Martin Serial Guide

Complete Identification Reference

Where to find it

On almost every Martin guitar, the serial number and the model name are stamped onto the neck block. You can see this by looking directly into the soundhole toward the neck.

"One continuous sequence since 1898"

1. The Early Years (1898–1930)

Before 1898, Martin did not use serial numbers. Once they started, they began at 8,000 to account for estimated previous production.

YearLast Serial Number
18988,310
190510,200
191012,300
191514,000
192015,848
192524,310
193045,317

2. Golden Era (1931–1945)

This period includes the introduction of the Dreadnought and some of the most sought-after acoustic guitars in history.

YearLast Serial Number
193149,589
193458,679
193768,661
194076,734
194283,107
194593,623

3. Post-War & Folk Boom (1946–1970)

Production increased significantly during the 1960s folk revival.

YearLast Serial Number
194698,158
1950117,314
1955147,328
1960175,689
1964199,626
1968241,925
1970273,507

4. The Modern Era (1971–Present)

Martin reached major milestones in the late 90s and early 2000s, hitting the 1,000,000 mark in 2004.

YearLast Serial Number
1975370,600
1980430,300
1985458,100
1990501,400
1995569,600
2000780,500
20041,000,000+
20101,475,000
20202,400,000+

5. Special Series

Sigma Guitars: These were Martin's budget line made in Japan/Korea/Taiwan. They do NOT follow the Nazareth serial sequence.
Little Martin (LX): These travel guitars often have a serial starting with "MG" or specific letter codes depending on the factory of origin (Mexico).