If you’re into guitars, then you know that Martin is one of the most popular brands in the market. And if you’re into Martin guitars, then you should know who Dick Boak is. He’s one of the men that helped shape the company into what it is today.

Boak was one of Martin’s longest-serving employees. He worked for the company for over 40 years before retiring in 2018. During his time in Martin, he held various roles, including artist relations and product design. But his most notable contributions were in product development and marketing.

Boak was responsible for many of Martin’s signature guitar designs. He was the main designer behind iconic Martin models, including the D-35 and the D-45. His designs were known for their intricate inlays, rare woods, and unique sound. His work helped Martin establish itself as a premium guitar brand.

But Boak’s contribution wasn’t just limited to guitar design. He was also responsible for some of Martin’s most successful marketing campaigns. He believed that Martin guitars should appeal not just to musicians but to the larger public as well. He envisioned Martin guitars as works of art that people could appreciate and admire, even if they didn’t play guitar.

One of Boak’s most successful marketing campaigns was the Limited Edition Series. These are guitars that are made in very limited quantities and are often designed in collaboration with famous artists. Boak believed that these guitars would appeal not just to guitar collectors but also to art collectors. He was right. Today, Martin’s Limited Edition guitars are highly sought after and can command prices of up to six figures.

Boak’s contributions to Martin and the guitar industry as a whole have not gone unnoticed. In 2018, Martin honored him by releasing a Limited Edition D-Boak Dreadnought guitar. This guitar features a unique design inspired by Boak’s life and career.

The top of the guitar is made of Adirondack Spruce, a rare and highly sought-after wood that was often used by Martin in the pre-war era. The back and sides of the guitar are made of Madagascar Rosewood, another highly coveted wood. The fretboard is made of ebony, and the inlays are made of mother-of-pearl, abalone, and turquoise. The design of the inlays is inspired by Boak’s love for art deco and Celtic art.

The D-Boak Dreadnought is not just a beautiful guitar; it also sounds amazing. It has a powerful and rich tone that is characteristic of Martin guitars. It’s no wonder that Martin chose to honor Boak with this guitar.

Dick Boak’s contributions to Martin guitars and the guitar industry as a whole are significant. His work helped shape the sound and look of Martin guitars, and his marketing campaigns helped position Martin as a premium guitar brand. Even after his retirement, his influence can still be felt in Martin’s Limited Edition guitars and other products. If you’re a fan of Martin guitars, then you should be grateful for Dick Boak and his contributions.