MARTIN GUITAR EXPANDS POPULAR PERFORMING ARTIST SERIES OF ACOUSTIC/ELECTRICS
WITH NEW PA4 GLOSS-TOP MODELS

Plus, Limited Edition GPC-42E Amazon Rosewood Model Available Exclusively at NAMM

Nazareth, PA & Anaheim, CA (NAMM, Booth #5454, Hall B) - January 13, 2011 - At last January's NAMM Show, C. F. Martin & Co. (www.martinguitar.com) introduced its "Performing Artist Series" with three new acoustic/electric guitars, and it quickly became the company's fastest-growing product line. Martin Guitar is following this up at NAMM Show 2011, where it is launching three brand new PA4 Gloss-Top models - the company's most-affordable yet. Along with these new models, Martin Guitar is showcasing the five new PA models it announced this past October - all for the first time at NAMM. Additionally, the company is making a limited edition of 25 new GPC-42E Amazon Rosewood acoustic/electric instruments available to dealers exclusively at the show.

"Our growing Performing Artist Series has met the demand within the marketplace for high-quality, affordable, acoustic/electric guitars ideal for musicians in all settings, from recording in a home studios to performing on stage at a large arena," said company Chairman and CEO Chris Martin IV. "For decades, we have been dedicated to finding the best combination of the best in modern amplification with our historically top-of-the-line craftsmanship, and the amazing success of this series - driving our acoustic/electric sales, which grew 58% in 2010 compared with 2009 - shows that the hard work of our team is paying off. I am excited about these new products, as well as what will come next."

According to MI SalesTrak® data, acoustic/electrics made up 37% of the acoustic guitar market in 2010, up from 31% in 2005 (based on unit sales, January through November of each year). As the industry trends towards acoustic/electrics, Martin Guitar continues to add to this popular product line, with three new cutaway models - Dreadnought (DCPA4), Grand Performance (GPCPA4), and Orchestra Model (OMCPA4). In addition, visitors to the legendary acoustic guitar maker's NAMM Booth #5454 (in Hall B) will see for the first time the five new PA models launched in October - the GPCPA2, GPCPA Mahogany, GPCPA3, DCPA3 and OMCPA3 - as well as the limited-edition GPC-42E.

New PA4 Models

Like their rosewood PA1, PA2 and PA3 predecessors, the DCPA4, GPCPA4 and OMCPA4 are constructed with solid tonewoods. The back and sides are matched from African sapele, similar in appearance and tone to mahogany. Bookmatched Sitka spruce soundboards utilize Martin's Hybrid "A-Frame" scalloped bracing. Each of the new models features the slim, more parallel taper at the 12th fret, allowing for a more comfortable playing width up the neck. The bridge spacing is also modified to 2 3/16" - splitting the difference between Martin's two traditional spacings. Along with the look, feel and enhanced performance of our existing Performing Artist Series models, these fresh additions also feature the new, simplified Fishman F1 Analog electronics system.

GPC-42E Amazon Rosewood

The GPC-42E Amazon Rosewood limited edition features solid back and sides crafted of bookmatched Amazon rosewood, a close relative of Brazilian rosewood both in looks and sound. Its tone is complex, resonant and powerful - a perfect match for the scallop-braced Adirondack red spruce top - prized for its big, open bass voice. This is the first Performing Artist guitar to include a dovetailed neck to body joint. Colorful heart abalone pearl adorns the top in the elegant 42 style. The ebony fingerboard is bound in ivoroid and inlaid with Martin's Golden Era/Style 45 snowflake pattern. The alternative flower pot inlay graces the headstock, and the guitar comes equipped with Fishman® F1 Aura®, featuring the stunning realism of award-winning Aura Acoustic Imaging technology in a distinctive and easy-to-use onboard preamp system.

A Limited Lifetime Warranty covers all "Performing Artist Series" models purchased from authorized Martin dealers in the U.S. and Canada. To protect your investment, each guitar includes a brown hardshell case. For more information, please visit: www.performingartistseries.com and www.martinguitar.com.

About Martin Guitar:
Founded over 175 years ago in 1833 by Christian Frederick Martin, C. F. Martin & Co. has been continuously family owned and operated for six generations. The oldest surviving acoustic instrument maker in the world and largest producer of acoustic guitars in the U.S., Martin guitars are hand-made by skilled craftsmen and women, many still using the design and techniques introduced by the company founder in the 1830s. The privately held manufacturer is highly regarded for creating some of the finest instruments and introducing innovations that have become industry standards in the music products industry including the now-standard X-bracing, the 14-fret guitar and the "Dreadnought" size. Current Chairman and CEO Christian Frederick Martin, IV, took the helm of the company in 1986.

Visit Martin Guitar Booth #5454, Hall B:
Dick Boak/Chris Thomas
(800) 633-2060
dboak@martinguitar.com
cthomas@martinguitar.com


For Media Information, Including Images:
Matt Biscuiti - The Lippin Group
(212) 986-7080
matt@lippingroup.com

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MARTIN GUITAR ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF "PERFORMING ARTIST SERIES" WITH FIVE NEW ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC GUITARS

Nazareth, PA - October 4, 2010 - Following the successful debut of its "Performing Artist Series" of acoustic/electric guitars earlier this year, C. F. Martin & Co. announces the expansion of this popular line with five new models that are available in limited quantities beginning today. The new selection of acoustic/electric guitars are created with the same careful attention to detail, innovation and durability that has become synonymous with the Martin name for over 175 years.

The latest models available in the "Performing Artist Series" consist of the new "GPCPA2," "GPCPA Mahogany," GPCPA3," "DCPA3" and the "OMCPA3." Each guitar is reasonably-priced for the holidays and features digital electronics and superior playability with the state-of-the-art Fishman® F1 Aura®.

"The overwhelming response we received from the launch of our 'Performing Artist Series' set off a wave of creative ideas that led to this new expansion," said Chris Martin IV, chairman and CEO of the company. "Our craftsmen have been working diligently to offer these models to the public beginning this month with an aim to target a broad range of musicians with models that mix affordability with enduring craftsmanship."

These stage-ready acoustic-electric models feature lightning fast necks and superior playability, along with onboard world-class Fishman F-1 Aura electronics.

• The "GPCPA2" is crafted with solid East Indian rosewood back and sides and a solid Sitka spruce top. This model also features an elegant three-piece back and full gloss finish. It offers a very fast and comfortable Performing Artist neck and fingerboard taper with grained ivoroid bindings. The soundhole rosette is adorned with abalone pearl. (US MSRP $3,499)
• Available only in the Grand Performance cutaway body shape, the "GPCPA Mahogany" is the latest entry in Martin's certified wood lineup. The "Mahogany" is crafted with a solid FSC certified Mahogany back, sides and neck and a solid FSC certified European spruce top. Additionally, The Mahogany features full gloss finish along with the best onboard intelligence available today. (US MSRP $3,399)
• The stage-ready and elegant "GPCPA3" is a gloss-top model built with solid East Indian rosewood back and sides and a solid Sitka spruce top. Musicians will enjoy the fast and comfortable Performing Artist neck/fingerboard taper and bridge spacing. (US MSRP $2,599)
• Similarly, the "DCPA3" is built with solid East Indian rosewood back and sides and a solid Sitka spruce top and comes in a gloss-top Dreadnought model. (US MSRP $2,599)
• As with the previous four models, the "OMCPA3," includes the Fishman F-1 Aura system. It comes adorned elegantly with a gloss-top body and is built with solid East Indian rosewood back and sides and a solid Sitka spruce top. (US MSRP $2,599)

The Fishman® F1 Aura® features the stunning realism of award-winning Aura Acoustic Imaging technology in a distinctive and easy to use onboard preamp system. State-of-the-art features include: digital chromatic tuner, volume and blend controls, independent three-band EQ for both pickup and image signals, compressor, phase control and an automatic anti-feedback filter with up to three notches. The heart of the F1 Aura is its ability to replicate the sound of nine different world-class studio microphones. Fishman engineers have carefully captured images of the sound that these high-quality microphones "hear" and allow you to blend it in with the legendary Gold+Plus under saddle pickup. The preamp design utilizes low-noise components, 32-bit internal processing and 24-bit audio conversion for an incredibly clean and quiet output.

All five models will be available worldwide in the month of October and will be highlighted in greater detail with website content a dedicated micro site, full color catalogs, YouTube videos and more. All five guitars will begin shipping October 4, 2010 in limited quantities.

A Limited Lifetime Warranty covers all "Performing Artist Series" models purchased from authorized Martin dealers in the U.S. and Canada. To protect your investment, each guitar includes a brown hardshell case.

For more information, please visit: www.performingartistseries.com and www.martinguitar.com.

About Martin Guitar:
Founded over 175 years ago in 1833 by Christian Frederick Martin, C. F. Martin & Co. has been continuously family owned and operated for six generations. The oldest surviving acoustic instrument maker in the world, Martin guitars are hand-made by skilled craftsmen and women, many still using the design and techniques introduced by the company founder in the 1830s. The privately held manufacturer is highly regarded for creating some of the finest instruments and introducing innovations that have become industry standards in the music products industry including the now-standard X-bracing, the 14-fret guitar and the "Dreadnought" size. Current Chairman and CEO Christian Frederick Martin, IV, took the helm of the company in 1986. www.martinguitar.com

Press Contacts: Matt Biscuiti
The Lippin Group
(212) 986-7080
matt@lippingroup.com

Dick Boak
C.F. Martin & Co.
610-759-2837
dboak@martinguitar.com

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MARTIN GUITAR ANNOUNCES THE 2010 DEBUT
OF THE "PERFORMING ARTIST SERIES" OF ACOUSTIC/ELECTRIC GUITARS

Nazareth, PA - January 4, 2010 - C.F. Martin & Co. is proud to announce the launch of the "Performing Artist Series," an innovative line of acoustic/electric guitars set to debut in 2010. The three models that form the foundation of the new series include the "DCPA1" Dreadnought, "OMCPA1" Orchestra Model, and the new Grand Performance "GPCPA1." These acoustic/electric models provide flexibility and professionalism for guitarists, from small coffee houses to large arenas to simply recording with your laptop or in a professional studio.

These new models combine Martin's legendary tone and styling, while adding player comfort and on-stage performance capability. The DCPA1, OMCPA1 and the modern Grand Performance GPCPA1 all share the same aesthetic blend of contemporary and traditional features. Additionally, all Performing Artist Series guitars are equipped with Fishman's newly designed onboard sound reinforcement system, the F1 Aura®.

"A good percentage of the market wants to plug in their acoustic guitars, either for performance, studio or home recording," said Chris Martin IV, Chairman and CEO Martin Guitar. "As musical trends evolve, we will remain committed to providing the finest acoustic guitars available in both acoustic and acoustic/electric configuration."

Each model in the Performing Artist Series offers its own distinctive acoustic and plugged-in sound for the discerning player. The DCPA1 offers the powerful and resonant Martin Dreadnought tone. The OMCPA1 is well balanced, offering warm bass response with crisp clear trebles. The new GPCPA1 shares characteristics from the big rich sound of the Dreadnought and the clarity of the Orchestra model and combines them into a new sonic signature all of its own. All three guitars share the same well-known Martin construction including solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, a solid Sitka spruce soundboard with hybrid scalloped bracing, a genuine ebony headplate, fingerboard and bridge, and a patented mortise and tenon neck joint.

The Performing Artist Series features many firsts for the company, including a more parallel neck profile with a slimmer taper at the 12th fret, giving the guitar comfortable width in the first few frets plus a faster feel for lead-work as you move up the neck. The new smaller bridge design reduces mass and increases the soundboard's tonal response.

Striking new aesthetic features include a pearl Martin block-style logo inlaid into the ebony headplate. New fingerboard inlays use traditional squares in colorful blue paua, flanked by arrow designs adding to the guitar's sleek modern style. A newly-designed two ring rosette borders the soundhole with a stunning combination of blue paua and wood fiber inlays. Finely polished gloss lacquer highlights the body's beauty, while a durable satin finish on the guitar's neck adds to the quicker feel and player's comfort.

The new Fishman® F1 Aura® features the stunning realism of award-winning Aura Acoustic Imaging technology in a distinctive and easy to use onboard preamp system. State-of-the-art features include: digital chromatic tuner, volume and blend controls, independent 3-band EQ for both pickup and image signals, compressor, phase control and an automatic anti-feedback filter with up to 3 notches. The heart of the F1 Aura is its ability to replicate the sound of nine different world-class studio microphones. Fishman engineers have carefully captured images of the sound that these high-quality microphones "hear" and allow you to blend it in with the legendary Gold+Plus under saddle pickup. The preamp design utilizes low-noise components, 32-bit internal processing and 24-bit audio conversion for an incredibly clean and quiet output.

A Limited Lifetime Warranty covers all "Performing Artist Series" models purchased from authorized Martin dealers in the U.S. and Canada. To protect your investment, each guitar includes a brown hardshell case.

For more information on the "Performing Artist Series," please visit: www.performingartistseries.com and www.martinguitar.com

About Martin Guitar:
Founded over 175 years ago in 1833 by Christian Frederick Martin, C.F. Martin & Co. has been continuously family owned and operated for six generations. The oldest surviving acoustic instrument maker in the world and largest producer of acoustic guitars in the U.S., Martin guitars are hand-made by skilled craftsmen and women, many still using the design and techniques introduced by the company founder in the 1830s. The privately held manufacturer is highly regarded for creating some of the finest instruments and introducing innovations that have become industry standards in the music products industry including the now-standard X-bracing, the 14-fret guitar and the "Dreadnought" size. Current Chairman and CEO Christian Frederick Martin, IV, took the helm of the company in 1986.

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