Entrance to the Martin Guitar Factory (Photo by Emily Northey)

Who: Martin Guitar Factory

What: Free factory tours of one of the most recognized acoustic guitar makers in the world.

When: Tours run in regular intervals, M-F 11:00-2:30, and each tour lasts about one hour.  Group tours (10 or more) can be scheduled M-F 8-10:30 AM.

Where: 510 Sycamore St, Nazareth, PA, 18064
martinguitar.com

Factory worker testing a new guitar (Photo by Emily Northey)

The Martin Guitar Factory is a great way to get in touch with the roots of American acoustic guitar production and to experience a live factory environment.  The factory tour allows for an up-close-and-personal encounter of the real manufacturing process of Martin guitars and the factory employees working behind the scenes.  Every tour is safely led through each step in production by a knowledgeable guide who ensures that everyone leaves with a bit of the “secret insider info” on why Martin guitars are so famous.  This tour is fun for the whole family and a great stop for locals and visitors alike.

Also available at the factory are the gift/guitar shop—where you can find an assortment of official Martin memorabilia along with genuine guitars for sale—and the museum, another free asset that is just as enjoyable as the tour itself.  It leads viewers on a journey through time, starting from 1796 and through 150 years of American guitar history.  Some of the most intricate and beautiful Martin guitars are showcased here.

Martin Guitar Factory Museum (Photo by Emily Northey

NOTE: When visiting the factory, wear comfortable clothing (no open-toed shoes).  Photography is welcome, but they require you to not use a flash.  It is a factory with real workers and real machines, so please be conscious of the workers’ safety as well as your own.