C. F. Martin Guitar Factory & Museum - Image 1
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Martin Guitar Factory & Museum

4.7
·236 reviews·Nazareth, United States

Explore the legendary Martin Guitar Factory & Museum, witnessing the creation of iconic instruments and delving into nearly 200 years of musical herit...

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate tour

CrowdLow
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C. F. Martin Guitar Factory & Museum - Image 1

Martin Guitar Factory & Museum

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate tour

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the legendary Martin Guitar Factory & Museum, witnessing the creation of iconic instruments and delving into nearly 200 years of musical heritage. TikTokReddit

4.7
(236 reviews)

"An absolutely fantastic time touring the Martin Guitar Factory, a gem for music lovers and history buffs alike. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Tours Early!

Factory tours are popular and sell out fast. Book online in advance to secure your spot. :ticket:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be on your feet for the tour and exploring the museum. Comfort is key! :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Factory Tour

The Factory Tour

Martin Guitar Factory

Witness the meticulous craft of guitar making, from raw wood to iconic instruments played by legends.

TikTokInstagram
The Museum Collection

The Museum Collection

Martin Guitar Museum

Explore rare and historically significant guitars, showcasing nearly two centuries of musical innovation.

Reddit
Picking Parlor Experience

Picking Parlor Experience

Martin Guitar Factory Store

Try your hand at playing various Martin guitar models and feel the difference firsthand.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

Factory tours are incredibly popular and often sell out. Booking your spot online ahead of time is crucial, especially if you're visiting during peak season or weekends. This ensures you don't miss out on this immersive guitar-making experience. Reddit

Allow Ample Time for Exploration

Beyond the factory tour, the museum is packed with iconic instruments and historical artifacts. Give yourself extra time to explore the museum, the store, and the picking parlor where you can try out guitars. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out post-lunch
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Get on the road and visit the @martinguitar factory and museum in #NazarethPA! 🎸🎶 EASILY one of the coolest attractions in all of Pennsylvania. Take a one-hour tour of the factory where guitars played by greats like @willienelsonofficial, @teddysphotos, and @johnmayer have been hand-crafted to acoustic perfection. You can tell how much everyone working here truly loves what they do. And they do it...
lehighvalleypa
652 likes • 18.6K views

🎯 Book Tours Early!

Factory tours are popular and sell out fast. Book online in advance to secure your spot. Reddit :ticket:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be on your feet for the tour and exploring the museum. Comfort is key! :athletic_shoe:

Join Elderly Instruments as we explore the Martin Guitar Factory in Nazareth, PA! In Part One, we'll take you behind the scenes, starting at the sawmill to witness the beginning of the guitar-making process. @martinguitar #MartinGuitar #AcousticGuitar #GuitarGram #Acoustic #Guitar #Guitars #MartinGuitars #MartinGuitarist #MartinAcoustic #AcousticMusician #GuitarReels #MartinGuitarFactory
elderlyinstruments
205 likes • 6.2K views
Introducing the Hertz Acoustic travel size guitar HZA3600 which has a rich tone, quality for all guitar lovers . . . . . #guitar #guitarist #guitars #hertz #taylorguitars #martinguitarfactory #travelsizeguitar #hertzmusicindia #hertzguitar #hertzguitars #parlourguitar #musician #strings #daddario #deanmarkley #ernieball #elixir #guitarplayer #guitarantine
sohan_music_house
124 likes • 3.6K views

📸 Capture the Craftsmanship

Photography is often allowed on tours, but check guidelines. Get those unique shots! :camerawithflash:

🎶 Try Before You Buy

The picking parlor lets you play many models. Don't be shy to strum a few! Reddit :musical_note:

We recently had the pleasure of hosting some of our Backstage members for a special day at our Nazareth factory. From behind-the-scenes tours to in-depth design discussions and more, the experience was packed with memorable moments. Click on the link in our bio to join Mandee as she takes us through these special experiences. #martinandco #martinguitar #acoustic #backstage #BTS
martinguitar_uk
84 likes • 1.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Tours Early!

Factory tours are popular and sell out fast. Book online in advance to secure your spot. Reddit :ticket:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be on your feet for the tour and exploring the museum. Comfort is key! :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Craftsmanship

Photography is often allowed on tours, but check guidelines. Get those unique shots! :camerawithflash:

🎶 Try Before You Buy

The picking parlor lets you play many models. Don't be shy to strum a few! Reddit :musical_note:

⏳ Allow Extra Time

Don't rush! Explore the museum and store thoroughly after your tour. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(236 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Martin Guitar Factory & Museum as an incredible and highly recommended experience, particularly for guitar enthusiasts. The factory tour is lauded for its fascinating behind-the-scenes look at craftsmanship, and the museum is appreciated for its historical collection. Guides are frequently mentioned as knowledgeable and passionate, enhancing the overall visit.

"An Incredible Experience – A Must-See in Nazareth, PA!

My father and I had an absolutely fantastic time touring the Martin Guitar Factory in Nazareth, PA. The tour is incredibly well laid out and offers a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at the entire guitar-making process—from raw wood to beautifully finished instruments. It’s amazing to see the craftsmanship, precision, and passion that go into every single Martin guitar.

What really made the tour exceptional was our guide, Dave. He was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also warm, engaging, and clearly passionate about what he does. Dave brought the whole experience to life with his insights and stories, and his enthusiasm was contagious. He truly took the tour from "really good" to "GREAT!"

Even if you're not a musician or a guitar enthusiast, this tour is absolutely worth your time. It’s a perfect blend of history, artistry, and engineering. Be sure to leave extra time to explore their museum as well—it's filled with iconic instruments, historical artifacts, and lots of interesting exhibits.

Highly, highly recommend this experience. It’s a gem!"

Rebecca Gallagher

"Loved the factory tour and the museum! The store and picking parlor are awesome, as well. I enjoyed being able to play multiple guitar models and purchase a guitar directly from the factory. I'm loving my beautiful new HD12-28."

Steve Dunfee

"Best guitar centered place to visit. The host is at the front desk and very helpful. The tour is well worth it and takes a little over one hour. These guitars are world famous and you can watch them being made.

They also have a picking polour where you can gdy out current production and share with others.

There is also a wonderful museum featuring their musical instruments dating back to the statr of manufacturing in NYC.

I cannot recommend this visit enough. I live in South Korea and come to Nazarith, Pennsylvannia just to be in the mecca of the oldest continous guitar manufacturer in the world. Making guitars, mandolines and other stringed instruments since 1923."

George Furst

What People Like

Fascinating factory tour
Impressive museum collection
Knowledgeable guides

What People Dislike

Tour felt short
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Martin Guitar Factory & Museum is located in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors drive from nearby cities like Philadelphia or New York City. Public transportation options are limited, so driving is generally recommended. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available for visitors at the Martin Guitar Factory & Museum. It's usually straightforward to find a spot, especially if you arrive earlier in the day. Reddit

While possible, visiting without a car can be challenging due to limited public transport to Nazareth. Ride-sharing services might be an option, but it's best to check availability and cost beforehand. TikTok

Most visitors opt to drive, as it offers the most flexibility. If coming from further afield, consider flying into Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) and then renting a car. TikTok

Yes, Nazareth and the surrounding Lehigh Valley area offer various hotel options for those wishing to extend their visit. Booking in advance is advised, especially during busy periods. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tour prices can vary, but generally, there's a fee for the factory tour. It's best to check the official Martin Guitar website for the most current pricing and to book your tickets in advance, as they often sell out. Reddit

Absolutely! Tickets for the Martin Guitar factory tours are highly recommended to be booked in advance online. They are very popular and often sell out, especially on weekends and holidays. TikTokReddit

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's essential to check the official Martin Guitar website for the most up-to-date information on tour times, museum hours, and any potential closures. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase guitars and other merchandise at the Martin Guitar Factory store. Some visitors even buy a guitar directly from the factory after trying models in the picking parlor. InstagramReddit

Typically, the museum admission is included with the factory tour ticket. However, it's always a good idea to confirm this when booking your tour to ensure you have access to all areas. Reddit

🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience

The factory tour is a fascinating, hour-long journey through the guitar-making process. You'll see artisans at work, learn about the materials, and witness the craftsmanship that goes into each instrument. Guides are knowledgeable and passionate. TikTokReddit

The standard Martin Guitar factory tour typically lasts about one hour. However, many visitors find they spend much longer exploring the museum and the store afterwards. Reddit

Photography policies can vary, but generally, visitors are allowed to take photos during the factory tour. It's always best to confirm with your guide at the beginning of the tour. Instagram

The museum houses an impressive collection of vintage and historically significant Martin guitars, celebrity-owned instruments, and exhibits detailing the company's rich history and innovations. Reddit

The facility is generally accessible, but it's advisable to contact the Martin Guitar Factory directly in advance to discuss any specific accessibility needs or concerns you may have. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Martin Guitar Factory itself does not typically have a full-service restaurant. However, there is a gift shop where you can purchase snacks and drinks. Nazareth and nearby towns offer various dining options. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas or before/after your visit to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the factory and museum spaces. Reddit

Nazareth offers several local eateries, from casual diners to pubs. For a wider selection, the surrounding Lehigh Valley towns provide a broader range of culinary experiences. Reddit

The factory does have a gift shop that may offer some pre-packaged snacks and beverages for purchase. For a more substantial meal, you'll need to venture into Nazareth. Reddit

Most restaurants in Nazareth and the surrounding areas will likely offer vegetarian options. Vegan options might require a bit more searching, but many places are accommodating. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally permitted inside the Martin Guitar Factory during tours, allowing you to capture the intricate details of guitar making. Always confirm with your guide. Instagram

The woodworking areas, assembly lines, and the museum's display of iconic guitars offer fantastic photo opportunities. The picking parlor also provides a great backdrop. InstagramReddit

While generally allowed, it's wise to be respectful of the workers and their craft. Avoid flash photography if it might disrupt the manufacturing process or other visitors. Instagram

A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial, as some areas might have dimmer lighting. A versatile lens that can capture both wide shots of the factory floor and close-ups of guitar details is ideal. Instagram

Video recording policies can vary. It's best to ask your tour guide for clarification on whether video recording is permitted during the factory tour. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Martin Guitar Factory & Museum offers an engaging experience for families. The factory tour provides a visual and auditory spectacle that can captivate children, showing them how everyday objects are made with such care. The museum's collection of famous guitars can spark interest, and the Picking Parlor offers a fun, interactive element where kids (and adults!) can strum a few chords. Reddit

Tips for families: Book tours in advance to avoid disappointment. Consider bringing a small notebook for kids to sketch what they see. While the tour is about an hour, the museum and store offer more to explore at their own pace. Ensure children are supervised closely, especially in the factory area where machinery is in operation. Reddit

🎸 Guitar Enthusiasts & Musicians

For guitar lovers, the Martin Guitar Factory & Museum is nothing short of a pilgrimage. The behind-the-scenes factory tour offers an in-depth look at the construction techniques and craftsmanship that define Martin guitars. You'll gain a profound appreciation for the tonewoods, bracing patterns, and finishing processes that contribute to their legendary sound. TikTokInstagramReddit

The museum's collection of vintage and artist-owned instruments is a major draw, providing a historical perspective on the evolution of acoustic guitar design. The Picking Parlor is a highlight, allowing you to play a wide array of models, from entry-level instruments to high-end masterpieces. This is your chance to test drive your dream guitar and understand the nuances of its playability and tone. Reddit

🏛️ History & Craftsmanship Buffs

If you appreciate history and the dedication to traditional craftsmanship, the Martin Guitar Factory & Museum is a must-visit. The tour showcases nearly two centuries of guitar-making heritage, highlighting how techniques have evolved while maintaining a core commitment to quality. You'll witness the artisanal skills passed down through generations. Reddit

The museum provides a deep dive into the company's legacy, its impact on musical genres, and the innovations that have shaped the acoustic guitar. It’s an opportunity to understand the intersection of art, engineering, and cultural history through the lens of one of America's most iconic instrument makers. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Martin Guitar Making

The Martin Guitar Factory tour offers an unparalleled glimpse into the meticulous process of crafting world-renowned acoustic guitars. Visitors witness firsthand the transformation of raw lumber into instruments played by legends. The tour highlights the precision woodworking, from the selection and shaping of tonewoods like spruce and mahogany, to the intricate inlay work and precise bracing that defines a Martin's signature sound. You'll see artisans employing both traditional techniques and modern technology, a testament to the company's nearly 200-year legacy. TikTokReddit

Key stages often showcased include the sawmill, where wood is prepared, the body assembly, where tops, backs, and sides are joined, and the finishing process, where guitars are sanded, polished, and lacquered. The attention to detail is astounding, with each step contributing to the instrument's tonal quality and aesthetic beauty. Many visitors are impressed by the dedication and skill of the craftspeople, who often have deep family ties to the company. TikTokInstagram

This immersive experience isn't just about seeing guitars being made; it's about understanding the passion, history, and innovation that go into every single Martin guitar. It's a journey that resonates with musicians and non-musicians alike, offering a profound appreciation for the artistry involved. Reddit

A Legacy in the Museum

The Martin Guitar Museum is a treasure trove for guitar enthusiasts and history buffs. It houses an impressive collection of iconic and historically significant Martin guitars, many of which have graced the hands of legendary musicians. You can marvel at instruments played by artists like Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, and countless others who have shaped the landscape of music. Reddit

Beyond the famous guitars, the museum delves into the rich history of C.F. Martin & Co., showcasing early models, innovative designs, and artifacts that tell the story of the company's nearly two-century journey. Exhibits often detail the evolution of guitar construction, the impact of Martin guitars on various music genres, and the company's enduring commitment to quality. Reddit

Visitors often find the museum to be a deeply inspiring space, offering a tangible connection to musical heritage. It’s a place where you can appreciate the craftsmanship, artistry, and cultural impact of these remarkable instruments. Reddit

The Picking Parlor Experience

A unique highlight of visiting the Martin Guitar Factory is the opportunity to visit the Picking Parlor. This dedicated space allows visitors to try out a wide selection of Martin guitar models firsthand. It’s a chance to feel the different neck profiles, experience the varied tonal qualities, and truly understand what makes each guitar special. Reddit

Many visitors rave about being able to play guitars they might only dream of owning, making the experience incredibly memorable. Whether you're a seasoned musician looking for your next instrument or a curious beginner, the Picking Parlor offers an accessible and enjoyable way to connect with Martin guitars. Reddit

This interactive element adds significant value to the visit, allowing you to translate the knowledge gained from the tour and museum into a hands-on appreciation of Martin's craftsmanship. It’s a perfect way to cap off your visit, leaving you with a deeper understanding and perhaps a new favorite guitar. Reddit

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