How the USA’s Oldest Guitar Company Makes $2800 Instruments | So Expensive | Insider Business
Martin acoustic guitars are some of the most popular and well-known high-end acoustic guitars in the world. They're owned and played by pop stars like Ed Sheeran and Shawn Mendes. In the past, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, and Bob Dylan all have used Martin guitars. Martin is one of the oldest guitar brands still active, having opened in 1833 in downtown Manhattan, New York. Today, the company is based in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and is still owned by the descendants of its founder, Christian Frederick Martin.
Editor’s Note: In the video we say spruce is used for the bottom of the guitar, but Martin Guitars typically uses rosewood for bottoms.
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How the USA’s Oldest Guitar Company Makes $2800 Instruments
I'm proud to own a Martin and it's clear that the makers take even more pride in their craft.
Me too, my friend. Mine seems to sound better every day.
suppose all the American made that was competitors went to china for covert pocket linings and perversion pay offs for corporates, from china...and our corrupt politicals.
Me too. Actually several. Well said!
Same. So good. I only have two
@@rogerd9150I'll take one if you have extra 😂
Small correction, spruce is definitely not used for the back of the guitar. Usually they match the wood of the side with the back
Yeah Spruce is far too soft for the back. Mahogany back is fairly common for Martin's.
Yea I caught that as well.
That's the fun of fluff pieces like thus. Hearing a dulcet tone explain stuff and either explain the easter bunny or get stuff glaringly wrong.
@@JoshChristiane Yess and sometimes Rosewood too!
I give props to Martin and Taylor for paying their workers what they are worth.
In Mexico? Lol
@@theConservationist what?
@@jconner3891 1:55 "martin employs around 900 people across its two factories in Nazareth Penssylvania and Navajoa Mexico" he probably meant that
@@D0P1C3 that’s cool. I,didn’t know that. Thanks for the info. You play guitar ?
@@jconner3891 no talent for anything that comes even close to music but i do admire ppl who put hours on top of hours in learning and practice of playing guitar or any other instrument i was more curious about how they are made the process of that etc :)
I was given a 1978 D35 back in 1996 and it literally changed my life. Two working fingers (out of 3 total) on my left hand from an accident in 95' so it had to be made into a left handed guitar. I play every day and also in a band. It has become my life, and after to my wife and kids, the most important thing in my life. I once waded into the 2006 flood up to my neck to retrieve it while it floated in my bedroom. Lost EVERYTHING but her. Thank you Martin for giving me a purpose!
"Instead of the buoyancy of a lime, I will reach for a Martin in a flood situation"-Mitch Hedberg, hopefully
Re: minute 2:27 ..., a correction. Spruce is used for the tops (soundboards, in general) and usually rosewood or mahogany is used for the backs (not bottoms) and sides. Martin uses other woods, but the iconic models use solid spruce tops with rosewood, or mahogany, back and sides and, invariably, a mahogany neck.
I never thought I’d be so triggered by hearing someone say “bottoms.”
There is a reason why great instruments are appreciated, and underappreciated. @@InstruMentalCase
The AI caption also said that they use a "plaque" machine. 😂
I've played a couple of dozen Martin guitars in my life. They're so good they almost play themselves. Light as a feather yet extraordinarily sturdy with a truly magical feel and sound. Amazing instruments.
I do not entirely disagree, but the older models (such I am pleased to own) are more substantial in their construction. IMHO, lighter is not better.
I agree that lighter doesn't necessarily mean better. I've just always been amazed at how light they were while sounding so rich. I'm also astounded at how they stay in tune despite my heavy handed strumming and picking. Amazing instruments. I'm glad you have some of the older models you lucky fella. @@philipliethen519
As an owner of an HD-28 I’m so so happy to see the time and love that goes into making Martin Guitars.
Not sure if they still have them but I went on a factory tour in 2014. No fee for a tour. Pretty cool experience
Have an HD-28 BLE with Brazilian rosewood. Love the HD-28.
I'm an avid Martin player, but I'm just as enthusiastic about my vintage Gibsons, Fenders, and others. I recently acquired a 1963 Martin model 5-16, which is a rare parlor-style guitar, having only 127 of the 5-16 model being produced in '63-'64. It will very likely stay with me until the end of my days. It's truly one of those things that you 'wish you could take with you'... ;)
So nice seeing companies full of 'lifers' like this. A rare thing these days. Says a lot about the product and the company.
I'm impressed that they run their guitars through a Plek machine, as Gibson does. Those suckers cost like $250k. You get a VERY nice playing neck if it's been Plek'd!
I think out of any guitar company they can afford it
Who ever narrates these business inside clips has the most soothing relaxing voice and is just so perfect to the roll.
Congrats! You just fell in love with a robot!😊
and didn’t do her research
Thanks for the kind feedback!
@@JackTheRabbitMusic you sure did big guy
@@ErickvdK that’s not even a robot but I guess you’re always right!😊
Got my dream D41 Ambertone this year and it is like playing a Stradivarius violin (and I've done that too) and turns heads everywhere I play it. These are finely tuned, wonderfully balanced pieces of artwork fit for any museum, and some of the finest examples of American craftsmanship and history we have. We are planning in a trip to Nazareth for the tour in the next 18 months. No display at the country music hall of fame in Nashville had the impact on me that Hank Williams old D28 in a glass case did. I even wrote a song about it. It doesn't suck. :-) Long live Martin guitars.
Those Ambertones are beautiful. Congrats and happy playing dude
My first guitar was a Martin. Bought it new back in 1998 and still in perfect condition. Love it.
If it's in perfect condition, does that mean you're not playing it?
Mine is a 1999. Love it!
@@johnwattdotca One can do both, unless you're Chrissy Snow
I find it incredibly interesting that several instrument companies are steeped in their own traditions. I believe its the secret to iconic sound, and I love that companies like Martin, Ziljiian, Taylor, etc have these tried methods, producing consistency and a unique sound that's the pilar of the brand. I don't know many other industries where the production method is fixed to produce a certain, consistent result, rather than being sacrificed in favor of profits. The businesses even encourage "tradesmen" of their craft and compensate for such expertise instead of hiring line workers. Its like one of the relics of America of old where we produced things of quality and craftsmanship, and if getting to that golden result costs "x amount", that's what it costs.
I own two Martins. 1972 00014 and 1975 D-18. Both sound as good as when I bought them. In 2003 the 18 was inspected and cleaned up by Jim Bagget from Mass Street Music in Lawrence Kansas. It still looks and sounds great. My pride and joy. The 000-14 has never been into a luthier and still plays and sounds great. I had considered electrifying the D-18 with a LR Baggs system but have held back. You can’t go wrong with a Martin.
These are beautiful guitars built with love by awesome people who deserve every penny they are asking for. I have huge admiration for people working hard to build high end products that will outlive us all.
it’s my dream to work here in the Nazareth factory. heading to luthier school this april !
Yup. Got into acoustic guitar playing in 2020, got the Martin in 2021. A 2021 D-18 standard that I absolutely adore.
I own an HD-35; easily one of the best sounding and playing acoustic guitars I've experienced and I've been playing for almost 20 years.
This is really cool, best sounding and looking acoustic guitars in my opinion, really can't go wrong with a Martin - I've played and recorded hundred of them and from different eras, all sounded great! Thanks for making this insider! More like this : )
Awesome product and insight into the Martin Guitar. Great video.
Cool seeing one of my favorite brands on insider business. My OMJM and D42 are some of the best guitars I’ve ever played
2:25 I think you’ll generally find the sides and back of a guitar to be of the same timber, and supplied rough-sawn as a set. The top is a separate piece and has different properties to the ribs/back, and is very commonly spruce or cedar.
Great video tradition, workmanship, craftsmanship, new innovation we can all learn from this thank you
Around fifteen years ago my dad took me to a Guitar Center. I went from guitar to guitar tuning and playing. Then I came to a plane looking Martin with a Spruce top and Black Walnut back and sides. Tuned it up and started to play. It sounded like five guitars in a cathedral. Sure wish I had purchased it.
My old friend gifted me a brand new Martin Dreadnaught junior to cheer me up after surgery and chemotherapy. Needless to say it did indeed cheer me up That was the guitar I wanted for ages.
Nice story!
That’s a good friend!
Very happy for you! I hope the surgery and chemo were a great success.
I hunted for 2 1/2 years and found my D 28 which is a used vintage guitar. When you find one and you love playing guitar it’s like meeting an old friend and a friend for life. They are art that lives in vibrates and can spread therapeutic joy to the player n listener
I own two Martin guitars: a 52 year old 00-21 that I bought new, and a 1987 D28-12. I own Taylors, a Gibson, etc. While I love them all, if I had to own only one guitar, it would be a Martin.😊
I love my CEO-7 and 000-28, they were expensive in UK, however you truly get what you pay for. They are a joy to own, play and even just plain look at. Bravo and thanks to all at CFM. Your efforts are appreciated world wide.
I want to make a trip to the UK to visit Atkin. I’m lucky enough to have an Atkin dealer 4 hours away. I’ve bought 2 of them in the last two months and have my eye on another. I bought a dreadnought and an OM. I’ll never play my Martins again. Alister is doing something right. If I lived in the UK, I’d be in real trouble.
Brand new guitar player that rewarded myself with a Martin after putting in some time every single day on my Strat. My father was a woodworker that build homes. He would’ve loved to see the pride that goes into these guitars. I’m so happy I purchased one. It definitely makes me glad I finally started playing at 43 years old!!
I really enjoyed the videos about Martin guitars in between the ads!
Lol. The whole thing was an ad for Martin. Pure, 100% propaganda.
I bought a 00-15m made in 2020. It is so light. It is the best ! So simple but awesome.
Video: The best marketing campaign hands down. Me: I want one right away (and I can't even play guitar)!
I started learning a couple years ago, and even beyond the magic of the instruments, the process of learning how to play them is really healthy for your brain. It forces the creation of new synaptic connections and makes your whole brain more flexible. Also, it's fun and rewarding. Highly recommend.
Love these videos on business and crafts
Got my first little travel Martin at 16, been a fan ever since.
I've owned around 15 Martins in my lifetime, from an 00-18 to a D-45. I am 68 now and have just one remaining, a 2004 D18 V with an Adirondack top and scalloped bracing, which I will never sell. I enjoyed each and every one of my Martins down the years. I still love looking at, playing and listening to Martin guitars whenever I get the chance. They have a special place in my heart.
In 2009 I decided to purchase my first high-end acoustic (more of an electric player). I had my sights set on an HD28V but did my due diligence and spent a couple days visiting each music store in my city and I must have played 30-40 Martins as well as guitars made by other brands. After all was said and done I left with a D18V that absolutely took the cake. Definitely a "made on a Wednesday" guitar. Gets better every time I play it. The newer D18s, with essentially the V specs, are fabulous guitars but I adore the hard V profile. Don't see myself letting this one go. Keep on picking!
The Martin Factory tour and museum are awesome!
They offer factory tours. Well worth it if one is in the neighborhood.
Absolutely love them. Hope I’ll be able to own one someday
This was fascinating!!! I had a Martin 000 Custom that was really nice. It was very humidity sensitive though in a way my other guitars, a Guild, Gibson and Taylor, were not. I played it for about ten years,( then sold it to a friend in favor of a Zager EZ Play). He loves it. My all time favorite Martin was the so-caled Lady Martin 3/4 scale instrument.
I can't afford an American-made Martin but I have a solid wood Mexican one and it is the best sounding acoustic I have ever owned!
Good. Get a Japanese made Yairi, or a Singapore made Maestro. Both are handmade by master luthiers. Yairi doesn’t even use power tools, it’s entirely done by hand. It’s a masterpiece. I highly recommend the FYM66HD, as I own one. The Maestro guitars are made by Hozen and his team, and are impeccable. They are fully alive, and both workshops tunes the tops and backs of their instruments. Martin is a joke.
@@JackTheRabbitMusic nice flex, but if I can't afford an American-made Martin I can't afford those expensive boutique guitars either. But I'm happy for you.
@@donbradman334 It’s no flex, dude. They’re less expensive than Martins are and twice the quality. Alvarez and Cort make some awesome guitars, too.
For beginner learning guitar just get a no name chinese guitar, they are cheap and get the job done(learning that is). Also, they boost the value of branded ones when you do have the talent and finance to possess them, you dont need me to tell you how different the in overall quality is.
Incredible guitars amazing craftsmanship from the USA. Timeless are always classic
I love when people enjoy and are proud of their work
I’m lucky enough to have three Martins - the best a 1969 Brazilian D-28 that I’ve had for 51 years. All three show traditional American craftsmanship at its best.
😮
I own a martin OOO-16 Streetmaster. Purchased it a few months ago. Love it sounds great very playable. Also love the smell of it. It wants to be played.🎉MARTIN GUITARS🎉
I have a Martin DX1RAE that sounds so good. It's not the most expensive, but it plays and sounds like a Martin.
Having had several Martin guitars, I must admit that there's more to the sound. The playability of the neck and stability of the tone woods used is second to none. Obviously, I'm talking about the American made guitars!
Very cool, thanks for sharing
There's nothing else like a Martin! I play mine every single day.
Willing to pay more knowing workers are being treated fairly as long as the quality is there and my ears are happy. Martin's check those boxes but given the advancements in manufacturing these days there are choices at much smaller price tags. I'm very happy with my Larrivee and Takamine dreads. I'm looking for a quality parlor and played a couple Martin's so far but haven't been inspired to buy anything yet.
Wow all around great company making great products! The pride of its employees makes sense
My dad has a D28 and D35 and they are both extraordinary instruments. I actually play piano but even I can tell the difference in a Martin
I live nearby the Nazareth factory. I highly recommend the tour. You can just talk to all the people as they are doing these jobs and ask any questions you like.
I hope to get a Martin some day. They are fantastic instruments. I have two Taylor guitars and since I only live 1.5 miles from the Taylor factory I've been on their factory tour a few times. The Martin factory looks very similar.
I love my Martin custom D, not a super expensive guitar, but it plays and sounds great!
Stephanie Kump rocks 🔥 4 months for 50 different patterns! Awesome!
6:46 The Spanish cedar rim is not perforated - Those are called "kerf" cuts
Spruce is used primarily as a top alone, never on the back. The backs and sides are usually either East Indian Rosewood or Mahogany.
As the one who not a guitar player I’m very impressed with this video
as one who is a guitar player, you shouldn’t be impressed at all.
I own a brand new Walnut (top, back and sides) Martin made in Nazareth, PA. Mahogany neck, Ebony fretboard. $1599. It's incredible. Have had it for a month and can tell I'll keep this one for life. You can find some special martins out there for a good price. Just gotta keep looking until one pops up. They definitely hole their value more so than other brands cause of the historic name.
Digging the TOOL sticker @ 7:24
My brother has a Martin acoustic d28…. Best acoustic guitar I’ve ever played and heard… if you could describe velvet as a sound this guitar is it
My life gets a little better every day bec I have a C.F. Martin guitar. They age better than fine wine - they continually open up and noticeably sound better every single day.
Just bought a D18 a few months back I will have this guitar the rest of my life
As a musician, I love to see the craftsmanship that goes into these guitars. I am fortunate enough to have been able to commission an custom built instrument. Made by one person, by hand, from blocks of wood. With the ride of CNC machines and mass produced instruments made overseas with cheap labor, you're now able to buy a very affordable quality instrument, but there is something about the artistry that goes into a hand built instrument that is always worth the price you pay for it.
I have both a Martin and a Taylor and I absolutely adore playing them both
Great guitars and great company!!
I have 2 Martin guitars that will go to my two sons, and then grandkids 🎶💖🎶 and both guitars are already 27 and 25 years old 😮 my J-41 is a Treasure to me 🎶💎🎶🇺🇸💖
Love my Martin
Like many musicians I have several guitars, and my favorite is a 3/4 length Little Martin. It's a great little guitar and also about the cheapest Martin you can buy. I think I got it on sale for $350 new a decade or so ago. Made in Mexico.
I own 5 leftys. Including a D45. I dearly love Martins.
Great Video. Go Martin! MADE IN THE USA!
I know this is just PR for Martin, but they really do sound that good, and they really are that great to play.
Great guitars and worth every penny!
The narrator should be narrating audiobooks. Also an ASMR channel. Love the voice and accent!!!
Thanks so much! Appreciate the kind feedback 💚
I just bought a Martin. Yeah, it's a low end model, but it's a Martin, and I love the tone!
Hollow with middle range push. It has a specific sound but i have never played the really expensive Martins.
As the owner of a D1GT, that has all the craftmanship of a high end guitar, but none of the bells and whistles, keeping its price modest, I can confirm that they are nice instruments.
Martin makes aspirational guitars. But there are a lot of great guitar companies that make wonderful acoustics hut Martin is pretty much the standard for tradition and quality.
I love my ‘72 D35. However I have been as well if not more pleased w my Guild D50 & D55 (c2000).
I am the proud owner of a 1972 D-35. Been with me since new. It’s traveled all over the country and still looks and sounds amazing. It’s become a family heirloom and the story of how I worked to pay for it has been passed on from my kids to their kids.
I have the same modem & year; excellent instrument. Current units are nowhere near the same. That said, I must say that Guild’s are right there as well.
@@philipliethen519 I believe wooden instruments improve over time, I can't explain it but it's as if the wood "opens up" in a way. I have no doubt current units will sound just as amazing in 50 years time.
The guitar's backs are not done in spruce. They are usualy done with the same wood as the sides, with exception in the case of some 3 piece backs. Those are usualy done with rosewood and maple.
There are 4 D-18s in my family. The oldest from the late 60s, the youngest from the 90s. I can tell which is which by sound alone
the only investable Martins are either vintage in very good shape or modern ones with interesting back and sides tonewoods - for example Brazilian rosewood (they start at like 15-20k a piece now) or sinker mahogany
I know a little bit about acoustic guitar construction, but watching this I was a bit surprised by how late in the assembly process the pickguard is glued on. I would have thought that happens rather earlier than that close to the final QC inspection.
You're correct (about the "little bit" part)
@@mandoist I know I'm correct. Thanks for pointing that out. I just don't know what I would do if I didn't get that affirmation from a random KZhead commenter.
I'm in quality assurance (different industry mind you) and I'd think finishing touches like pickguards and tagging would be one of the final things before final QC checks. Their procedure may even require QC of the top before attaching the pickguard in case a disconformity is found in that area.
@@pho-kingsoup8126 That makes sense to me.
They don't show it in the video, but finishing and buffing are among the last steps in construction, and the pickguard can't go on until that's happened, otherwise you'd end up applying the finish on top of the pickguard.
I have a custom ordered 1986 HD-35. Best guitar in the world.
If you can find one,check out the Martin HJ28 which flies under most people's radar and has not been mentioned in either one of your videos on Martin guitars.With the size of the M model and depth of a Dreadnought (thankyou Chris Martin),you'll have a smile so wide your head might fall off..................................
Martins are great guitars. But a generous part of the price is the name, which obviously holds value. But you can find just as well made, beautiful sounding guitars from lesser well known luthiers for a better price. i.e. something like a Larrivee
Sure you can, but what if any value will it hold compared to the Martin in a decade or longer? Also who is proving the most jobs for the American craftsman? The guy making guitars out of his garage or the 150 year old factory in Pennsylvania?
I have 2 Martin guitars that I love. After watching this video, I think I’ll buy 1 more.
One of my mates is a licensed Martin repairer. They ain't all perfect and some years ago he began seeing neck issues-since corrected. He had a row with Chris Martin's wife who was representing them on a visit because he said- you had this great set up that never went wrong WTF did you change it for. Having said that he has also repaired 80 plus year old ones and still rates them very highly. The price is fair enough if you look at how much the materials alone cost. Quality spruce and East Indian rosewood (if you can get it) set would cost above $1000. I own a custom HD-28 like guitar. It would take a D-42 at least for me to swap, but I would buy a 28 if something happened to it. There are a few US boutique makers who have instruments of this quality or sometimes even better, but no one has bettered the D-45. There is a kind of sparkle in a top quality Martin sound that i rarely matched.
wow thats my 1 dream guitar that i want in my life❤❤❤luv it
I never cared for the feel or tone of a Martin guitar, and then I played a D-28. It was very nice, and I can see why people pine over them.
@@user-qq4st5yz8e... LMAO
D-18 sounds so so so good.
I own several martins old and new and have had 3 new models have issue with binding coming loose and needing repair writhing a couple year of owning them. 2 dreadnaught and one OM. I prefer the older models
1:06 is that from “the net yankee workshop” opening credits?
I have a Yamaha dreadnought kind and it's so comfortable to play, but the Martin that I also have in my collection defeats it in sound that's the one I use for recordings.
The factory tour is nice but still doesn't justify what is so different from so many other factories like Cort, Recording King, Eastman, Furch, Dowina and many others, other than the politics and the country. The building process is very similar in many factories. Recording King has such resemblance on the D18, D28, D42 at 1/6 of the Martin cost that indicates that even in the USA, the costs of Martin could be lowered at least with 25% to match the competition and still have a great quality guitar.
It cracks me up that the early shot when he played the guitar is upside down or flipped.😅😂. Theyre trolling me🤣
He's left handed playing a right handed guitar upside down.
Very interesting, Canada
I have a 2017 D18, it is a great playing and sounding guitar. However, the binding has started to come loose at 3 of the 4 waist areas recently. This seems to be a common issue based on a little research, I wonder if a different glue was used for a period of time? It can be repaired, but kind of a bummer to have to pay a couple of hundred bucks or whatever on this new of a guitar.
Nah. I’ve had three Martins, all Nazareth made…all three had issues. Martin is an expensive fire log.
If you bought it new it should be covered under warranty.
Martin will absolutely fix it. Just let them know. They stand by their work
Thanks, I reach out to them.@@davidhale9672
I’ve done the factory tour twice, and this video is not hype. The people who work there care about quality, and they achieve that goal.