Golden Arches
C.F. Martin Archtop Guitars
In 1931, Martin produced their first archtop guitar, the C-1.
This C-1 example is from the very first batch of Martin archtop guitars.
1931 Martin C-1 Prototype:
The pearl Martin headstock logo first appeared on this first Martin archtop prototype:
The Martin archtops found great popularity, and within a short time the round hole archtops gave way to "f-hole" models, the most sophisticated of which was the "F" series, with a large 16" body, introduced as the F-7 and F-9 in 1935, with the F-1 and F-2 added in 1940.
This popularity, however, was short lived, as Martin archtop production ceased in 1942. Only 401 "F" Style guitars were built, 91 of which were the F-1 model, with mahogany back and sides.
This example is from the very last batch of Martin "F" Style guitars, built in September, 1942.
1942 Martin F-1 Guitar
This larger 16" body size was later revived for the Martin M-36 and M-38 models in 1977.
This designation was changed from "M" to " 0000" size guitars between 1997 and 2002.
Martin produced three prewar archtops as 12 string guitars, all in the 1930's.
This is Martin's first 12 string archtop guitar.
1932 C-2S 12 String Guitar
From "Martin Guitars, a Technical Reference", by Longworth, Johnston & Boak:
This guitar was owned by Mark O'Connor and used to record his CD "False Dawn".
earlymartin.com
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