Wherever possible, both pricing and the number of instruments made are provided in the individual listings. Where N/As appear, accurate secondary marketplace pricing cannot be provided, since these instruments do not trade sufficiently enough to list pricing.
The models listed below are in chronological sequence (the original year of manufacture appears after the model name).
As customer demand opened up for specified, limited edition models, Martin announced the Guitar of the Month program in October, 1984. This ambitious plan to offer an announced custom-built limited edition model every month was scaled back to four or five models per year. This program continued through 1994, when Martin switched to annual offerings of limited/special editions. Between 1984 and 1985, Guitar of the Month models had special paper labels signed by C.F. Martin III and C.F. Martin IV. Special/limited editions after 1986 are signed by C.F. Martin IV (unless otherwise listed below).
Some Guitar of the Month models are built in a "fixed," predetermined production amount, while others may be "open-ended" and are limited to the number sold (or ordered) through the calender year.
Prior to 1995, these Limited Edition models were labeled separately for domestic (U.S.) and foreign markets: a model may be #1 of 100 in the U.S., while the next model may be numbered #1 of 12 (overseas). Thus, the total production may be 112 for this model (and not the number given on the U.S. label). Separate foreign label editions are marked with a (*). In 1995, Martin began to issue one label worldwide.
Martin special editions are typically commemorative models which pay tribute to those Martin models which have been historically significant - these include the Golden Era Series, certified wood models, and other special editions. Special editions do not have a total quantity assigned to each variation, and are made as demand dictates. Limited editions are usually associated with a particular artist or event, and the quantity of each variation is usually determined at the time of release. In many cases, a portion of the sales go to charities of the artist´s choice. Limited editions are usually made for a limited time and are available until the variation sells out. Sometimes, a sellout can occur in a few weeks (i.e., Jimmy Buffet Signature HD-18JB 1998), while other guitars may not sell out for years.
Whenever possible, the year a special/limited edition was introduced is listed after the model name in parentheses. In many cases, these instruments will continue to be listed on Martin´s price sheets until they are sold out. On recently manufactured special and limited editions, unless the model is marked special edition in parentheses after the model name, you can assume that the model is a limited edition.
Guitar of the Month models are usually identified with a suffix. For example, a HD-28BLE (1990) is an HD-28 with Brazilian rosewood back and sides. Due to the limited production numbers (and fierce loyalty of Martin guitar owners), these specialty guitars trade only infrequently in the acoustic vintage market. Most models encountered are in Excellent to Mint condition (i.e. well cared for).
For readers new to Martin products, please note: Aging Toner finish, or a " Toned Top" model refers to the golden-toned lacquer that is shot on the top (soundboard) of the guitar. The following models are listed as to the features that differ from similarly designated stock models (for that year).
A special note from Martin: "As a general rule, Martin has produced two prototypes of each limited edition in order to develop model specifications and help determine production costs. Generally these prototypes are not for sale. However, due to factory space constrictions, many prototypes have already or eventually may be sold." When buying/selling/trading these rare Martin factory prototypes, it is recommended that you get as much original paperwork as possible to establish provenance, as well as documenting legal ownership.
The source material for Martin´s Guitar of the Month series is courtesy of Dick Boak, Martin Guitar Company. Additional detailed information can be found in Jim Washburn and Richard Johnson´s Martin Guitars: An Illustrated Celebration of America´s Premier Guitarmaker, Rodale Books, 1997; or Walter Carter´s The Martin Book: A Complete History of Martin Guitars, GPI Books, 1995).
Whenever possible, pricing (including original MSRs) and the number of instruments are listed for the following models, whether they are guitars of the month, special editions, or limited editions. N/As indiciate that the rarity factor and lack of activity in the secondary marketplace (especially those older models with high demand) preclude accurate pricing.
As a rule of thumb, many instruments listed in this section that are five years or older are typically worth at least 65%-75% value at the time of production, but there are exceptions (i.e. Eric Clapton, etc.). It is recommended that you follow this niche marketplace by studying dealer listings and the Internet and eBay for possible listings and current prices. Remember, even though some of these special models are relatively rare and now almost twenty years old, it doesn´t necessarily mean that they are valued higher than a similar current production model with the same appointments and features. One exception is any model made with Brazilian rosewood, as values for this South American tone wood have skyrocketed in recent years.