1500 CE
Vihuela popular among nobility
The vihuela, a Spanish stringed instrument with a guitar-like shape, becomes popular among the nobility. #early-modern #culture
Chronological Storyline (27 Milestones)
1600 CE
Five-course baroque guitar emerges
The five-course baroque guitar emerges in Spain and Italy, replacing the four-course renaissance guitar. #early-modern #culture
1770 CE
Six-string guitar appears in Europe
The six-string guitar begins to appear in Europe, gradually replacing the five-course instrument. #early-modern #culture
1850 CE
Torres develops modern classical guitar
Antonio de Torres Jurado in Spain develops the modern classical guitar design with a larger body and fan bracing. #modern #culture
1894 CE
First steel-string acoustic guitar introduced
C.F. Martin & Company introduces the first steel-string acoustic guitar, the Martin 0-28, with X-bracing. #modern #culture
1900 CE
Martin 0-18 and 0-28 become popular
The Martin 0-18 and 0-28 models become popular, establishing the standard for flat-top acoustic guitars. #modern #culture
1916 CE
Gibson introduces L-1 archtop
Gibson introduces the L-1, a small-bodied archtop guitar designed for acoustic playing. #modern #culture
1922 CE
Gibson releases L-5 f-hole archtop
Gibson releases the L-5 archtop, the first f-hole guitar, designed by Lloyd Loar for greater projection. #modern #culture
1929 CE
Martin introduces 000 body size
Martin introduces the 000 (Auditorium) body size, offering a balanced tone between the 0 and OM models. #modern #culture
1931 CE
Martin releases OM model
Martin releases the OM (Orchestra Model) with a 14-fret neck, longer scale, and wider nut. #modern #culture
1934 CE
Martin introduces Dreadnought body
Martin introduces the Dreadnought body size, originally for the D-1 and D-2 models, with a deep, powerful bass. #modern #culture
1936 CE
Gibson launches SJ-200 jumbo
Gibson launches the SJ-200, a large jumbo acoustic guitar with a distinctive mustache bridge. #modern #culture
1942 CE
Martin uses adjustable truss rod
Martin begins using a new adjustable truss rod in its guitars, improving neck stability. #modern #culture
1954 CE
Gibson introduces Hummingbird dreadnought
Gibson introduces the Hummingbird, a square-shoulder dreadnought with a cherry sunburst finish. #contemporary #culture
1960 CE
Gibson releases Dove dreadnought
Gibson releases the Dove, a square-shoulder dreadnought with a maple body and ornate pickguard. #contemporary #culture
1965 CE
Ovation Guitar Company founded
Ovation Guitar Company is founded, pioneering the use of a synthetic bowl-shaped back for acoustic guitars. #contemporary #culture
1974 CE
First acoustic-electric guitar introduced
Takamine introduces the first acoustic-electric guitar with a built-in pickup and preamp system. #contemporary #culture
1976 CE
Martin releases HD-28 dreadnought
Martin releases the HD-28, a herringbone-trimmed dreadnought that becomes a modern classic. #contemporary #culture
1987 CE
Taylor Guitars founded
Taylor Guitars is founded, known for its innovative neck design and use of tropical hardwoods. #contemporary #culture
1994 CE
Martin introduces 000-28EC signature
Martin introduces the 000-28EC, a signature model for Eric Clapton, reviving the 000 body size. #contemporary #culture
2000 CE
Taylor releases Grand Auditorium shape
Taylor releases the Grand Auditorium (GA) body shape, combining features of dreadnought and concert sizes. #contemporary #culture
2005 CE
Martin Performing Artist series introduced
Martin introduces the Performing Artist series with thinner bodies and advanced bracing for modern players. #contemporary #culture
2011 CE
Taylor launches Grand Symphony shape
Taylor launches the Grand Symphony (GS) body shape, offering a larger, more resonant sound. #contemporary #culture
2015 CE
Gibson J-45 with thermally aged top
Gibson introduces the J-45 Standard with a thermally aged top, replicating vintage tone. #contemporary #culture
2018 CE
Martin releases SC-13E acoustic-electric
Martin releases the SC-13E, a modern acoustic-electric with a cutaway and ergonomic body shape. #contemporary #culture
2020 CE
Taylor debuts GT body size
Taylor debuts the GT (Grand Theater) body size, a compact guitar with a 24-inch scale length. #contemporary #culture
2023 CE
Modern guitars use advanced materials
Modern acoustic guitars feature advanced materials like carbon fiber and integrated electronics for versatility. #contemporary #culture