Martin Guitar Factory

Play handcrafted guitars, see craftspeople turn raw wood into a finished instrument, and explore nearly two centuries of manufacturing history at this Nazareth-based complex. Frederick Martin, a German luthier (the term for a stringed instrument maker) founded Martin guitars in New York City in 1833. He relocated his business to Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley six years later, and the company has been here ever since. 

Over the years Martin’s iconic brand has helped revolutionize music, notably by introducing a dreadnought-style acoustic guitar that became a staple among musicians. In fact, such legendary performers as Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash have all used Martin guitars. The dreadnought name refers to a British battleship, as the guitar style was intended to bring a bigger, more powerful sound. 

The Martin Guitar complex consists of a museum, factory, shop, and visitor’s center. Together, they provide insight into both the company’s vast history and its instrument-making process. Museum displays include the very first Martin Guitar ever made—a 1834 "Stauffer-style" guitar with a unique “figure-eight” body shape. There is also the electric guitar used by Nirvana lead singer Kurt Cobain on TV’s "MTV Unplugged," and a 1959 Martin D-18E acoustic-electric. Peruse an exhibit on the manufacturer’s role within country music, view recent and historical ukulele models, and marvel at some of the most elaborately inlaid guitars in the world. The museum is also home to many non-instrument items, like a Gene Autry signed-baseball. 

Most Martin guitars are still made onsite, a process you can see firsthand on a one-hour factory tour (pre-registration is required). Afterwards, swing by the onsite Pickin’ Parlor, which features select instruments that you can play and even purchase. The Martin 1833 Shop also stocks take-home souvenirs.