Martin Guitars: Illustrated History [Paperback]

Jim Washburn (Author), Richard Johnston (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1998

C.F. Martin Guitars has operated in rural eastern Pennsylvania for most of its history. Crafting each instrument, the company uses techniques developed by the original C.F. Martin in the mid-1800s and their guitars are considered among the finest in the world.

This lavishly illustrated photo album of Martin guitars, mandolins, and ukuleles, traces the company's incredible history -- from a small-town business to an international star. Interviews with major rock, folk and country stars who revere Martin guitars help tell this incredible success story.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Rodale Pr (June 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875967973
• ISBN-13: 978-0875967974
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,496,680 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I've seen the light!, September 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Martin guitars (Hardcover)

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.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THIS IS A GREAT TREATISE ON MARTIN GUITARS, June 9, 2001

By 

Bruce Dickey "www.dickeyguitars.com" (Russellville, AR United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Martin guitars (Hardcover)

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.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Martin Guitars An Illustrated Celebration, June 29, 2000

By 

Jack Emmott - See all my reviews

This review is from: Martin guitars (Hardcover)

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.