Those of us who play guitar know there is nothing like a Martin. In fact, I think if someone put a blindfold on me, and asked me to strum one thousand random guitars, I could identify exactly which was a Martin. Though perhaps a cool party trick at a very weird party, this is more a testament to the unique voice and legacy of the brand. To strum a chord on a Martin is to hear its history.
If you’ve been following the blog, you’ve probably noticed a big focus on female luthiers, both modern and historical. Today, we are looking at the century-spanning impact women have had on the legacy of Martin guitars.
Madame Delores Nevares de Goñi: guitarist
One of the first-known musicians to fervently embrace the Martin acoustic was Madame Delores Nevares de Goñi, a highly celebrated Spanish guitar virtuoso who moved to the United States in the 1840s. Madame de Goñi gained respect and admiration immediately, and caught the attention of C.F. Martin Sr., a recent German immigrant and guitar maker.
Interestingly, in the 1800’s, the US music scene was rich with a Spanish influence, and so Martin was very interested in creating something that would lend itself to the national fixation.
Martin invited Madame Delores Nevares de Goni to his home for a house party, and insisted she try his most recent model, which he had custom-built with her in mind based off of her traditional Spanish guitar, but integrating signature Martin characteristics, like the recently developed X-braced system. Though she was not convinced at first, after significant prodding (I imagine), she gave it a whirl, and never put it down again. She retired her traditional guitar, and toured and gigged extensively with her Martin the remainder of her career, introducing the instrument to a wider community.
Diane Ponzio: musical artist
Diane Ponzio, a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and acclaimed performer, has been a Martin Brand ambassador since 1985. She has been heavily involved in Martin’s various outreach initiatives to create more inclusive instruments for women, including helping to design the 00-16DBR — Martin’s second guitar designed by and for women, in 1997.
This model is a “breast-friendly” guitar, with a thinner neck and a smaller but still deep body with a soulful and resonant tone.
Ponzio was also heavily active in Martin’s 1997-1996 Women in Music Committee.
Jacqueline Renner: president
Renner is the current and first female president at C. F. Martin & Company.
As president, she values a strategic, assertive and empathetic and inclusive leadership style.
In an article with Girl Guitar Magazine, she offers tips to fellow women working in male-dominated fields, like guitars:
“Bring yourself to the table fully every day. Be engaged. Being successful in business isn’t just sitting on a passenger train waiting to get to the end of the station. Those that bring energy and intelligence to the equation are the people I love to work with; those are the people that I hope are running more companies and take over more leadership positions, not only in the business world, but in the cultural world, and in government. That would make the world a better place.”
Luann Werner: Pearl Inlay Artist
Werner has been at Martin for over 30 years, dedicating her talents as a pearl inlay artist. When asked about her work in a She Shreds interview, in the high-stress role she is in, Werner states:
“The material falls apart easily. So when you’re putting a miter on something and it falls apart, it’s kind of scary. But the more you do it, the better you get at it. Even though it’s not easy, when you’re finished and it looks great, it’s rewarding.”
Sue Wagner: Pre-Finish Sander
Sue Wagner has been with the company for 22 years as a pre-finish sander on guitar necks. Sanders turn raw wood materials into something that can be a part of the guitar. About her work, which requires hugh levels of focus and precision, Wagner states:
“There’s a lot to learn here. It’s a challenge and it’s not easy. But for the standards we have for this quality of instrument, we have to really take our time and be careful.”
Traci Smith, Final Inspection Production
“I personally do think that it’s the best acoustic out there. Among other things, it’s the tonal qualities that make them superior guitars. That’s why I’m proud of the guitars I work on and proud of working for Martin.”
Emily Meixell, Custom Shop Administrator
“Sometimes the guitar world feels a little male-dominated. But I’ve always been encouraged by my family here at Martin to set my own goals, take on challenges, and explore opportunities.”
Becky Manogue, Merchandise and Retail Manager
“This October will be my 28th year with Martin. I have worked pretty much all the way through every aspect of making the instrument; I know how to do neck fitting, bridge gluing, and even repairs.”
Are we missing someone who should be here? Email outreach@fannyshousemusic.com
Sources:
https://www.mcall.com/news/mc-xpm-1997-02-20-3132062-story.html
https://sheshreds.com/martin-guitars/
Photos courtesy of Martin Guitar Co.
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Blog by Georgia English / a Nashville-based musician, writer, illustrator, and educator.