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Martin Guitar Factory Tour - Part IV

Premier Guitar is checking out the Martin Guitar Factory. In this clip, we take a look at the X-Series, and the company's sound room, along with finishing, inlay, necks and the final assembly of the guitars. For more information: Martin Guitars

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By PremierGuitar DefaultJun 30, 2008
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Updates and news from Premier Guitar.
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Premier Guitar is checking out the Martin Guitar Factory. In this clip, we take a look at the X-Series, and the company's sound room, along with finishing, inlay, necks and the final assembly of the guitars.

For more information:
Martin Guitars
factory-touracousticgearvideosmartin

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The final installment with Santa Cruz Guitar Company founder Richard Hoover details the remaining steps that takes a collection of wood and wire into an impeccable instrument. Hoover explains how the company's craftsman delicately sand and finish the acoustics with a light touch to keeps them shiny and singing. He describes the pragmatic reasoning behind finishing the body and neck separately before marrying the two. He describes the balance between mechanical precision with the Plek machine and luthier artistry for the individualistic, hands-on set ups and intonation. Finally, Richard outlines why the company is now designing strings specific to their guitars.

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How Binding, Headstocks & Internal Bracing Impacts Tone with Richard Hoover

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In our third installment with Santa Cruz Guitar Company founder Richard Hoover, the master luthier shows PG's John Bohlinger how his team of builders assemble and construct guitars like a chef preparing food pairings. Hoover explains that the finer details like binding, headstock size and shape, internal bracing, and adhesives are critical players in shaping an instrument's sound. Finally, Richard explains how SCGC uses every inch of wood for making acoustic guitars or outside ventures like surfboards and art.

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In our second installment with Santa Cruz Guitar Company founder Richard Hoover, the master luthier takes PG's John Bohlinger through the detailed (and scientific) process of analyzing, shifting and "tuning" the guitar's top before repeating the process when the back and sides are joined, and once again when introducing the neck to the instrument build while focusing on keeping everything harmoniously synergized and "tuned."

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The company's founding master luthier Richard Hoover invites PG's John Bohlinger inside his NorCal guitar sanctuary. The first installment shares Hoover's deep appreciation and reverence for wood and nature. He explains that he was moved by the redwoods at an early age setting him up for a life among the trees. He then gets into how he sustainably sources exotic tonewoods from across the world before detailing how he mixes violin-making traditions with the modern scientific analysis he's helping collect with Stanford to try and build the best instruments possible.

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Nearly 50 years ago, Rob Turner developed his first guitar pickup in Long Beach, CA. He's still creating new designs with EMG's current catalog approaching 100 pickups. He invited PG's John Bohlinger to Santa Rosa, CA, to see how a company that can produce 3,000 products a day still has an eager ear for new gear. See how they wind, wax, mold, wrap, and electrify your favorite instrument.