Martin | Body Shapes
Martin | Body Shapes
Martin | Body Shapes
Martin has been shaping the sound of acoustic music for nearly two centuries, and offers a wide array of guitar body shapes and sizes to create the perfect guitar for you and your style of play.
But how does body size affect the tone and performance of a guitar? The following guide illustrates the progression of the Martin sizes from the small Concert (0) to the large, iconic Dreadnought. The guide also explains the effect each has on volume, tone and projection.
Introduced in 1898, the 0 (or concert size) is the smallest body size Martin offers. It produces a balanced sound that excels for fingerstyle playing, recording, and accompaniment.
Martin's 00 is close in size to a nylon/classic guitar's body. It produces a warm, present bass response, perfect for both fingerstyle play and chordal strumming.
Dating back to 1929, the Orchestra Model (OM) is Martin's second most influential design (along with their dreadnought). Around 1934, the model was seperated into two versions - the long scale OM (25.4") and the short scale 000 (24.9").
Both versions produce rich lows and sparkling highs which make them suitable for just about every style of music.
Martin's Grand Performance body size could be thought of as a modern take on the classic Dreadnought. Its slightly smaller dimensions make it feel a touch less boxy in hand, though it retains the volume, projection, and bass response of a dreadnought, making it perfect for strummers and flatpickers alike.
The 0000 lives in-between an Orchestra Model and a Dreadnought. This body size is known for a complex, balanced sound for strumming and fingerstyle playing, and makes a big sound without the bulk of a dreadnought.
Martin's most iconic body shape was launched in 1931, though it didn't fully take off until 1934 when Martin shortened the body and added a 14 fret neck. This body size is prized for its power, volume, and bass response, making it ideal for strummers (although many have used it for fingerstyle playing too).
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