Martin Guitars: A History

by Richard Johnston, Dick Boak, Mike Longworth

Book Overview

(Book). A Martin acoustic guitar is the beloved instrument of millions of fans and famous players worldwide. Starting with the early days in New York circa 1833, this fabled story comes to life in the long-awaited revision of the seminal Martin History book. Originally published in 1975, this new edition is completely updated and re-designed by well-known industry experts. Part of a two-book set, The History: Book 1 covers the people, the places,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0634037854
• ISBN13: 9780634037856
• Release Date: December 2008
• Publisher: Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 2.31 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 8.6" x 11.0"

Customer Reviews

The House of Martin

As the proud owner of 2 Martins, it was very interesting to read the story of the Martin family business. My only gripe is the book seems a bit dis-jointed, with explanation boxes / articles taking up to 2 pages, thus competing with the text, causing you either to lose track of the narrative whilst reading the boxes, or having to go back many pages once you have finished the chapter. Nevertheless, all the information is there, and it is an interesting story for any guitar enthusiast, not just Martin owners. I would recommend it.

Martin Guitars

Wonderful book! If your into Martin's, this is a great read. This one's better than Walter Carter's book...

THIS IS A GREAT TREATISE ON MARTIN GUITARS

DO NOT HESITATE....to buy this book. It is a really great book. It takes you back, all the way to Germany and the Stauffer influence on Martin Guitar. It has all the different models and the history of changes taking place not only with the company but the effect upon the instruments they were building. Maybe I'm just crazy about acoustic guitars but now, I have a greater appreciation for this genuine American guitar company. Richard Johnston and Jim Washburn really did knock the dust off lots of cool Martin guitar memorabilia too. Inside the cover is and acknowledgement to Dick Boak as Consulting Editor, he is a Martin man through and through and wrote the text for Martin's Kit Construction book and drew the plans, I do believe. This is an authoritative book and great photos on most of it's 264 pages. Yeah, I kinda liked it, and you will too if you like acoustic guitars, especially Martins. Two thumbs up, Five Stars.

Martin Guitars An Illustrated Celebration

Like most guitar nuts I'm a Martin lover. I thought that enough books had been written about the company and there was nothing more to say. I'm happy to admit I was wrong. The writers went the extra distance getting personal stories and never before seen pictures of some of the most beautiful guitars ever made. Surprisingly, the authors also delved into the less than rosy times, labor disputes and the near end of one of the country's oldest family run businesses. The book is the type of "bible" that you can return to often and learn something new. I couldn't give it a higher recommendation.

I've seen the light!

If you have the slightest interest in acoustic guitars you must own this book. I can't think of a single way to improve it. The book is packed with gorgeous "guitar-ponography" pictures of Martin instruments of varying ages and the writing is just as entertaining as any fiction I've read. Can I say more? I doubt that I will ever read a book about guitars as good or better than this one. Compare my review about Ingram's L5 book if you like.