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 Body Sizes for dimensions)

  • “J” or Jumbo – The largest body size & shape we make. The same depth as the dreadnought.
  • “D” or Dreadnought – All “D” guitars are the same size & shape, except for 12 fret guitars which are approximately 1” longer. The same depth as the “J”
  • “M” or “0000” – Same dimension as the “J”, but shallower depth.
  • “OM” or Orchestra Model – Smaller upper & lower bout than the “M”
  • “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”

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 ……

  • “1” Series - Bodies are solid Mahogany, tops are solid Sitka Spruce, neck is Stratabond.
  • “15” – Bodies (top, sides & back) are made of solid Mahogany or Sapele, rosewood fingerboard.
  • “E” indicates electronics
  • “S” indicates 12 fret neck with slotted peghead
  • “16” – Bodies are solid wood, spruce top, Micarta fingerboard.
  • No letter indicates Mahogany
  • “R” indicates Rosewood
  • “M” indicates Maple
  • “K” indicates Koa, “K2” indicates Koa w/Koa top
  • “W” indicates Walnut
  • “GT” indicates Gloss Top w/Satin sides & back
  • “E” indicates electronics
  • “S” indicates 12 fret neck with slotted peghead
  • “E” indicates electronics
  • “S” indicates 12 fret neck with slotted peghead
  • “DB” indicates Deep Body
  • “18” - Bodies are all gloss, made of solid Mahogany, Spruce top, black binding, Rosewood fingerboard.
  • “21” – Bodies are all gloss, made of solid Rosewood, Spruce top, tortoise binding, Rosewood fingerboard.
  • “28” - Bodies are all gloss, made of solid Rosewood, Spruce top, white multiple binding, Ebony fingerboard.
  • “35” - Bodies are all gloss, made of solid Rosewood, 3 piece back, Spruce top, white multiple binding, bound Ebony fingerboard.
  • “40” - Bodies are all gloss, made of solid Rosewood, Spruce top, white multiple binding, Ebony fingerboard. Pearl inlay in top & fingerboard.
  • “41” - Bodies are all gloss, made of solid Rosewood, Spruce top, white multiple binding, Ebony fingerboard. More Pearl inlay in top & fingerboard.
  • “42” - Bodies are all gloss, made of solid Rosewood, Spruce top, white multiple binding, Ebony fingerboard. Even more Pearl inlay in top & fingerboard.
  • “45” - Bodies are all gloss, made of solid Rosewood, Spruce top, white multiple binding, Ebony fingerboard. Even more Pearl inlay in top & fingerboard.
  • “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.