How Do You Date A Martin Guitar By Serial Number?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The number in the left-side column is the year, and

the number following the year is the last serial number used in that given year

. Serial number 8349 for example, would be the first guitar built in 1899.

What do the numbers mean on a Martin guitar?

Style numbers

indicate the construction materials and appointments of the guitar

, and this system allows for several combinations between body shapes and styles. … The first letters or numbers indicate the body shape (0, 00, OM, D, etc.) that are followed by a style number (15, 18, 28, 45, etc.), and separated by a dash.

What model is my Martin guitar?

A Martin Guitar will have the model designation and the serial number

etched

on the neck block. Look in the soundhole toward the neck to see where this is etched.

What are the best years for Martin Guitars?


1930-1939

are by far the most highly regarded and collectable Martins, but right through to the late 60s were awesome too. I guess if going by decade, you’d put the 30s at one end and the 70s at another. But like I said, some absolute beauties came out of the 70s.

How old is my guitar by serial number?

For US instruments, the

serial number will start with a letter

. That letter indicates the decade. The second character will usually be a number. That number indicates the specific year.

How can you tell how old a guitar is?

If those two dates match up, that’s probably the exact date your guitar was built. If they don’t, it could indicate that the guitar’s neck was replaced at some point, or that the guitar was built from spare parts and is not an original build.

What is the most popular Martin guitar?


The D-28

is the classic Martin guitar. Revered by musicians the world over, it is one of the go-to instruments for the world’s most talented guitarists. The guitar has the classic dreadnought good looks and it is quite apparent that the quality of build is very high.

What does 000 mean in Martin guitars?

000 =

Auditorium

. C = Cutaway or Classical. Other body shapes/;sizes include:; O = Orchestra. 00 = Grand Concert.

What is the difference between Martin and 000?

According to Martin, the “000” Auditorium body is sometimes known as the OM Orchestra Model. … A: The Martin Auditorium body designated 000 shares

the same 15′′ body as

the OM (Orchestra Model). The main difference is neck width and scale length — the OM has a longer scale, wider neck for fingerstyle playing.

What are the worst years for Martin Guitars?


1983/84

were the lowest production years for the modern period (something like 3,000 guitars, I think) and the point at which Martin almost went Bankrupt (according to Chris Martin).

Is Taylor guitar better than Martin?

Taylors are generally known for having a very bright yet rich sound, with more clarity but

perhaps less body than a Martin

. The company is also praised for guitar-to-guitar consistency and build quality.

Are there bad years for Martin Guitars?

There were

no scalloped brace Martins made between late-1944 and 1976

. The HD-28 was introduced that year. For that reason, if you like the scalloped sound (and don’t want to modify braces), then that is considered a ‘bad’ period for Martin.

Do all Martin guitars have serial numbers?

Martin

serial numbers are on all guitars which have a production date after 1989

. The system is valid for all flat-top and arched models. It doesn’t apply to ukeleles or mandolins.

Do Martin guitars have serial numbers?

are

found on the neck block

. Looking inside the soundhole and toward the neck you will find the serial number and model stamped on the neck block.

What is a Martin guitar worth?

Martin guitars are known to have even pitch and volume, with excellent projection and a dynamic range, and these guitars range from

just over $100 to over $100,000.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.