Acoustic Guitar History

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A derivation of the Spanish vihuela and gittern from the 15th century, over time developed into the mordern classical guitar design we know today.

A key luthier in the design and construction was Antonio de Torres, born 1817 - 1892.

It is thought that the classical guitar entered the USA via Mexico. Steel strings had been used on many instruments including the guitar but the development was credited to a German immigrant Christian Frederich Martin.

The idea for the archtop mandolin and guitar was first designed and constructed by part time luthier Orville Gibson in the USA and the design was patented in 1898. 

Much of his work was the development of the guitar soundboard. He demonstrated that a thin soundboard with a specific fan bracing would deliver more volume and a desirable tone. While the gut strings, back and sides of the guitar played a small part in to overall volume. His consruction design then filtered into other european countries and South America.

you can read more about Classical Guitars on the link.

Martin began making guitars in Germany but became disillusioned with the institional control of the guitar.  In 1833 he relocated to Pensylvania and set up the C. F. Martin company. Over the years he devloped the X bracing system on the soundboards with gut strings. But at the beginning of the 20th century he turned to steel strings on his guitars and the X bracing proved to be the optimum partner for strength and tone. Martin guitars are still made today.

His Mandolins and guitars were carved from solid tone wood typically used in the manufacture of orchestral instruments such as the violin and cello, adorned with the typical 'f' sound holes, a tail piece to secure the strings and a floating bridge.

Due ill health he sold the patent and designs to a group of businessmen and the company name was retained and The Gibson Mandolin -Guitar Manufacturing Co was founded in 1904.

today Gibson guitars have extended their guitar range and reach.