976 (the anniversary of the founding of our nation) we introduced the D-19. It was designed as an upmarket D-18. We stained the top to utilize spruce that was cosmetically challenged. An early nod to sustainability. I thought it would be appropriate to dust off that model designation and make 190 contemporary D-19s to honor our 190th anniversary. This model also embraces sustainability by utilizing cosmetically challenged Adirondack spruce tops that we have had in inventory for a while. We sent them through our Mimaki printer to achieve a figured mahogany look for the top. Hope you like it.” – C. F. Martin IV, Executive Chairman

See more on the D-19 190th Anniversary here.

SPECIAL EVENT AT ORIGINAL WORKSHOP SITE
As part of the 190th anniversary celebrations, Martin Guitar also hosted a special event at the location of what was once C. F. Martin’s original workshop in New York City. This historic site is now memorialized with a bronze plaque at the intersection of Hudson and Vestry streets in the Lower West Side of Manhattan.
At the event, attendees heard from Martin Guitar executives, including Chris Martin IV, about the company’s rich history and vision for the future. It was followed by a celebratory dinner a few blocks away at Tribeca restaurant Locanda Verde.
As Martin Guitar celebrates 190 years of excellence, the company remains focused on sharing its passion for quality craftsmanship and the enduring power of music for many more years to come.