My family and I recently paid a visit to the Martin Guitar factory in Nazareth.
It was both an opportunity to see how the iconic instruments are made and to visit my sister, who works for the company.
Our excellent tour guide, Sean, took us on an hour-long, up-close journey through the guitar manufacturing process at Martin, where modern technology and old-school craftsmanship both play a part.
Parts of the facility are off-limits to visitors, but it was amazing to be able to stand feet from workers who bring the instruments to life, watching them do their jobs.
We also enjoyed visiting the gift shop and museum, which are open daily.
I highly recommend this free tour to anyone who’s interested in music or history, or simply wants to see something that’s still actually “made in America” close to home.
Tours are free and reservations aren’t required. Photography without a flash is permitted, however video recording is not. The tours are conducted between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, on a first come, first served basis.
The tours are family-friendly, but might be a bit lengthy for very small children.
For groups of 10 or more, reservations are required and there is a nominal fee, according to the Martin website.
A downloadable brochure about the tours and museum is also posted online.
For more information about the company, visit martinguitar.com.
DIRECTIONS: The Martin factory is located at 510 Sycamore St., Nazareth, just north of the borough of Nazareth. From the Hellertown area it’s an easy 25-minute ride via I-78 and routes 33 and 248 to Broad Street. After turning right, take Broad Street north to Beil Avenue, turn right, and then turn right onto Sycamore Street. The complex will be on your left. Note: You can also take Rt. 33 to the Stockertown (Rt. 191) exit, and take Rt. 191 south to Rose Inn Avenue, and then Beil Avenue.
Here are photos from our tour!
