How to determine Year and Model of Martin Guitars

by Georgine
(Nazareth)

I have a Martin Guitar that was my grandfather's. I cannot find the make and model numbers. Where are they located.

Thank you,
Georgine

ANSWER

Hi, Georgine--


Every Martin guitar made in 1898 and later, has a serial number inside the guitar. This number can be used to determine the exact year of manufacture. Martin guitar serial numbers start at 8000 in 1898 because Martin estimated they made 8000 instruments before 1898.

On round hole martin guitars, the serial and model numbers are stamped on the neck block inside the instrument. The number can be seen by looking inside the sound hole. Look at an angle towards the neck. All f-hole Martin archtops have their serial and model numbers stamped on the inside center of the backstripe.

The serial number will be the long number and the number below it (something like D-20 or 00018) is the model number.

Hope this helps!
Lynne