Date your Martin Guitar

For well over a century and a half, The Martin Guitar Company has been continuously producing acoustic instruments that are acknowledged to be the finest in the world.

The Martin Guitar Company has, through the years, managed to survive with each succeeding generation from C. F. Martin, Sr.’s Stauffer influenced creations of the 1830s to recent developments introduced by C. F. Martin IV. Continuous operation under family management is a feat bordering on the remarkable, reflecting six generations of dedication to the guitarmaker’s craft. In or out of the music industry, C. F. Martin has few rivals for sheer staying power.

Throughout its colorful history, the company has adapted successfully to continual changes in product design, distribution systems, and manufacturing methods. In spite of the many changes, C. F. Martin has never veered away from its initial commitment to quality. The concern for producing the finest instruments possible in 1833 is especially evident today at Martin’s expanded facility in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.

Martin Guitar Serial Number and Date:

Unlike some other manufacturers, using Martins serial numbers to date your instrument is accurate. The serial number can be found on the neck block. Look inside of the soundhole and towards the neck, the model number and serial number will be stamped on the mahogany block otherwise known as the neck block. The model number is on top, the serial number is below it. Also, when reading the chart below, remember...the number shown beside the year is the LAST number used for that year. So, for instance, if the serial number you are looking to date is number 9311, the instrument was made in 1902, as 9310 is the last serial number used in 1901.

Note - The above serial numbers do not include Little Martin® guitars and Backpacker® instruments. Production totals are not published.

* Serial numbers 900,001 to 902,908 were used on Sigma-Martins in 1981 and 1982.