1910s

The 1920s marked the dawn of modern American music.

As jazz swept from New Orleans to New York and blues echoed across the South, the guitar began its rise from rhythm section staple to a solo voice. Parlor guitars, archtops, and early flattops became essential tools for emerging styles, with builders like Martin and Gibson refining designs that would shape the next century.

These instruments still carry the energy of the Jazz Age - resonant, responsive, and built during a time when American music found its stride.

The 1930s were marked by hardship and resilience, with music offering solace during the Great Depression.

As blues, jazz, country, and folk rose in popularity - thanks in part to the golden age of radio - Martin Guitars became essential tools for artists like Woody Guthrie. Known for their craftsmanship and innovation, these instruments helped shape the sound of a nation searching for hope.

The 1940s were defined by global upheaval and post-war renewal, with music offering comfort and connection.

Jazz, swing, and early folk became the soundtracks of resilience, with Martin and Gibson guitars reflecting that spirit. Built with skill and care, they carry the warmth and clarity of a time when music helped the world heal.

The 1950s sparked a cultural revolution. Rock ’n’ roll took center stage, jazz hit new heights, and pop culture was reborn.

Amid this creative surge, Fender and Gibson introduced instruments that redefined the electric guitar, blending sleek design with bold, genre-shaping tone. These weren’t just tools, they were the sound of a new era, and they still resonate with players today.

(Photo: Dave Gelinas)

The 1960s were a decade of cultural upheaval and musical revolution.

As rock, folk, and soul became voices for change, instruments from Martin, Fender, and Gibson helped shape the soundtrack of the era. Played by icons like Dylan, Hendrix, and The Beatles, these guitars weren’t just tools - they were symbols of expression and transformation. Their legacy still echoes in every note.

The 1970s were a kaleidoscope of cultural change and musical reinvention.

Post-Vietnam uncertainty, political activism, and countercultural fallout fueled a new wave of sound. Disco lit up dance floors, hard rock and metal filled arenas, funk and soul celebrated Black identity, and punk stripped it all down.

The guitars and amps of the era became symbols of individuality, amplifying a generation’s search for voice, power, and self-expression.

The 1980s were a decade of excess, innovation, and sonic experimentation.

As rock, pop, and metal exploded into arenas and airwaves, gear from this era reflected the boldness of the music itself - futuristic designs, hotter pickups, digital effects, and a louder-is-better ethos.

Whether you're chasing neon-soaked nostalgia or modern tones with vintage attitude, these instruments deliver the energy and edge that defined the decade.