Inside the Martin Guitar Factory - The Complete Tour
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ม.ค. 2024
- Go behind the scenes with our full tour of the Martin Guitar Factory. Filmed a year ago by the Elderly Instruments team, we're excited to share the whole tour with you, showcasing every step of the way. Join us to see the craftsmanship, and meet the people that make Martin Guitars legendary. Find your perfect Martin guitar, ukulele, or accessory at www.elderly.com/martin.
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I just acquired from my brother who passed away a 1937 D-18 that has been in our family for its entirety. Now I have to learn how to play a guitar at the age of 64
EDIT : I'm also left handed so going to try to play right handed, I'm sure many a player has done this.
You need Active Melody (TH-cam )
It's never too late to start ⚘
That's an awesome, awesome guitar. Should be a cannon. Please care for it.
It's just shapes. It's best to first play your favorite song
Very sorry about your brother's passing. I too inherited a D-18 after my brother passed. He bought it new in 1966 and passed after a sailing accident in 1967. I began playing after a few years and was given his guitar when I was 16. I still own and play his guitar and it will go to my son when I am done. (He too will have to learn to play!) There is a comfort that comes when playing a family instrument and I hope you feel that comfort for years to come.
In "68 on a whim with my brother who had many Martin's took a ride from Westchester Cnty. NY to Nazareth, of course the factory was closed, a worker on a cigarette break said come on in
.He gave us a 1 hr. personal tour of the entire facility. I presently own a ' 69 D-18.
Absolutely love that everyones work station is decorated by them. That alone shows how much pride these people have in their work! Love it!
I'm glad to see some younger looking people working there. The amazing skills these folks have need to keep getting passed down. Would be sad to see this kind of craftsmanship go away
Brings back memories. When I was a senior communications student in college Martin allowed me to make a video on guitar building, which was my senior project, and they gave me an extensive tour of the factory to record many of processes. I also play and own a 1956 D-18. Love my D-18, such great intonation, response and warmth.
Can we see this video?
I have been through there a few times....I absolutely love how the exterior of the new building matches the old original building.
This is easily THE best Martin your factory video out there! Very in-depth, showcasing nearly every part of the process. Fascinating! Thanks for capturing and sharing.
When I got my D-41 out here in Montana late 2022, I was watching a lot of these. Great work!
I'm a furniture builder for 38 years, and when watching your tour I learnt a few things
I can use with building furniture. In my early years when I started in the furniture industry
I worked at Kindel furniture Co, of Grand Rapids Michigan. I'm now retired and still
work in woodworking , I enjoy what I do for the family heirloom furniture I repair.
Very cool! Hope you can come visit our store nearby in Lansing, Michigan someday soon. Thanks for watching, Doug!
One of my favorite guitars, was the Garcia
Actually the Martin family started as cabinet makers before they delved into musical instruments.
Good furniture made at Kindel ..that Winterthur..National Trust and Irish Georgian Collection were real pieces of American beauty
Amazing! This reminds me of the time I took a tour of the Steinway piano factory in Queens. The attention to detail was incredible and so much of the processes were done by hand. It’s great to see this same dedication at Martin.
Such a great American Company…
I spent my life in the hardwood lumber business and saved out figured grain for instrument makers. I toured the factory in 1976 with Doug Knowles of Smith and Knowles fretted instruments, makers of the “Ithaca Banjo” and Martin dealers. Back then they still had a Belgian band mill where they sawed imported ebony and rosewood logs before their export was banned. They also sawed local hardwoods just keep the “mill” busy. There was a barrel full of “sound holes” that were edge grain Sitka Spruce, they let me take a hand full and I still use them for coasters. Thank you for the tour and triggering so many fine memories.
We're familiar with those sound hole coasters! Glad you've had the chance to experience it in person back in a classic era. Thanks for watching and sharing your memories with us!
Got a few of those coasters myself.
I myself received one of those sound hole coasters and was allowed to play a 25,000 Martin guitar add a demo at a local music store. Me being a hack and a duffer I still sounded better than I ever had. They wouldn't let me capo up but I got through Alice's restaurant massacre what's a fair amount of competence. Never forget the tone!
Very nice tour, beautifully filmed with perfect level of commentary. Good job 👍
Why do I feel that it is my duty and obligation to buy one of these pieces of art just to keep this dream alive?😊
I’ve driven past Nazareth PA for 50 years and never stopped until last summer. We finally had time to stop so we followed the sign to the factory and took the tour. I love seeing how things are made and this tour walked us around the work stations and we saw the people making different parts. At one point we say many racks with partially constructed guitars waiting to be handled by the next station. It’s very interesting and I learned a lot. I am glad we finally stopped.
Well done for stopping.
Great work on the video and commentary. Thanks to Elderly and Martin for the tour.
I've been to the Martin Faactory as well as the Collings factory. The Collings factory is way smaller than the Martin Factory. They are both absolutely amazing. Workers and Craftsmen and women working away with there hands to build beautiful instruments for us.
Not there hands. Their hands.
@@user-vy3ph4mm8v Bg Fn dl
@@user-vy3ph4mm8v Easy now!
I toured the C F Martin factory in Nazareth in 1997 and this thorough video tour has shown me just how much has changed while the guitars they produce remain a benchmark. Thanks much, Elderly!
It certainly has evolved over the years, we're so glad you enjoyed the video tour. Thanks for watching!
Love that they still use old school tooling..its classic manufacturing that will never fall to technology.
My Martin DCXIE, bought new in 2009 (and does not travel), was suddenly unplayable one morning. Some of the strings were laying on the fretboard close to the body. The dealer where I bought it said the glue holding the neck released and they don't repair that problem. I called the Martin factory and was directed to an authorized repair store here in Dallas, Texas. I was told there that the neck wasn't glued and all it needed was a setup and new strings. After maybe three days I was told the guitar was ready and the charge was $103. First, I wanted to check the work. The guitar was still unplayable! They were ready for me to pay the bill and walk away with an unplayable guitar! The clerk checked 'in back' when I complained and returned to say "they said it needed a new saddle". Wait, you were going to let me walk when it still needed work? You had me make the trip to pick up this guitar when it still needed work? The clerk had no explanation. I write all this because I was hoping to see how the neck was attached in this video and that part, where the neck is affixed to the body and adjusted, was left out. The more I think about it, the more mad I become because they'll charge me for the setup that did not fix the problem and for a saddle replacement when I return to pick up the guitar. If indeed is actually fixed this time.
Man this is incredible!!! I live 60mins or so away from there..york,pa..i bought a reissue of a 15 series guitar which was made in 39..its called a d15 street master..has a sound to die for!!! My first good acoustic..my friend dan grove makes martin necks for them..an i get my work done by bobby Campbell at Campbells music in spry,pa..🇺🇸🇬🇧
An amazing place with amazing people who make an amazing product...amazing!
Makes me feel good that we still have such skilled craftspeople in this country and that we don't import everything.
Thanks for sharing.
I truly can not believe the amount of work and steps used in building these amazing guitars. I absolutely love my D-28 which is almost 20 years old now.
i have seen stephen stills, neil young, bob dylan, and others doing lovely things with a martin
Easily the most informative tour of the Martin factory Ive seen. Thank you for this and your wonderful store.
Thanks for watching, and for the kind words!
I recently inherited my dad's two 1946 D-18's and one 1949 D-28 guitars. They have been in my family since they were made. I learned how to originally play guitar on these in the 1960's. I tried to register them on the Martin website, but their system would not accept these old short serial numbers.
Wow, those are some incredible family heirlooms! If you're ever interested in having them appraised, we offer that service. Learn more here: www.elderly.com/pages/sell-trade-consign-appraisals
Incredible to see how Martins making their guitars these days. I’ve been playing 48 years and feel that Martin is really making consistently great guitars now in 2024.
WOW incredible hand labor work involved, had no idea of the rigors they go through absolutely amazing! Enjoy these Martin guitars for sure!.. Thanks for the educational tour from start to finish!!
The smell he talked about that comes out the sound hole is like heaven! I went on a tour at Nazareth and it was fantastic. The guide was someone important in the company, not a person just paid to read a script and walk you through. I found it interesting that every person knows how to do each process and can build a guitar from start to finish.
I really enjoy hand made stuff, even if they use some machines.
Now I’m tempted to get a Martin guitar.
Watching tours like this is very soothing.
People creating something special, fabulous, we need more people like these back again.
Thanks for the tour Mike and Brenden. I appreciate the fact that you did not rush us through. Tomorrow morning when I play my custom 000-28 ( signed by Chris Martin ) I shall have a renewed appreciation for the instrument and the people who made it. Best regards, JZ
I know who is going to make my next guitar! Great video!
The craftsmanship of your luthier’s is quite impressive. As an older man I am always concerned that we are loosing our craftsmanship these days.
You bet we are. There are hundreds of skilled trademans jobs despertly trying to find replacements for folks like you. It's too bad our youth is encouraged to obtain a useless liberal arts degree, be in debt for decades while a 2 year or so tradeschool can be your ticket to a solid livelihood with minimal debt.
When my late father in law passed, and I received his custom Martin. He picked it up at this very place! It's an amazing guitar, and I hardly deserve it! It's a 1970 model, I know it sounds amazing and keeps in tune! Thank you, Martin! You make a great guitar!
You know that's a good story, I always wanted an old Martin but they are out of my league, I read stories like these and it makes me glad ppl know what they have is special. I have a 1950s Gibson that my dad gave me, and I played it until it about fell apart, then I put it in it's case never to be played again, though I'm an electric guitar player so it's ok, but sometimes you just want to hear the natural resonance of the wood, and clean brightness of strings
@@shable1436You should get that Gibbie in the hands of a good luthier/repairman to do it justice and so you can enjoy it and pass it on to your descendants. I got a ‘47 J-50 and it is glorious sounding.
My first (and probably last) guitar is a Martin D-15M. I’ll probably never make it to the Martin Factory…but I’ve been to Elderly Instruments. If I ever hit the lotto, I WILL make it to the Martin factory. And I WILL go back to Elderly to spend a LOT more money.
Outstanding! I travelled from South Australia in 2011 specifically to the Martin Factory tour and see the museum. I had already put a deposit on an EC28 at home but fell in love with an OM35 being built in the Custom shop. Found out which shop it was eventually sent to and bought it after cancelling the EC28. Still the top dog in my acoustic guitar ‘collection’. :-)
Used to live down the road in Bloomsburg and went to the old factory a number of times.
Wanted to work there after I graduated but family moved out of town.
so cool. one day, i shall own a custom d-35! thanks for the great tour, elderly!
Sat and watched as I picked my D35. Fascinating tour.
I sat and picked my D-28 while watching this video!
That was excellent, thanks for sharing it. Someday I’ll own a D-35…….
I saved for 5 years to get my HD-28. So worth it.
Went there with my dad and took the tour just before he passed.
Thank you for the tour. It’s good to know that these guitars are still being made in America. 🇺🇸👍 My next guitar will be a Martin.
I'd advise against it. Bought one for my Dad(playing for over 60 years). Thing is a POS! TWO THOUSAND dollar chunk of junk! Horrific right out of the box. Nut wasn't right. All of the frets were basically "in the white" and unfinished. Sent it back TWICE and it still won't hold a candle to any of the other acoustics he or I have including the slim body FIREFLY he bought. I Even took it to a master luthier friend. Nope. All that history, equipment and knowledge and no one at the company seems to give a crap. They ride on their name because they build ACTUAL custom guitars for famous musicians as advertising. I personally have never picked up a Martin that I liked enough to spend the money. Just my opinion and experience. Good luck.
@@lwilson1234 Was the one that you bought made in Mexico?
Sorry to hear you came across an instrument in such poor quality! We believe our customers deserve better.
At elderly.com, we take extra steps to ensure satisfaction and quality. Every guitar undergoes a professional inspection and an expert setup by our team to ensure it's playing its absolute best right out of the box.
@@lwilson1234I have two. The 000-15 sounds great. Needed some adjustments but it one of the warmest sounding of all my acoustics. My D28 ---look out! Fatty! It's a Fatty!!
@@lwilson1234 sorry u feel this way.
I did the tour mid 80's. I can still smell the place. Great job on video.
Really nice video, that explains the steps of the manufacturing of Martin Guitars. They are definitely on top of QC!!
I hacked away at guitar for about 13 years. Gave it up around 1979 when my life changed and I felt I had “plateaued” out. Watching this and seeing these AWESOME instruments make me sad I wasn’t able to stick with it. 😢 I never had a Martin, but did end up with a decent LoPrinzi… If you are playing now… STICK with it, don’t ever give up! Ruminations of a sad old man. 😮
Legendary!
D28!! Get one... it will change your life!🎶🎵🎶
No argument here... I love my 28!
I have a Martin d15 mahogany and just love it such a woody natural sound. I’ve never played a D28 I’m sure it’s awesome.
I sat and picked my D-28 while watching this video.
I want one made out of pure fresh Cedar for the most beautiful aroma in the world !, yes fall in love with a Cedar guitar!
I really enjoyed this video, Thank You
We're so glad you enjoyed it, Kevin! Thanks for joining us.
A really nice and calm walkthrough , full of information. I loved it, great upload, thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.
The fingerboard blanks are stacked with spacers to allow the wood to breath - and then wrapped in plastic..!!
I had been saving for a D-42 and just couldn't wait, so I picked up an HD-28 reimagined. The abalone inlay would have been nice, but she sounds so good I can hardly put her down.
Excellent choice sir! HD-28V 1998 here!
I have always wanted a D-41. I thought, like you did, to just pick up an HD-28. I was just about set on that decision when I got to hear a side by side comparison of a "well broken-in" HD-28 reimagined and a brand new D-41 (right out of the box). The D-41 blew the HD-28 right out of the water! I got to play each guitar as well. I am so glad that I did not pick up an HD-28 when I was thinking about it. Even if the D-41 did not have all of the pearl inlay, it is still worth the price difference to me. I have to wait another 19 months to have the funds to get the D-41, but I will gladly wait another 3 or 4 years if necessary to own a D-41. They are that good! Now don't get me wrong, the HD-28 was amazing. If I had only heard the HD-28 that day, I would have went home with one. I am so very glad I was able to hear (and play) both guitars that day. Follow your dreams. They are worth seeing through to the end. Have patience: It is worth it!
Cool.. .I play a Yasuma..it's lovely😊
Fascinating trip, thanks for sharing it with us!
Absolutely amazing. Martin guitars are incredible.😊
excellent tour guide - no silly comments
Awesome presentation…Thank you.
Our pleasure! Thanks for watching.
I don't play a lot these days, but my Martin J-40 is one of my most prized material possession. I think the tonal clarity of [most] Martin guitars is unsurpassed. If there is a downside to Martin guitars, it is that they are a challenge to mic if one wants to capture the true Martin sound. Thanks for the video, Elderly!
Have taken the tour twice. These people are amazing with skills most of us dream of! They have all my respect!
This is great. Thank you
Awesome!
Amazing 😮..
Fascinating
My father and I came out around 1978 and were fortunate enough to have Chris (I believe by memory) Martin be our tour guide. Stunning facility! I didn't see the giant vertical bandsaw that used to cut logs and huge pieces. Do you still use it?
I used to drive past this factory every night. On my way to work in Belvidere, and I can still recall the guitars hanging to dry in the windows as I went by.
Tremendous Tour ~ thank you 🪵🌳🍀
Just Fantastic
Fantastic... Beautiful guitars...
Exceptional craftsmanship..
I own a D 28... 2005... and i love it...
I could never not own it..
Thank you Martin...
Best guitar I ever, or could ever have...
Went there a few yrs ago, great tour ❤
Nicely done. That was pretty awesome
Great tour 👍
Fascinating video, I learnt a lot. Thank you...
Truly fascinating.
Most excellent.
I love my Martin. Brilliant.
Fantastic video - Great job Martin Guitar and Elderly Instruments!
Thanks for watching!
❤ thank you for sharing this video....I could enjoy that place.....❤
much respect for all the skilled workers. thank you
Great video!
Thanks for sharing this video!
Thanks for watching!
Thank you.
My daughter used to live about a block south of the old original Martin factory, the one shown in the opening thumbnail. I've been on two tours of the modern factory, very impressive to watch, especially the custom shop workers.
Excellent video. Now I know what it took to build my 12-string Martin almost 15 years ago. Amazing.
Glad you enjoyed the tour!
I've been learning things on the guitar since I was 15 years old (I'm now 71), I have several electric guitars, Danelectro 63 reissue and Epiphone by Gibson 335. My acoustic is a humble Eko Ranger V I . I loved this tour enjoyed the beautiful materials being put together. Thanks again
Very cool how they build them , I’m surprised they don’t cost more than they do . Thanks for taking the time to share this .
Dream job !
This is a fabulous tour video, thanks so much!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome video!
That was freaking awesome
Simply spectacular! I visited the Martin Guitar factory a few years ago and, just like this video, was just amazing. The level of expertise and dedication is just unparalleled and to me, nothing sounds, pays and feels better than a Martin.
Thanks! We totally agree, there's nothing quite like a Martin. Glad you enjoyed both the tour and the video!
I love them so much that I am the proud owner of a D35, a DC Aura, a 000 28EC and D12-28.@@ElderlyInstruments
Very cool! This is probably the most comprehensive Martin production video I've seen. Too bad there's no way to experience the smells of some those woodworking steps through TH-cam!
I have a couple of Martins: DC16 GTE, (my first) and an awesome sunburst OM-42 (once I could afford it). I'm an Elderly customer and enjoy browsing their website from time to time to view the new and used offerings.
Glad you enjoyed the tour! Thanks for your support. 🎶
Just so many beautiful things done on behalf of these fabulous guitars!
The real intricate processes that goes into each guitar 🎸 😍 👌!!!
Of course this is a factory 🏭 !
But, the guitar speaks for itself
Very impressive! Guitar making has come a very long way.
Awesome tour ! Thanks !!! Incredible skills and process !
Glad you enjoyed it!
I bought a smaller than full scale Martin a while ago. It has a really great tone and is a beautiful piece of work.
What are great tour video. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Wish they'd step up their game at the Mexico plant. My gpc11 came with 2 low E strings.. One in the A position...and a faulty saddle. Plus Richlite sucks!
Hey Roy, honestly for under $1000 you’re better to go with a Canadian made godin sister brand like Simon and Patrick, seagull, Norman or Art and Luthiere. I have a Simon and Patrick songsmith sunburst and honestly it sounds just as good as a Martin or even possibly better depending on the person
Ok, now I have TWO more bucket list trips - the Martin factory (now that i have an HD-28) and the Elderly Instruments store in Michigan!
Great video. As a life time woodworker I appreciate the precision and care. I also drool looking at the wood stash 😊
Thanks for watching!