The Ballad of the Dreadnought

Ballad of the Dreadnought is a new film—narrated by actor and Martin player Jeff Daniels—that traces the rise of the Martin Dreadnought.

It’s a legend that began on a humble wooden workbench in a dusty factory in 1916. The instrument made that day was a guitar with a startling design created by America’s leading guitar maker—C.F. Martin & Co. of Nazareth, Pennsylvania. In time, the model would become one of the world’s most iconic instruments, shaping the sound of American music.

Custom Leather Guitar Strap For A Martin Guitar, From Rusty Knuckles

Custom Leather Guitar Strap For A Martin Guitar, From Rusty Knuckles

When a custom order for a guitar strap comes in, we generally never know the full details of what type of instrument it is intended for. But when we receive photos such as this one from an elated customer, about our craftsmanship and gracing a beautiful Martin Guitar, we can't help but smile with a huge grin from ear to ear. Martin Guitars were established in 1833 and it is our goal with every custom product made to have that piece outlast it's owner and to be passed on to the next generation. We strive to keep Rusty Knuckles surging forward for decades to come.