We take you step-by-step through the process of building a Martin guitar. Also, see and hear famous Martins in the company''s museum
Nazareth, PA (June 18, 2008) - What is the guitarist''s equivalent of Cooperstown, NY? Some might make an argument for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH, but for many of us there is no debate: it''s Nazareth, PA, home of Martin Guitar Company. Some of the most famous guitars in the world are on display in the museum there, but that''s only part of the attraction. The company still makes guitars in Nazareth and anyone can go take a tour. No one had to twist our arms.
The following videos will give you an idea of what''s waiting for you in Nazareth. Be sure to watch the Museum Part III clip - Martin''s Dick Boak pulls the company''s Holy Grail out of the display case and plays it for you. It''s the best sounding Martin known to man. Seriously.
Factory:
Part I
In this clip you''ll get an overview of the parts involved, see how sides are bent and assembled, learn about bracing and see how the ribbon lining is installed.
In this clip you''ll get an overview of the parts involved, see how sides are bent and assembled, learn about bracing and see how the ribbon lining is installed.
Part II
Here, we look at rim sanding, body assembly, fretboard gluing, bracing and dovetail necks.
Here, we look at rim sanding, body assembly, fretboard gluing, bracing and dovetail necks.
Part III
In this clip you''ll see where they make the Authentic Series guitars and where they repair guitars. Also - check out the company''s robotic polisher.
Part IV
In this clip you''ll see where they make the Authentic Series guitars and where they repair guitars. Also - check out the company''s robotic polisher.
Part IV
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.
Museum:
Part I
In the first part of our Martin Museum tour, we look at some really old guitars and the company''s early history.
Part II
In this clip, Mr. Boak takes the company''s best sounding guitar out from behind the glass and plays it so we can hear what their benchmark D-45 tone sounds like. Also, the dreadnaught''s popularity is traced from singing cowboys to the Kingston Trio.
Part III
We conclude our video tour of the Martin Museum with a look at Martin signature models, the first guitar in outer space and the actual 1,000,000th guitar Martin ever made -- which happens to featuree 142 inlayed precious gem stones. Fittingly, collectors have offered Martin more than a million dollars for it.
Museum:
Part I
In the first part of our Martin Museum tour, we look at some really old guitars and the company''s early history.
Part II
In this clip, Mr. Boak takes the company''s best sounding guitar out from behind the glass and plays it so we can hear what their benchmark D-45 tone sounds like. Also, the dreadnaught''s popularity is traced from singing cowboys to the Kingston Trio.
Part III
We conclude our video tour of the Martin Museum with a look at Martin signature models, the first guitar in outer space and the actual 1,000,000th guitar Martin ever made -- which happens to featuree 142 inlayed precious gem stones. Fittingly, collectors have offered Martin more than a million dollars for it.
For more information, check out our interview with Ed Golden, of Martin''s Custom Shop on the company''s latest endeavors, or visit martinguitars.com.
