Eligibility for Martin’s Limited Lifetime Warranty
Martin’s Limited Lifetime Warranty applies to most Martin guitars purchased new from authorized dealers in the United States and Canada. To be eligible, you must be the original owner and have proof of purchase. This warranty is non-transferable, meaning it only covers the initial buyer.
It’s important to note that not all Martin instruments are covered by the lifetime warranty. The Little Martin, Backpacker, and 1 Series Ukulele models come with a Limited One Year warranty instead.
What Does the Warranty Cover?
The Limited Lifetime Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for as long as the original owner possesses the instrument. This can include issues like:
Structural defects
Hardware failures
Finish problems (excluding normal wear and tear)
However, the warranty does not cover everything. Normal wear and tear, cosmetic issues, and damage caused by misuse or neglect are typically not covered.
Registering Your Martin Guitar
While not strictly required, it’s highly recommended to register your Martin guitar soon after purchase. Registration helps establish your ownership and can streamline the warranty process if you ever need service. You can register your instrument online through Martin’s website.
Even if you don’t have your original receipt, Martin has been known to work with owners to verify original ownership. In one case, a guitarist was able to obtain warranty coverage for a 1964 D-18 by providing old photos of himself with the instrument.
Warranty Service Process
If you need warranty service:
Contact Martin or an authorized service center
Provide proof of ownership and purchase
Ship the instrument (at your expense) to the designated repair location
Martin may choose to repair or replace the instrument, depending on the issue. Keep in mind that there may be significant wait times for factory repairs due to high demand.
Limitations and Considerations
The warranty doesn’t cover instruments purchased outside the US and Canada
Shipping and insurance costs for warranty service are the owner’s responsibility
Certain modifications (like pickup installations) may not be covered if not done by an authorized technician
Martin only services Martin-branded instruments under this warranty