They were established years ago in 1833, but now the US-based Martin Guitar Company has rightfully earned a respectful reputation as the pioneering manufacturers responsible for producing some of the best models of Sunburst acoustic guitars in the universe today.

Now known as CF Martin & Co, acoustic guitar and string makers are still a family business, originating from a long line of highly skilled cabinetmakers.

In the 1940s, a genre of music called Country became very popular in the United States. The big country stars at the time included Hank Williams, Lester Flatt, and Ernest Tubb and they all performed live on stage with a variety of Martin’s Sunburst acoustic guitar models.

The popularity of using Martin acoustic guitars has continued into later generations, and they began to be used in a variety of music genres including folk, blues, and Rock & Roll.

The King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Presley frequently played a Martin acoustic guitar when performing live or recording in the studio. From the beginning of his recording career at Sun Studios in 1942, until his last live performance in June 1977.

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the King of Rock & Roll’s passing, Martin created a limited edition replica of the guitar that Elvis played and named the model, the D-18 Elvis Presley CVR to mark the occasion and celebrate the fact that Elvis He mainly chose Martin acoustic guitars over all others. Martin limited the special edition CVR D-18 Elvis Presley guitar to just 175 copies.

Elvis Presley treasured his various Martin acoustic guitar models and they are now part of a large collection of primarily Sunburst acoustic guitar models at Graceland, Elvis’s home.

The ability that Elvis had as an accomplished guitarist is somewhat dubious. What is absolutely unquestionable and crystal clear, however, is Elvis’s natural ability to captivate an audience and use his guitar, be it with a natural finish or a Sunburst acoustic guitar, as an important prop. An accessory that helped create the ultimate image of Rock & Roll’s greatest iconic symbol to date.

Elvis Presley has comfortably been the performer most responsible for influencing and inspiring generation after generation of people to pick up a guitar and learn to play.