The Sounding Board

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE MARTIN GUITAR COMPANY VOLUME 2 JANUARY 1997

PAUL SIMON COLLABORATES WITH

MARTIN IN DEVELOPMENT OF OM-42
LIMITED EDITION SIGNATURE MODEL
C. F. Martin & Co. is proud to announce a major collaboration with
one of the most significant recording artists and songwriters of our time,
Paul Simon. The OM-42 Paul Simon Limited Edition Guitar will be
introduced at the Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, and will
begin to appear in stores in mid1997.
The OM-42PS guitar was designed to meet Paul Simons exacting
requirements for tone, size, and action. Paul personally participated in the
development of the prototypes which led to the final OM-42PS
specifications. He preferred the smaller OM body size combined with
the long (25.4) scale length which proved to be particularly applicable to
his fingerstyle technique and his desire for a strong yet balanced tone.
The OM-42PS is tastefully appointed with tortoise colored bindings
throughout. Hand-crafted entirely with solid woods, the sides and back are
constructed from select grade East Indian rosewood, and the top is
bookmatched from quartersawn Sitka spruce.
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 6)

C. F. MARTIN HONORS THE KINGSTON TRIO WITH

40TH ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION INSTRUMENTS
1997 marks the 40th Anniversary
of the founding of The Kingston Trio,
one of Americas most beloved and
enduring musical groups
To commemorate The Kingston
Trios lasting contribution to folk and
acoustic music, and in gratitude for
their unswerving loyalty to Martin
instruments throughout the years, C. F.
Martin & Co. is proud to offer a special
Kingston Trio Limited Edition consisting
of 40 sets of three instruments each.
Each set includes a special
Kingston Trio D-28 guitar, a custom 018T Tenor guitar, and a Vega long neck
banjothe instrumentation used by the
Trio.
In addition, an extended edition of
the Kingston Trio D-28s will be offered
after all 40 Limited Edition sets are
ordered by the dealers.
Each instrument in the Kingston
Trio Limited Edition Set features special
mother-of-pearl inlays of The Kingston
Trio located between the 11th and the
14th frets, plus the anniversary
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 9)

Bob Shane, Dave Guard, and Nick Reynolds of the original Kingston Trio in 1957.

C H R ISS C OMME NTS

Dear Martin Enthusiast,
Welcome to the second issue of our newsletter.
I
want to thank you for your enthusiastic response to the first
issue. The Sounding Board is available from any
authorized Martin dealer. Let your dealer know that you
wish to be notified when new issues are published.
Its NAMM Show time again and we are introducing
several new models. Our collaborations with Paul Simon
and The Kingston Trio acknowledge the incredible effect
that these performers have had on music and the acoustic
guitar business.
Two other new models that my co-workers and I are
proud to introduce are the CEO-1 and the Martin Stauffer
steel string 00-12 fret.
The CEO-1 is a fancy, affordable solid wood limited
edition Dreadnought. It features scalloped braces and our
patented A-frame neck block. Cosmetically, it is enhanced
with a pearl rosette, herringbone top trim, and one of my
personal favorites... hexagon outline inlays on the
fingerboard and bridge wings.

Christian Chris Frederick Martin IV

Chairman and CEO, Martin Guitar Company.

The Sounding Board

VOLUME TWO JANUARY 1997
PUBLISHED BY

THE MARTIN GUITAR COMPANY

P. O. Box 329, Nazareth, PA 18064-0329
Phone: (610) 759-2837
Fax: (610) 759-5757
E-mail: info@mguitar.com
EDITORIAL

Dick Boak
CONTRIBUTORS

C. F. Martin IV
Diane Ponzio
Ric Forero

The Stauffer is reminiscent of the original guitars built by

my great, great, great, grandfather during the 1830s in New
York City. Our 1997 version is designed to function using
steel strings and is a modern version of a very historically
significant style.

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Paul Simon
Mark Silag
Vaughn Hazell
Roger Sadowsky
The Kingston Trio
Bill Bush
Robert Estell
David M. Pierce
Ruth Rowe
Stan Kita

There is always so much going on around here, I never

have enough time to explain it all. Remember to come and
visit us and take a tour of our shop. We are very proud of
what we do and we would love for you to see what we do
first hand.

PRINTING

The Martin Print Shop

1997 C.F. Martin & Co., Inc., Nazareth, PA 18064 USA.
All rights reserved. PRINTED IN U.S.A.

C. F. Martin IV

Chairman & CEO

Martin Guitar Company
100% De-Inked
Paper
100% Recycled

L E TT E RS
Dear Mr. Martin,
Thank you for creating the
excellent and affordable DM.
In the mid-1970s, I purchased a D35 for $750. Unfortunately my D-35
and I parted company in 1979 when I
extricated myself from a cult that I had
gotten involved with. I left with only
what I was wearing at the time. That
guitar is the only possession that I
regret leaving behind and I have pined
after it for years.
A late friend gave me another
brand guitar and thanks to his
generosity, I have at least had a guitar
to play over the ensuing years, but I
never forgot the feel and sound of that
Martin.
Re-establishing myself took time.
The price of a good used D-35 (let
alone a new one) had climbed out of
my reach and I assumed that, owing to
the expenses of my adult responsibilities, a Martin guitar would remain
unattainable for years to come.
That all changed recently when I
allowed myself to venture into a local
music store. I stood gazing wistfully at
a display of Martin guitars. Not wishing
to inflict further frustration upon
myself, I did not bother to look at the
price tags. Perhaps reading my posture
and expression, the co-owner of the
store reached into the case, handed
me a DM, and invited me to sit and
play it.
It was like playing a little piece of
heaven. It played like butter. Its tone
was so clear and sweet. It possessed an
excellent dynamic range and beautiful
fidelity. Like a true gourmet dish, in
which the ingredients come together in
a symphony of flavors, but each
individual flavor is still distinguishable
amidst the totality of the experience,
so it was with this guitar. Each note of
every chord rang sweet and true.
Delicious harmonies, yet distinct.
As I was admiring the precise
craftsmanship of the guitar, the store
owner spoke up and told me what he
would be willing to sell it to me for. I

gulped. It was a little stretch, but I could

afford it.
A happy man, I brought that Martin
DM home and played it for my wife to
be. Yes, I smiled and assured her,
well still be able to take that
honeymoon in Mexico.
Thank you for creating this
wonderful and affordable guitar while
remaining true to your lineage of
excellence.
Sincerely,

David M. Pierce
Magalia, California

Dear Mr. Martin,

I wanted you to know how pleased
I was to have had my Kentucky Guitar
CD on Martins on hold music. I
received many favorable comments and
orders for my tapes and CDs. Many
people asked about what guitars I was
using on the album. Most of my songs
were recorded with my MC-28 Cutaway
which is pictured on the cover. My new
album, Irish Guitar, is recorded with
my J-40 Jumbo, as well as the MC-28. If
anyone else is interested in my music,
Ive included my address.
Sincerely,

Pat Kirtley
Mainstring Music
P. O. Box 135
Bardstown, Kentucky 40004
Phone (502) 348-6360

Dear Mr. Martin,

I just wanted to express my
gratitude and complete satisfaction
with your guitars. I own a M-38, a J-40,
and have recently purchased a D-45. I
have not yet heard a guitar that can
compare with the excellent balance
and projection of the treble and bass
tone qualities. I tend to beat up my
guitars over the years and they just
keep on going. I hope to have a
collection of various rare Martins some
day, but until then, I am most satisfied
with the new line of Martins. Keep up
the good work!
Sincerely yours,

Jason M.

Its a long way from Casablanca and Winston

Churchill, but Bob Estell still per forms with
his harmonica and his 1943 D-18, often at
retirement homes where he can do the most
good.

Dear Mr. Martin,

Recently, a small article appeared
in Mature Outlook Magazine about me
and my Martin guitar. In the article, I
explained that my Martin D-18
Dreadnought guitar is the best
purchase I have ever made. I bought it
for $100 in 1943 and today, it is valued
at more than $5,000. It is worth much
more than that to me though. It was my
great companion during World War II.
It opened doors for me in foreign
homes. I used it to entertain the troops,
and it helped me meet my wife. It was
even picked up and strummed by Sir
Winston Churchill at Casablanca. As a
result of that small magazine article, I
received three phone calls from fellows
who I served with in the war. I hadnt
heard from them in 48 years! I still play
my Martin often. Thanks for many
decades of enjoyment.
Sincerely,

Robert Estell
Escondido, California

We Would Love To
Hear From You!
Send Your Letters To:
Your Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Country

Place
Stamp
Here

Dear Mr. Martin

C. F. Martin & Co.
P. O. Box 329
Nazareth, PA 18064-0329 USA

Houston, Texas

MARTY STUART AND

TRAVIS TRITT VISIT
MARTIN FACTORY

Travis Tritt, Mart y Stuart, C. F. Chris Martin IV and Martin Artist Relations Manager, Dick
Boak, on tour at the Martin factory. Mart y visited to check out the progress of his HD-40MS
Mart y Stuart signature model.

New

C. F. MARTIN
ESTABLISHES NEW
ROAD SERIES

The extreme success of Martins

new DM model, which was initially part
of the 1 Series line of guitars, has
prompted the introduction of a new
and separate series of instruments
called the Martin Road Series.
In addition to the original DM
model, this new series includes the new
DCM Dreadnought cutaway, the DM12 Dreadnought 12-String, and the
small-bodied 000M.
The Road Series guitars now
represent the lowest priced Martin
models on the market with suggested
retail prices beginning at $899.

New

NEW MODELS
ADDED TO
POPULAR 1 SERIES

Martin is unveiling many new

additions to the popular and affordable
1 Series line of acoustic guitars.
The new J-1 model of fers
1 Series appointments in the tightwaisted Jumbo size. The new 0000-1
uses the Jumbo or Grand Auditorium
shape (formerly referred to as M)
with a shallow body depth, making it
perfect for stage and studio use.
The small bodied 000C-1 features a

rounded Venetian cutaway. This model

is also offered as a 000C-1E dedicated
acoustic electric model, which features
an onboard preamp with slider EQ. The
acoustic electric option is also offered
with the new DC-1E Dreadnought
cutaway model.
The Martin acoustic bass has
resurfaced in the form of the new
Jumbo shaped B-1 model.

D-40 OFFERS
ELEGANCE & TASTE
AT LOWER PRICE
Although there have been many
variations of Style 40 Martin
instruments throughout the years, this
designation currently refers to the
specific appointments developed for
the newer Martin J-40 Jumbo models.
The ornamentation of these models
features a highly colorful abalone pearl
rosette, abalone hexagon fingerboard
inlays, abalone CFMartin letters in the
headstock, bound fingerboard and
headstock, and gold tuning machines.
This
tasteful
and
ornate
combination of features was borrowed
for the successful Figured Woods
Editions which were offered in Quilted
Mahogany, Flamed Walnut, and
Quilted Maple. The D-40 Dreadnought
is the newest addition to Martins
Standard Series of acoustic guitars.

Marty Stuart & Travis Tritt took a

break from their busy Double Trouble
touring schedule to stop in at the
Martin factory for a special tour. In
particular, Marty wanted to personally
see how the HD-40MS Limited Edition
Marty Stuart Signature guitars were
progressing.
Marty was personally responsible
for the unique fingerboard inlay designs
and for the unprecedented concept for
herringbone pearl, which adorns the
rosette of this model. The HD-40MS
was introduced at the Nashville
Summer NAMM Show and the edition
of 250 instruments has since sold out to
dealers.
These two country music greats
had a great time during their visit, and
after their tour they both sat down and
ordered some very special Custom
Shop Martin models that are sure to
show up on stage in the near future.
Look for the ones that sound really
good!

MARTIN CONTINUES
OFFEROFSPECIAL
SP-16 MODELGUITARS

C. F. Martin has announced the

continuation of its limited Special 16
Series acoustic guitars. A maximum of
2,500 mixed SP models will be
of fered during 1997. These
instruments
combine
enhanced
aesthetics with the use of solid woods
on the top, back, and sides. Many of
the unique technological advances
developed in Martins innovative and
patented 1 Series guitars are
incorporated in the 16 Series line of
guitars. Enhanced visual appointments
include a highly colorful abalone pearl
rosette, style 45 back strip, modified
snowflake fingerboard inlays, 4-point
snowflake bridge inlays, polished gloss
lacquer body, and gold plated tuning
machines.
Among the SP models offered
are the SPD-16T and SP000-16T which
feature solid mahogany back and sides
The SPD-16TR, SP000-16TR, SPDC-

16TR cutaway and SP000C-16TR

cutaway models feature East Indian
rosewood back and sides. All of the 16
Series models incorporate Martins
new extra low profile neck, designed
for easy playability, player comfort, and
fast action.
The 16 Series models were
conceived to provide high quality all
solid wood guitars at affordable prices.

SP000C-16TR

construction of a Martin instrument,

without the higher cost associated with
decorative bindings, herringbone,
abalone pearl, or other fancy trim.
C. F. Chris Martin IV, CEO of
Martin, has had a long standing affinity
for the old Style 15 instruments, which
has culminated with the introduction of
the mahogany topped D-15. At press
time, the retail price was not
established, but we anticipate this
model to become the lowest priced
guitar in the Martin lineup.

14 DAY WAIT YIELDS

GREAT PLAYING LOW
ACTION GUITARS
New

ALL SOLID WOODS

FOR NEW D-15
MAHOGANY TOP

Martin Style 15 guitars were first

introduced in 1935. These instruments
appeared after the depression with
very simple appointments. They were
intended to appeal to musicians that
wanted the tone and quality

We want to remind everyone that

after final inspection and stringing,
each Martin guitar is put on the shelf
(like a fine bottle of wine) for a 14 day
waiting period. This allows each
instrument to settle in under string
tension. After this period, the guitar is
reinspected and adjusted to insure that
every new Martin guitar plays like
butter. This process is producing
instruments that are consistently
outperforming all other brands!

Eric Clapton said it best: The 000-28-EC is

simply the best sounding acoustic guitar Ive
ever played!

CLAPTON 000-28EC
GETS RAVE REVIEWS
AND BIG DEMAND
The Eric Clapton 000-28EC
Signature Model Martin Guitar,
introduced as a stock model at the
Nashville Summer NAMM Show in July
of 1996, has been immensely popular
with both dealers and players. More
than 1000 of these special Vintage
Series guitars have been ordered in a
short six month period, with no sign of
tapering demand. In addition, three
major magazines, Guitar World, Guitar
Player, and Acoustic Musician, have
given this model extremely high ratings,
with Acoustic Musician giving an
unprecedented perfect score in all
categories.
The reason for the popularity? The
000-28EC certainly looks great, but
perhaps Eric Clapton hit it on the
button when he said, This is the best
sounding acoustic guitar Ive ever
played!

PAUL SIMON OM-42

(CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)

The perimeter of the pearl rosetted soundboard has been

Garfunkel, but after their breakup in the early 1970s, it was
painstakingly inlaid with highly colored Style 42 abalone
Pauls talent that emerged in album after album of award
pearl top inlay. At Paul Simons specific request, the
winning and memorable material. From his first solo release
adjustable neck is sleek and low with a comfortable
in 1972 titled simply Paul Simon to his 1990 release of
11116 neck width at the nut, but with the
Rhythm Of The Saints, Simons work has
slightly wider OM neck width as
bridged the gaps between poetry,
you move up toward the twelfth
music, and art. Perhaps Pauls
fret. A Style 45 pearl inlaid C. F.
most interesting endeavor was
Martin headstock is bound in
his controversial Grammy
tortoise and fitted with the
award
winning
release
highest quality vintage style
Graceland, a project that
ivoroid button Waverly nickelinfluenced and inspired the
1997
plated open-geared tuning machines.
World Music movement, and set
Paul
A genuine ebony tortoise bound fingerboard
the stage for dozens of new musical genres.
Simon
features the original Style 42 snowflake pattern in abalone
After an initial New York meeting to discuss limited
OM-42PS
pearl, with Paul Simons signature delicately inlaid in
edition possibilities with Martins artist relations
Signature
mother of pearl between the 19th and 20th frets. A
manager Dick Boak, Paul Simon traveled to Nazareth
Model
deluxe five-ply vintage series Geib style hardshell
with his son Harper (also a great guitarist) to try out
case has been designed to house this special guitar.
the complete array of Martin guitar sizes, shapes, and
The edition will be limited to 500 guitars for sale
styles. After several hours of playing, Paul zeroed in
worldwide. The edition size of 500 was taken from
on two sizes: the M (Grand Auditorium) and OM
Suite 500, Simons office address within the classic
(Orchestra Model). Martin built four initial
Brill building on Broadway in Manhattan. The
prototypes for Paul to try: two OM models and
interior label of each instrument will be numbered in
two M models. For his particular playing style and
sequence (i.e. 1 of 500, 2 of 500, etc.) and will be
touch, Paul loved the clarity and balance of the
personally signed by Paul Simon and C. F. Martin IV,
OM size. He paid particular attention to the feel of
Martins Chairman and CEO, and the 6th generation of
the neck, opting for a custom variation of the
Martin family members to manage the esteemed guitar
typically wider OM neck width. In respect to
firm.
appointments, Paul felt that as a limited edition or
collectable, the model should be ornate but tasteful,

Paul Simon has labored with the

highest standard of perfection in the
details of his writings and recordings.
In general, both Paul Simon and C. F. Martin &
Co. steer clear of product endorsements. As a
result, both wished to develop a special guitar
that would help fund a charity of particular
interest to Paul Simon. Paul is the co-founder
of The Childrens Health Fund, the nations
largest health care program for homeless
children, so choosing a charity was easy.
Paul Simon is acknowledged to be one of
this centurys finest singer/songwriters and
performers. While other musicians crank
out quantity, Paul Simon has labored with
the highest standard of perfection in the
details of his writings and recordings,
which stretch from the late 1950s to the
present. And it shows. His lyrics are
nothing short of poetic, and his
compositions are meticulously layered
without the feeling of being overproduced. Of course, he is widely known
for the legendary partnership of Simon &

...the model should be ornate but

tasteful, easy to amplify, and perfect
for use on stage and in the studio.
easy to amplify, and perfect for use on stage
and in the studio. Two final OM-42PS
prototypes were built for Pauls approval
prior to unveiling at the NAMM Show.
Paul has been writing the score
for the Broadway musical entitled The
Capeman, due to open in New York in
the fall of 1997. As with all of his projects,
he has focused an intense creative energy
on the score. The word around
Broadway is that the music is
extraordinary, setting a new
standard by which musicals will be
judged. It is interesting to note that
the two acoustic guitars being
used in the show are the initial
prototypes from the limited
edition.

New

C. F. MARTIN IV
OFFERS FIRST
CEOS CHOICE

As part of C. F. Martins 1997

Limited Edition offering, Martin CEO
and Chairman Of The Board, C. F.
Chris Martin IV has selected
specifications and appointments for
two special CEOs Choice Limited
Edition guitars. It was Chriss intent to
create instruments that would deliver
great tone, tasteful but elegant ornamentation, and perhaps most
importantly, provide an excellent value
to the customer.
To meet Chriss high tonal
expectations, solid woods have been
chosen for both models. The CEO-1
utilizes solid genuine mahogany for
the back and sides, which delivers a
strong clean treble response with a
clear powerful bass. The CEO-1R
utilizes solid East Indian rosewood,
which produces a richly resonant and
warm bass response.
Features common to both models
include an abalone pearl rosette, fine
pattern herringbone top trim,
scalloped bracing, style 45 back inlay
strip, genuine ebony fingerboard and
bridge both inlaid with hollow
hexagon outline inlays, gold
enclosed tuners with ebony buttons,
N-20 style black bindings with black
white side inlay, tortoise color
pickguard, C. F. Martin IVs signature in
pearl above the last fret, an interior
label signed by C. F. Martin IV, and a
vintage Tweed hardshell case.

New

2 NEW STAUFFER
COMMEMORATIVE
LIMITED EDITIONS

pointed belly bridge with pyramid

wings, vintage top toner, fossilized ivory
bridge pins, nut and saddle, and unique
gold plated tuning machines with
variable length posts to accommodate
the special headstock shape.
A specially made replica of the
original wooden coffin case will be
supplied with each of these special
instruments.
The edition will be limited to 100
instruments total: 25 will be constructed
with rare pre-CITES Brazilian rosewood
and designated as 00-45 Stauffers, and
75 will be constructed of East Indian
rosewood and designated as 00-40
Stauffers. Each guitar will bear an
internal edition label individually
numbered in sequence and signed by C.
F. Martin IV, the sixth generation of
Martin family members to manage the
company.

The original Stauffer headstock shape, shown

here, provided inspiration for this years
special Martin/Stauffer editions.

Frequently Asked
Questions, Part I:

C. F. Martin & Company is pleased

to announce the introduction of two
Martin Stauffer Limited Edition
guitars for 1997. These are the first
Stauffer models to be made since the
mid 1800s, when C. F. Martin Sr.
developed the now legendary Martin
square headstock shape. The Martin
Stauffer Limited Edition 00-40 and
the 00-45 models pay tribute to the 12fret guitars made by C.F. Martin Sr.
during the early years of the company.
These graceful guitars had an unusual
shaped headstock with all tuning keys
on one side. This feature was borrowed
from Johann Stauffer of Vienna, for
whom Mr. Martin had worked for a
time as a shop foreman.
The 00-45 is appointed with highly
colorful abalone pearl inlay around the
perimeter of the top, sides, back,
rosette, and tongue of the fingerboard. The headstock bears the Martin
decal logo, delicately inlaid in genuine
mother-of-pearl.
The 00-40 features abalone pearl
inlay around the rosette. The headstock
bears a small old style decal logo.
Features common to both models
include grained ivoroid bindings, Style
45 snowflake fingerboard inlays, ice
cream cone shaped neck heel, black
ebonized neck finish, a unique

Q: Can you tell me what year my

Martin guitar was made?
A: Yes! Thats the most frequently
asked question that we hear. Clip the
card below on the dotted lines. The last
guitar serial number for each year is
listed from 1898, when Martin serial
numbers were first initiated, through
1995. Prior to 1898, we can closely
estimate that 8000 Martin instruments
were made. By the way, we update this
card annually.

MARTIN GUITAR SERIAL NUMBERS

YEAR
1898
1899
1900
1901
1902
1903
1904
1905
1906
1907
1908
1909
1910
1911
1912
1913
1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
1919
1920
1921
1922
1923
1924
1925
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930

LAST#
8348
8716
9128
9310
9528
9810
9988
10120
10329
10727
10883
11018
11203
11413
11565
11821
12047
12209
12390
12988
13450
14512
15848
16758
17839
19891
22008
24116
28689
34435
37568
40843
45317

1931
1932
1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
1939
1940
1941
1942
1943
1944
1945
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964

49589
52590
55084
58679
61947
65176
68865
71866
74061
76734
80013
83107
86724
90149
93623
98158
103468
108269
112961
117961
122799
128436
134501
141345
147328
153225
159061
165576
171047
175689
181297
187384
193327
199626

1965 207030
1966 217215
1967 230095
1968 241925
1969 256003
1970 271633
1971 294270
1972 313302
1973 333873
1974 353387
1975 371828
1976 388800
1977 399625
1978 407800
1979 419900
1980 430300
1981 436474
1982 439627
1983 446101
1984 453300
1985 460575
1986 468175
1987 476216
1988 483952
1989 493279
1990 503309
1991 512487
1992 522655
1993 535223
1994 551696
1995 570434
1996 pending

ALTERNATE TUNINGS

C. F. Martin & Co., in conjunction with Kief

Music Company of Surrey, British Columbia,
co-sponsors The Canadian Country Music
Associations annual Humanitarian Award.
This years award was presented to Joan
Kennedy (above), who has done significant
charitable work for The Childrens Wish
Foundation of Canada.

Frequently Asked
Questions, Part II:
Q: Can you tell me what year my
Martin mandolin was constructed?
A: Yes! Clip the card below on the
dotted lines. The last serial number for
each year is listed for mandolin
production until 1991. After 1991,
mandolins are included with guitar
serial numbers on this cards flip side.
MARTIN MANDOLIN SERIAL NUMBERS
YEAR
LAST#
1895
23
1896
112
1897
155
1898
359
1899
577
1900
800
1901
881
1902
1171
1903 1348
1904 1507
1905 1669
1906 2026
1907 2357
1908 2510
1909 2786
1910 3098
1911
3431
1912 3847
1913 4162
1914 4462
1915 4767
1916 5007
1917 5752
1918 6370
1919 7237
1920 8761
1921 9627
1922 10196
1923 11020
1924 11809

1925
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
1932
1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
1939
1940
1941
1942
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969

12520
13359
13833
14170
14630
14892
15290
15476
15528
15729
15887
16156
16437
16580
16747
16957
17263
17405
22985
23111
23262
23512
23663
23938
24139
24339
24439
24564
24639
24839
24989

1970 25039
1971 25139
1972 25289
1973 25339
1974 25679
1975 25895
1976 26045
#259996-260020
are 1976 also
1977 26101
1978 26101
1979 26112
1980 26156
1981 26215
1982 26225
1983 26247
1984 26254
1985 26263
1986 26273
1987 26279
1988 26281
1989 26281
1990 26291
1991 26297
1991* 509122
After 1991
see guitar #s
for all mandolins.

There are dozens of ways to tune

the guitar. The most popular alternate
tunings are called open tunings,
where the strings are tuned to an open
chord such as D Major (D-A-D-F#-a-d)
or G Major (D-G-D-G-b-d).
Another
interesting
tuning,
generally referred to as High Strung
or Nashville tuning, is often utilized in
recording studios to achieve an
extremely clean treble or high end
sound. This sound, similar in some ways
to a twelve string guitar, tends to
balance out the often overpowering
bass response in guitar recordings.
One easy way to explain
Nashville tuning is to imagine a set of
strings for a 12-string guitar. If you were
to select the thin or high octave string
from each pair, and put the other strings
aside, then string an instrument with
these higher strings, this would yield
standard (E-A-D-G-b-e) tuning, but the
bass strings are now tuned an octave
above standard pitch.

It is perfectly acceptable to try a

12-string set as described in the
previous paragraph, but you will no
doubt find the gauges much too light
and slinky. At Martin, we have
experimented with the gauges and have
come up with the two following options
for what we would refer to as a Light
Gauge Nashville Tuning Set. Note
that only the .024 string is wound and
that the G string can either be an
octave above pitch (.008) or at standard
pitch with an unwound string (.019).
Light Gauge Nashville Tuning
E
.024w
.024w
A
.017
.017
D
.013
.013
G
.008
or
.019
B
.012
.012
e
.010
.010
Paul Simon uses this tuning often,
most notably on the title cut from his
album, Graceland. Listen to this track
carefully. It will surprise you.
For you Backpacker owners out
there, Nashville tuning really sounds
great on small instruments.

Nazareth Pike
Words & Music by
Dr. Russell J. Rentler, M.D.
I was going through Pennsylvania one day
When I met an old man who had these words to say:
Take the Nazareth Pike boy, and you will see
The place where dreams are made, its where you want to be.
So I took this mans advice, and started walking forth
The Martin Guitar factory, it was just a few miles north
My backpack it felt heavy, but I just didnt care
I kept on walkin up the road to who knows where

Chorus:
Take the Nazareth Pike boy and you will see
It will always take you to where youd rather be.
Then I stumbled into a postcard kind of town
With little kids a playin and flowers on the ground
And on the outskirts of this little town there stood that factory
The birthplace of the most beautiful guitars you would ever see.
( Re p e a t C h o r u s )

I dreamed that I could get a job building the Martin Guitar

But another fate did own me, I guess Id gone too far
Thats how the story ends my friend, they call me an M.D.
But that place on Nazareth Pike is where my heart would rather be.
( Re p e a t C h o r u s )
1996 DR. RUSSEL J. RENTLER, M.D.

KINGSTON TRIO
(CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER)

years 1957-1997 inlaid above the

last fret. The letter style of these inlays
is reminiscent of 1950s pop art.
The
Kingston
Trio
D-28
Dreadnought guitar features a solid
square tapered headstock with a
Brazilian rosewood headplate and
Martins old style scroll decal logo.
The back and sides of the body are
constructed of select, bookmatched
East Indian rosewood. Grained ivoroid
is utilized for the bindings and trim. The
solid spruce soundboard utilizes 516
height scalloped X-bracing, shifted
forward to a position approximately 1
from the soundhole. Both the bridge
and the fingerboard are hand-crafted
from genuine ebony. Fingerboard
position markers are 1950s-era Style
28 mother-of-pearl dots. The bridge is
fitted with a long (or through) saddle
fashioned from genuine bone, as is the
hand-cut nut. Tuning machines are
Martins vintage style open-geared
variety, finished in gold, with gold
butterbean knobs. Bridge and
endpins are white, inlaid with tortoise
colored redeye dots. A hand-beveled
and
polished
tortoise
colored
pickguard is used to simulate the old,
under-the-finish application.
The custom 0-18T Tenor features
back and sides of genuine mahogany,
select Sitka spruce soundboard with
Style 18 rosette, tortoise bindings,
beveled pickguard, gold vintage tuners
with butterbean knobs, and motherof-pearl Kingston Trio anniversary
inlays. One interesting custom touch is
that genuine ebony is utilized for the
fingerboard and bridge.
The Vega Long-Neck Folk Model
banjo is specially made and warranted
for this commemorative issue by the
Deering Banjo Company of Lemon
Grove, California. The extra long 25-fret
neck, which facilitates easy key
changes to suit the vocalist, was
originally suggested to Vega by Pete
Seeger. It was later popularized by
Dave Guard and John Stewart of The
Kingston Trio and soon became the
workhorse banjo of virtually every
major folk group.
Specifications for the Kingston Trio
Limited Edition Vega Long Neck Banjo
are similar to the original Fairbanks No.
2 Tu-Ba-Phone XL models made by

Vega of Boston. Metal parts are nickel

plated. The fingerboard is ebony, bound
in white, and inlaid with mother-of-pearl
dots. The Vega star is inlaid at the 5th
fret and scaled down The Kingston
Trio and 1957-1997 inlays are
utilized to match the D-28 and the 018T models of the commemorative set.
(It is interesting to note that C. F.
Martin & Co. once owned the Vega
Banjo Company in the 1970s and
produced Vega banjos here in our
Nazareth facility along side our guitar
production. Martin sold the brand in
the early 1980s, and it was
subsequently acquired by Deering, the
current owner.)
Each instrument in the Kingston
Trio Limited Edition Set is individually
numbered in sequence (i.e. #1 of 40,
#2 of 40, etc.) and each set
instruments label will be personally
signed by Bob Shane, Nick Reynolds,
and George Grove, as well as former
member John Stewart. C. F. Martin IV,
Martins chairman and CEO, will also
sign each label.
The Dreadnought and Tenor guitars
are offered with a Geib style deluxe
Vintage hardshell case. The Vega Long
Neck Banjo comes with Deerings high
quality hardshell case.

D-28KT
Extended Offering
When all 40 Kingston Trio Limited
Edition Sets have been ordered by
dealers, an extended edition of
Kingston Trio D-28 guitars will be made.
These guitars will be limited to orders
taken prior to October 30, 1997.
Specifications for these guitars will be
identical to the Kingston Trio
D-28
model offered as part of the set except
that the interior labels will be
individually numbered without total (i.e.
#1, #2, #3, etc.) and each instrument
will be personally signed by Kingston
Trio founder Bob Shane and C. F.
Martin IV.

The Kingston Trio:

Biography Synopsis
The original Kingston Trio was
formed in 1957 by Bob Shane, Nick
Reynolds, and Dave Guard while the
three were attending college in the San
Francisco area. Using only acoustic
guitars and banjos, they literally
revolutionized
popular
music,
reawakening America to its own rich
heritage, paving the way for a broader
acceptance of bluegrass, blues, country
and other indigenous American musics.
But the trio did more than that.
They were the catalyst to an entire
social and cultural phenomenon that
affected our musical tastes, our social
conscience, even how we dressed and
talked. The Trios release of Tom
Dooley in October of 1958, marked
the beginning of the folk music revival
and set the stage for Bob Dylan, Joan
Baez, Peter, Paul & Mary (to mention a
few) and the entire protest music

They were the catalyst to

an entire social and cultural
phenomenon that affected
our musical tastes,
our social conscience,
even how we dressed
and talked.
movement of the 60s.
In 1961, after two Grammys and
numerous gold records, Dave Guard left
the group and John Stewart was
introduced, maintaining the Trios
enormous success until 1967 when the
Trio disbanded.
In 1972, Bob Shane reformed The
Kingston Trio with George Grove and
Roger Gambill, and for the next decade
the Trio again traveled the world playing
sold out audiences. The untimely death
of Roger Gambill in 1985 brought Bob
Haworth briefly into the group, followed
by the return of original member Nick
Reynolds.
Today, The Kingston Trio is
composed of Bob Shane, Nick
Reynolds, and George Grove. Their
trademark three-part harmony and crisp,
melodic sound keeps them touring 35
weeks a year, including concerts with
more than 20 major symphony
orchestras.
And they still do it all on Martin
guitars!

MARTIN STRINGS

New

RUMPLESTILTSKYN
SPINNING MAGIC
AT C. F. MARTIN

The People
Who Use Them

Rory Block

Performer

When your powerful blues drives

people to their feet, you play strings
that stand up to it too. Blues is gritty,
powerful music. You really need to lay
into the strings. The only strings that
can stand up to the way Rory Block
plays are Martin Strings. She uses
Martin mediums. In her own words,
They work wonderfully for me. I play
very hard and get the least amount
of buzzing with the Martin mediums. When its time to restring your
instrument, use Martin Marquis,
Martin Strings, Martin Phosphor
Bronze, or Martin Cryogenic. After all,
the best string with the best!

This is no fairy tale! OK, so theres

no legendary imp working here with
an ancient spinning wheel and a pile of
straw. But the exciting story is that C.F.
Martin & Company has developed a
new line of acoustic guitar strings that
are as good as gold, but you dont
need to speculate on precious metals
to enjoy them!
The new Martin SP Studio/
Performance Series strings are made
from an ultra-high quality steel core
that resists breaking and corrosion
better than other strings. If you look
closely, youll see that the core wires
and the plain strings are plated with a
smooth, acoustic bronze finish.
Available in 80/20 Acoustic Bronze,
these new strings outperform other
brands. They stay bright, have longlasting, superior tonal qualities, and
look absolutely beautiful on your
favorite guitar.
Our high technology winding
operation has long since replaced
hand-operated spinning wheels and
our quality is no myth. We work hard
to put the magic in your fingers. Try a
set of the new Martin SP Studio/
Performance Series strings.
These strings are so new, you
might have to educate your favorite
dealer about them! Ask them to order
you a few sets today!

NEW MARTIN
ACOUSTIC PICKUPS

Martin Thinline 332 Plus

Acoustic Pickup
The 332 Plus is a new pickup
system for acoustic guitars developed
by Fishman Transducers. The
complete system includes a ceramic
under the saddle pickup (Thinline
332) and a specially designed
miniature onboard preamp. The heart
of the system is a miniature circuit that
is housed in a slightly elongated
shielding cap on the back end of the
jack. The board uses state-of-the-art
surface mounting components. It is an
all discrete transistor circuit design.
The unit features:
New onboard Active Jack preamp
Improved ease of installation
Low noise
Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz
with THD of less than .1%
Extremely low current consumption
for long battery life
Warm, balanced acoustic response
without distortion

Active Jack Pre-amp

for Martin Thinline Pickups
The Active Jack , developed by
Fishman Transducers, is a new preamp system for acoustic guitars that
already have Martin Thinline 332 or
other brands of ceramic pickups
installed. The heart of the Active Jack
system is identical to the one utilized
with the above Thinline 332 Plus the
only difference being that this version,
intended for retrofitting, does not
include a pickup.

New

Thinline 332 Plus

Look for new Martin SP Strings
at your local music store. Theyll
turn gold into magic.

10

T he new M art i n T h i nl i ne 33 2 P lus

includes an Active Jack, a batter y mount,
and a pre -wired batter y connecter. The
Active Jack can be purchased by itself if
you want to do an active upgrade to your
existing pickup.

BACKPACKER
QUADROPHENIA

Scott y Stets serenades the spirit of Hamlet at

Shakespeare s legendar y birthplace in
Strat ford-upon-Avon.

HAVE BACKPACKER
WILL TRAVEL
Scotty Stets of Fall River, MA,
traveled extensively around Europe
with his Backpacker, which he has
affectionately named Yvette. He
wailed for the ghosts at Warwick
Castle north of London, he yodeled at
the ruins of the Marquis de Sades
chateau in the foothills of the French
alps, his vocals venerated the stormy
beaches at Normandy, he crooned at
the upside down scallops of the
Roman aqueducts in Lisbon, and in the
photo above, he serenaded the spirit of
Hamlet at Shakespeares legendary
birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon. To
strum or not to strum? No question
here. Scotty chose to strum!
Scotts dad, Stanley J. Stets Jr.,
loves to belt out Hank Snow tunes on
his old D-41, so its a family thing.
Scott is planning more excursions
and wants to know whether there are
any places that the Backpacker should
go that it hasnt already been to? Have
any ideas? In the patriotic tradition, he
exclaims: I have not yet begun to
Backpack!

BACKPACKER
GUITARS

Where Have
They Been?

INLINE BACKPACKERS
COAST TO COAST !
Bill McIntosh inline-skated coast to
coast across America, over four
mountains and hundreds of large hills,
across the Mohave desert, through
swamps in three states, and days through
barren wildernesses. He jumped in three
oceans and slept on the side of the road
in eight states. And he did it all with his
Backpacker slung across his shoulder!
Why did he do it? He is marketing
products for the inline skating industry
across the world and supporting a
number of charities in the process,
including The Foundation Enhancing
Education & Literacy which helps
underprivileged children.

In Outer Space
Aboard The Space Shuttle,
To The Summit
Of Mount Everest,
To Both The North
and The South Poles,
On A Safari In Africa,
Coast To Coast
On Inline Skates, and
Across The Continent Of Asia
On A Bicycle.

Photo by Sasha D. Moore, Santa Fe, NM

Photo by David Silva

Preston Gratiot hails from

Camarillo, California. He has the
only herringbone Backpacker
that we know of. He dropped
the instrument while hiking and
as a result, he had the
herringbone
trim
custom
installed to eliminate the dent.
Preston strings his Backpacker
with high strung or Nashville
tuning (See Page 8). He does a
lot of traveling as well.
Preston was recently out
running the mining trails
between Durango, Silverton,
and Telluride when he stopped
at Four Corners to photograph his Backpacker in Utah,
Colorado, Arizona, and New
Mexico, all at the same time.
OK, if you want to get technical,
the instrument is only in three
states, the strap is in Arizona.

Where Ever Youre Going,

You Really Can Take A
Backpacker Along With You!
We Want To Hear Your Backpacker Story.
Mail to: The Sounding Board
c/o Martin Guitar Company
Box 329, Nazareth, PA 18064-0329

Bill McIntosh, looking like a member of the

foreign legion, takes a rest in the middle of the
Mohave desert.

11

OUR MISSION

At Last, A Guitar Designed

Specifically For Women

BY DIANE PONZIO

efore the turn of the century,

the majorit y of guitar players
were women. They embraced
Parlor Style music, which they played
on small bodied, gut-string guitars.
Many lithographs and paintings from
the late 19th century show these
women enjoying such instruments.
Things certainly have changed. The
majority of players are now male. As a
result, lithographs featuring active,
guitar-playing women have been
replaced by ads showing passive bikiniclad models who obviously serve
merely as virility tokens for the male
players. Images of women musicians
are rare. Was it international affairs,
styles of music, or cultural trends that
drove women fretless?
There is a case to be made that
guitar makers have neglected over 50%
of their potential market in their
advertising strategies. Ironically, though,
the movement in popular music today
is centered on the singer-songwriter,
many of whom are, in fact, women...
women GUITARISTS. In an interesting
inverse parallel trend, it is notable that
from the 1920s until the present, guitar
bodies have gotten bigger, while the
number of women players has gotten
smaller. Perhaps its time for the musical
instrument industry to alter its
marketing strategies and give some
attention to ergonomics. Women can

and should be lured back to the

fingerboard.
Recently, a voluntary group of
Martin employees got together to think
about these issues. The demographics
of the group were unprecedented; 80%
were women. They represented literally
every facet of the Companys
endeavors from making strings and
bridges to headstocks and braces. I was
fortunate to participate in this exciting
group as we sought to acknowledge
womens role in the music world today.
Our job was to develop some ongoing
programs and to try to determine what
kind of Martin guitar most women
would like to play.
Anatomically speaking, its rather
obvious that the Dreadnought can be a
little uncomfortable for many women.
In a survey conducted with several
hundred female Martin owners, it was
determined that a smaller-bodied, tightwaisted guitar was more desirable. But
all of us are committed to sound. The
distinctive Martin sound, now most
common in Dreadnoughts, has
galvanized musical culture for almost
two centuries. Could we come up with
a guitar that sounded big, but played
comfortably...one with great action, a
perfect thin neck, and elegant but
simple appointments?
Its a thrill for me to have been a
part of a group that designed an

The Women And

Music Program will
Successfully Educate,
Encourage,
Acknowledge, and
Promote Womens
Involvement with
Guitar Playing Through
the Continuous
Development of
Guitar Related Projects.
This Mission was adopted by
The Women & Music Committee
of the Martin Guitar Company on June 20, 1996.

instrument that a linebacker could love

as well as any of my peers - the 00
Deep Body. In playing several
prototypes, we all fell in love with the
Mahogany model. The sound was
spectacular. The slotted headstock,
because of its increased downward
pressure on the nut, gives an even
bigger sound that the scalloped braces
and Dreadnought depth already insure.
And the tight waist provides wonderful
tonal balance, yielding a versatile guitar
that packs a punch!
Its a proud moment for The Martin
Guitar Company to be among the first
companies in the instrument business to
publicly acknowledge women players
by stepping out boldly. By getting input
from women and allowing for their
ideas, Martin has designed a specific
model perfect for them. Now, that
wonderful new instrument is on the
market. And because of its enhanced
sound capabilities, its an instrument
that men will crave, too. This is a great
guitar for anyone to be proud of and for
everyone to love playing.
Diane Ponzio, pictured above, is a New York
based singer-songwriter and guitarist. She
travels world-wide with C.F. Chris Martin IV
per forming her songs as part of a
presentation about the Martin guitar. She has
released two CDs.