The Custom K-1 Major Kealakai | Martin Guitars

Chris Martin introduces a historically significant guitar that served as a bridge in developing the dreadnought.

Although the Martin Guitar company is known for mostly keeping meticulous records over the years, there are occasional gaps in how much is known about its history. For example, relatively recent findings make it likely that a custom guitar made for Hawaiian musician Major Kealakai in 1916 was the largest guitar that Martin had made up to that point, in effect serving as a bridge to the Ditson dreadnought that would come a short time later. In this video, Chris Martin IV talks about how he learned of this special one-off guitar, and the current series of Custom K-1 Major Kealakai editions that it inspired.

Visit Martin Guitars!

Related Inside Look Posts

Milestone Guitars | Martin Guitar Martin Archives and Museum Manager Jason Ahner shows three special guitars from the company's museum. Read More

O’ahu HG-28 | Martin Guitar A brand-new model with a reduced-size dreadnought body celebrates Martin's history in Hawaiian music. Read More

Pro Tips with Dave Doll Episode 1 | Martin Guitar Martin's Manufacturing Manager discusses how to choose your first guitar. Read More

Factory Tour | Martin Guitars A complete tour of Martin's Nazareth, Pennsylvania factory. Read More

Chris Martin IV Celebrates 50 Years | Martin Guitar Martin's former CEO and current Executive Chairman reflects on his 50 year involvement with the company and introduces two new commemorative models. Read More

GPCE Inception Maple | Martin Guitars Martin releases a highly innovative new guitar that uses skeletonized bracing, sonic channels, and domestic tonewoods. Read More

Madame De Goni’s Martin | Elderly Instruments A look at the oldest known example of a Martin with an X-braced top. Read More

Martin CEO 10 | Martin Guitar The first special edition guitar designed by Martin CEO Thomas Ripsam. Read More

Cutting a Bridge Slot | Elderly Instruments Joe Konkoly demonstrates cutting the saddle slot on a replacement bridge for a vintage Martin. Read More

Northampton Luthier Summit | Martin Guitars Chris Martin to give keynote speech at Northampton Community College Luthier Summit. Read More