1 / 7The Martin Archives: Guitar History Hardcover by Jim Washburn
Guitar: The Martin Archives is a Hal Leonard hardcover by Jim Washburn about the history of C.F. Martin & Co. Its scrapbook-style presentation combines historical writing with reproduced documents, photographs, correspondence, and pocketed memorabilia, making it particularly suited to readers who enjoy archival material as much as narrative.
At a glance
- Covers the history of C.F. Martin & Co., with reproduced documents, vintage photographs, artist correspondence, and historical records.
- The listing describes memorabilia tucked into pockets, including company records, artist letters, a D-45 purchase order, and a handwritten company history.
- Large-format hardcover presentation is designed for browsing archival images and reproductions as well as reading.
Reference price: $45.00
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Archival reproductions and pocketed memorabilia offer a tactile alternative to a text-only guitar history.
- Focused on C.F. Martin & Co., making the subject clear for Martin guitar enthusiasts and collectors.
- Customer feedback describes the content as informative and engaging, including historical details and trivia.
Cons
- At 104 pages, it is a compact history rather than a lengthy reference work.
- The listed dimensions and weight suggest a substantial book better suited to browsing at home than carrying as a small portable read.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Hal Leonard |
|---|---|
| Author | Jim Washburn |
| Publication date | October 1, 2016 |
| Edition | First Edition |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 104 pages |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1495013041 |
| Weight listed | 2.9 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.5 x 1.5 x 9.25 inches |
What to know before buying
Listing details to confirm
The book is presented as a scrapbook-style history, not a guitar repair manual or playing-method guide. The listing does not confirm the condition or completeness of the reproduced inserts in any particular copy.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Martin guitar fans interested in company history and archival documents.
- Collectors seeking a visually oriented hardcover about acoustic guitar heritage.
- Gift buyers looking for a guitar-history book for an enthusiast.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking step-by-step guitar maintenance or playing instruction.
- Buyers who want a broad history of guitar makers rather than a book focused on C.F. Martin & Co.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
89% 89% - 4 stars
6% 6% - 3 stars
3% 3% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
2% 2%
Customer feedback highlights the book’s historical content, describing it as enjoyable and rich in information and trivia about Martin guitars. That focus fits the archival, 104-page hardcover format, but the supplied feedback does not establish that every reader will prefer its scrapbook-style presentation.
Positive themes
- Customer feedback describes the content as informative and enjoyable.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Martin Archives about?
It explores the history of C.F. Martin & Co. through writing and reproduced records, photographs, correspondence, and memorabilia.
Does the book include physical inserts?
The listing describes reproduced memorabilia tucked into pockets within the book, including records and letters. It does not provide a separate package inventory.
Is this a guitar instruction or repair book?
No. The supplied description presents it as a company-history and archival scrapbook, not a playing or repair guide.
How large is the book?
The listing gives dimensions of 12.5 x 1.5 x 9.25 inches and a listed weight of 2.9 pounds.
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