MARTIN GUITARS MADE BEFORE 1898

Any Martin guitar built before 1898 usually needs to be identified and evaluated on an individual basis. Although Martin introduced standard body sizes and styles by the mid-1800s, they are not as streamlined as they became in 1898. Martin also offered variations on their popular style numbers and it is unknown how many of each model were produced making evaluation extremely difficult. Most Martin guitars built before 1898 are considered antiques as they were produced decades before the "Golden Age" of guitars came around. Approximately 8,000 guitars were built between 1833 and 1898. Contact Blue Book Publications directly for more information regarding Martin guitars built before 1898.