In 1898, when Martin standardized their configurations, several small bodied models were carried over. Certain models were extremely popular and were produced for several years (such as Size 1 and Size 2) while others were only produced in very limited quantities (such as Size ¼, Size ½, Size ¾, and Size 3). By 1938, all of these models had been discontinued as larger jumbo and dreadnought guitars were quickly becoming the popular acoustic instrument. Most models that were produced in large quantities are individually listed and valued in this section because they are traded quite often in the used marketplace. Other limited quantity models (typically less than 5 produced) are not individually listed because of their lack of market activity. However, we have mentioned all of these guitars including how many and what years they were produced.


Early Size ¼ instruments have dimensions of a 6 3/16 in. lower bout width, 2.875 in. body depth, 12 in. body length, and 17 in. scale. Late Size ¼ instruments have dimensions of a 8 5/16 in. lower bout width, 3 9/16 in. body depth, 12 1/16 in. body length, and a 17 in. scale.
Size ½ instruments have dimensions of a 10.125 in. lower bout width, 3.375 in. body depth, 15 1/16 in. body length, and 20.875 in. scale.
Size 1 instruments have dimensions of a 12 3/4 in. lower bout width, 4 3/16 in. body depth, 18.875 in. body length, and 24.9 in. scale.
Size 2 instruments have dimensions of a 12 in. lower bout width, 4 in. body depth, 18 1/4 in. body length, and 24.5 in. scale.
Size 2½ instruments have dimensions of a 11 5/8 in. lower bout width, 3.875 in. body depth, 17.875 in. body length, and 24.5 in. scale.
Size 3 instruments have dimensions of a 11.25 in. lower bout width, 3 3/16 in. body depth, 17.375 in. body length, and 23.875 in. scale.


Martin produced a variety of different small bodied-sized guitars that were built in very limited quantities. Size ¼ limited quantity Martin's include 22 Model ¼-18 guitars (1918-1931), 14 Model ¼-28 guitars (1972, 1981), and six ¼-12-String guitars (1918). Size ½ limited quantity Martin's include 18 Model ½-18 guitars (1918-19), and one Model ½-21 guitar (1919 only). Size ¾ limited quantity Martin's include four Model ¾-18 guitars (1921) and one Model ¾-21 (1921). Size 2 limited quantity Martin's include two Model 2-34s (1898, although this was a popular configuration before 1898 as well), one Model 2-40 (1909 only), two Model 2-42s (1900 only), four Model 2-45s (1925-27), and two Model 2-45T tenors (1927-28). Size 2½ limited quantity Martin's include five Model 2½-30 guitars (1901-1914) and one Model 2½-42 guitar (1911 only). Size 3 limited quanity Martin's include only one Model 3-17 that was produced in 1908; however, the Model 3-17 was a popular configuration prior to 1898.