After the debacle with the US Government, political donations, and Gibson Guitar Company, I'm a little surprised it took this long for a iconic guitar company to take a bit of a stance.
That being said, I've never really wanted a Martin until now.
This is PURE signal. The world's most famous guitar company, Martin - a family company - hired Thomas Ripsam to lead the company forward and at the famous NAMM guitar convention, they unveiled a Bitcoin Guitar. PURE signal. The future is now.
https://acousticguitar.com/thomas-ripsam-c-f-martin-and-co-s-first-non-family-ceo/
Discussion
Oh, I don't know a lot about Martin's socio-political history. I just know they've made some legendary instruments. I'm curious to know more about the family and company...
I have a Yamaki myself if you've heard of them. Equivalent Japanese lawsuit Era knockoffs.
Yes, I too like the forward SIGNAL and the bold stance they're taking. The only thing missing is them accepting BTC as payment for it.
I'm not sure about Martin's history. But I grew up near the Bill Monroe Bluegrass park (where Bill Monroe lived and worked with all of the original Blugrass players) and Martins were everywhere.
My reference is to what happened when the President of Gibson Guitar Company donated to the Republican Party when Obama won the Presidency. The US Federal Government unleased regulators to attack Gibson. It reached the point in which the US government wad accusing Gibson of illegally using protected lumber from India while the Indian government was publicly and formally that Gibson was entirely legal in their purchase of that lumber.
At several points, it looked like Gibson was going to be forced out of business and, at points, had to shut down US production. For a couple of years it looked very much like Gibson was going to be forced out of business.