The Martin Guitar Factory is a lovely instrumental workshop located in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. And whether or not you’re a six-string fanatic, the wonders inside the factory make it an absolutely wonderful place to tour.
From the adorable mini-museum to the amazing craftsmanship displayed, there is something for everyone to find worth their while. It is an idiosyncratic experience that leaves one both inspired by and excited for the future of music.
C.F. Martin & Co. ® is one of the world’s best known acoustic instrument innovators and has been for 180 years. Their name recognition comes from the spectacular quality and style of their work. Specifically, they are known for their hand-crafted instruments.
Some of their techniques used today originate from the founder of the company, C.F. Martin, and they remain infallible to amateurs and professionals alike. The company itself has been family-owned and operated for over six generations, and is a prime exemplar of the phrase “quality over quantity."
Each instrument created is unique in its talent and extraordinary in its ability to define the musician who plays it. Even if you’re not a musician, the guitars have a certain aesthetic that can be admired by everyone.
The exterior of the factory makes it seem like a quaint and old-fashioned building, but the interior holds a whole different world inside. Once you enter the wooden double doors, you're immersed in the hum of modern machinery, the discord of different workbench radios, and the sweet smell of fresh-cut rosewood.
The workplace is beyond overwhelming; stepping inside is opening the wardrobe to Narnia and appreciating a view you never knew existed. The tours take you throughout the entire building process, which so remarkable that it will leave you awestruck. Browsing the different workplaces and watching the dedication of each individual craftsperson is unreservedly mesmerizing.
An hour long tour is not enough time to appreciate it all, for there’s always something new around the corner to catch your attention. It’s a performance unlike any other, for it’s not really a show, but considering how entertaining it is to observe, it should be classified as one.
Aside from the tours available, there’s also an adorable little museum off to the side of the gift shop that displays some of the most recognizable Martin instruments and instrumentalists. Complete with photography, memorabilia, and humorous recounts of long-gone players, the mini-museum paints a picturesque image of the Martin heritage of music. And, because all the museum tours are self-guided, you can spend hours enchanted by the vintage mandolins and gorgeous personalized possessions of famous musicians like Johnny Cash and Kurt Cobain. Then you can take a look at the room next door: the Pickin’ Parlor, where musicians of all skills (or no skills at all) can try their hand at a few limited-edition guitars.
If you’re looking for a last-minute summer day trip, look no further than the Martin Guitar Factory. The time you can spend there is unforgettable and truly well spent, as music is the cornerstone of culture. After you leave, you’ll find yourself with a newfound appreciation for the makers of music, and perhaps you’ll pick up an instrument yourself. It’s entertaining, educational, and simply wonderful. How could anyone pass up such an impressionable experience?
