Nomenclature

This page is to help explain the differences in the names of Martin guitars. Most current models have what we’ll call a Prefix & a Suffix. Such as …

D-18, D-28, 000-18, etc …..

The prefix indicates the body shape. The suffix indicates the style as far as appointments & woods. If there is an “H” in the prefix or suffix it indicates herringbone trim & scalloped braces.

Prefixes ….. (see Dimensions page for specific sizes)

• “D” or Dreadnought – All “D” guitars are the same size & shape, except for 12 fret guitars which have bodies that are approximately 1” longer.
• “J” or Jumbo – The largest body size & shape we make. The same depth as the dreadnought.
• “M” or “0000” – Same dimension as the “J”, but shallower depth.
• “OM” or Orchestra Model – Smaller upper & lower bout than the “M”.
• "GP" or Grand Performer - In between the Jumbo & the "OM".
• "SC" or S Body - An asymetric body similar in size to the "GP". Sure Align Linear Dovetail Neck Joint.
• “000” or Triple O – Same size as the “OM” with a narrower neck at the nut.
• “00” or Double O - Smaller upper & lower bout than the “000”
• “0” or Single O - Smaller upper & lower bout than the “00”
• “D Jr ” or Dreadnought Junior - Smaller version of the Dreadnought. Approximately 7/8th scale.

If there is a “C” in the prefix, it indicates a cutaway. If there is an "H" in the prefix, it indicates Herringbone trim & scalloped braces.

Suffixes ……

• “X” Series - Bodies are HPL (High Pressure Laminate) Guitars with a 2 in the suffix have a solid Sitka Spruce top. Mortise & Tenon neck joint.
• "Road" Series - Guitars have solid tops, sides & backs. Mortise & Tenon neck joint.
• “1” Series - Bodies are solid Mahogany, tops are solid Sitka Spruce. Mortise & Tenon neck joint.
• "10" Series - Bodies are all Satin. Solid wood. Wood species varies. Mortise & Tenon neck joint (except SC model).
• "11" Series - Bodies are Satin sides and backs with Gloss Tops. Solid wood. Wood species varies. Mortise & Tenon neck joint.
• "12" Series - Bodies are Full Gloss with Black Binding. Solid wood. Wood species varies. Mortise & Tenon neck joint.
• "13" Series - Bodies are Full Gloss with White Binding. Solid wood. Wood species varies. Mortise & Tenon neck joint (except SC models).
• “15” – Guitars have solid Mahogany tops, sides & backs. Simple Dovetail neck joint. (Except Mexico Product)
  • “E” indicates electronics
  • “S” indicates 12 fret neck with slotted peghead
• “16” – Bodies are solid wood, solid Sitka spruce top, Richlite fingerboard. Simple Dovetail neck joint.
  • “GT” indicates Gloss Top w/Satin sides & back
• “E” indicates electronics
• “S” indicates 12 fret neck with slotted peghead
• “17” - Bodies are solid Mahogany sides & back, solid Spruce top, Rosewood fingerboard. Simple Dovetail neck joint.
• “18” - Bodies are all gloss, made of solid Mahogany, Spruce top, tortoise binding, Ebony fingerboard & bridge. Compound Dovetail neck joint.
• “21” – Bodies are all gloss, made of solid Rosewood, Spruce top, tortoise binding, Rosewood fingerboard. Compound Dovetail neck joint.
• “28” - Bodies are all gloss, made of solid Rosewood, Spruce top, white multiple binding, Ebony fingerboard. Compound Dovetail neck joint.
• “35” - Bodies are all gloss, made of solid Rosewood, 3 piece back, Spruce top, white multiple binding, bound Ebony fingerboard. Compound Dovetail neck joint.
• “40” - Bodies are all gloss, made of solid Rosewood, Spruce top, white multiple binding, Ebony fingerboard. Pearl inlay in top & fingerboard. Compound Dovetail neck joint.
• “41” - Bodies are all gloss, made of solid Rosewood, Spruce top, white multiple binding, Ebony fingerboard. More Pearl inlay in top & fingerboard. Compound Dovetail neck joint.
• “42” - Bodies are all gloss, made of solid Rosewood, Spruce top, white multiple binding, Ebony fingerboard. Even more Pearl inlay in top & fingerboard. Compound Dovetail neck joint.
• “45” - Bodies are all gloss, made of solid Rosewood, Spruce top, white multiple binding, Ebony fingerboard. Even more Pearl inlay in top & fingerboard. Compound Dovetail neck joint.
• “V” indicates Vintage series appointments.
• “S” indicates 12 fret neck with slotted peghead.
• “GE” indicates our Golden Era Series.

There are many more appointments & structural characteristics than listed here. This is just a partial list, but it should help some.