Specifications, Materials & Responsible Building Practices

Specifications for each model currently in production can be found on each model page in the Guitars section.

First, try using the search box in the upper right corner of the website. If you still do not find the model you are looking for, that model might be discontinued. You can contact Customer Service to inquire about discontinued model specifications.

HPL stands for high pressure laminate. It is a composite material made from paper and resin that is pressed at very high pressure. The surface will have a wood pattern (Mahogany, rosewood, Koa, etc.) and a protective clear coating. It is not a wood veneer.

Black Richlite is a composite material that is made from paper and resin pressed at high pressure.

Mineral deposits are considered a normal characteristic of wood and form as the tree extracts nutrients from the soil. During the finishing process these deposits may appear lighter in appearance. Mineral deposits will not affect the tone or structural integrity of the wood. With our remaining inventory of Brazilian Rosewood diminishing and extremely rare, it is our commitment to utilize the material responsibly, as Martin Guitar presents this exceptional opportunity to our customers. 

Brazilian rosewood is considered nearly extinct and as such is extremely difficult to obtain. It is available in very limited quantities for special limited edition models. Additionally, all rosewood models prior to 1969 were made with Brazilian rosewood, aligning Martin’s reputation for superior tone closely with the use of this wood.

In an effort to attract industry to Brazil in the 1960s, Brazil placed an embargo on Brazilian rosewood logs. In addition to the embargo, Brazilian rosewood logs that were large enough to create two-piece Dreadnought back was quickly becoming depleted. In response, Martin Guitar began using East Indian rosewood from India. Martin Guitar ceased using Brazilian rosewood in standard production for complete sets of back and sides in 1969.

Martin Guitar’s basic model designation system begins with a letter or 0 which denotes the body size including 0, 00, 000, 0000, Jumbo, D, Performing Artist, and Grand Jumbo. The following number designates the appointment level. For example, the 15 series includes mahogany, no bindings, and a satin finish. 16, 18, and 28 represent the upgrade to rosewood back and sides. H designates herringbone and scalloped braces. 35, 40, 41, 42 and 45 add represent the addition of pearl. 50 and 100 include highly decorative inlay. The number is also used indicate the price of the instrument. E indicates the model is an acoustic electric.

FSC^® certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits. The FSC^® was established in part by the Rainforest Alliance to ensure rigorous standards are met for the protection of forestlands, communities, and wildlife. FSC^® Certified means that all of the wood components of a guitar meet the stringent requirements of responsible forest management set forth by the Forest Stewardship Council^®(FSC^®). Martin’s FSC^® license code is FSC^® C008304.

Guitars that are FSC^® Certified are designated by the FSC^® Certified and Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seals.

These models can be found in the FSC^® CERTIFIED & SUSTAINABLE WOOD category of our site.

Sustainable Wood is a categorization used by Martin to indicate that a guitar model has certified wood components that have been sourced in a responsible manner.

Sustainable Wood guitars have Certified parts noted within the specifications.

These models can be found in their appropriate categories and in the FSC^® CERTIFIED & SUSTAINABLE WOOD category on our site.