Martin’s dreadnought design is the world’s most popular steel-string acoustic guitar type. In recent years, some new details about the instrument’s history have emerged, and in this video, Martin’s Archives and Museum Specialist Jason Ahner talks with historian, author, and master craftsman Kilin Reece, who runs Hawaii’s KR Strings and the Kealakai Center for Pacific Strings about origin of the dreadnought, which includes a custom jumbo guitar that Martin built for Hawaiian artist Mekia in 1916.

Visit MartinGuitar.com

Martin CEO 10 | Martin Guitar The first special edition guitar designed by Martin CEO Thomas Ripsam. Read More

Cutting a Bridge Slot | Elderly Instruments Joe Konkoly demonstrates cutting the saddle slot on a replacement bridge for a vintage Martin. Read More

Northampton Luthier Summit | Martin Guitars Chris Martin to give keynote speech at Northampton Community College Luthier Summit. Read More

Martin DDS Hops and Barley | Elderly Instruments A limited edition Martin that pays homage to the special grains made famous for their use in beer making. Read More

The Incredible Story Of Martin Guitars | Martin Guitars Chris Martin presents a lecture on his company's history at a special event at New York's Rudy's Music. Read More

How to Strum | Fishman Fishman artist Angela Petrilli shows basic strumming techniques. Read More

Completed D-28 Repair | Elderly Instruments Joe Konkoly shows the finished result of performing extensive repairs on a vintage Martin. Read More

SITKA STUDIO | Martin Guitar Martin Guitar Partners with SITKA Gear and Thomas Rhett On a Collaboration for Conservation. Read More

000JR-10E Shawn Mendes | Martin Guitar Martin unveils a signature guitar for the multi-platinum singer-songwriter. Read More

Trey Hensley | Martin Guitar The roots music star demonstrates Martin's innovative SC-13E Special. Read More