Music lovers and curious kids alike will love the Martin Guitar Factory in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. This historic facility has been crafting some of the finest steel-string acoustic guitars in the world since 1833, and families can walk the actual factory floor to watch these legendary instruments come to life.
The Factory Floor Experience
The guided walking tour takes you straight into the state-of-the-art facility for a one-hour behind-the-scenes look. You follow the complete process of building a guitar, starting from rough lumber and ending with a highly polished finished instrument. Visitors can watch expert luthiers using a fascinating mix of old-world hand tools and modern technology.
The Museum and Pickin’ Parlor
Before or after your tour, you can explore the free Martin Guitar Museum. It showcases historic instruments and memorabilia from famous owners like Johnny Cash and Eric Clapton. Furthermore, you must visit the Pickin’ Parlor, a dedicated room where guests are encouraged to pull high-end and limited-edition guitars right off the wall to play.
Chol Hamoed Pro-Tips
- Advance Tickets: Tour groups are strictly limited to just eight people per time slot. You must purchase tickets for all adults and children online well in advance, as walk-ups cannot be accommodated.
- Punctuality: You must check in 15 minutes before your departure. If you arrive late, the tour will leave without you and tickets are non-refundable.
- Footwear: Because you walk the active manufacturing floor, the facility highly recommends wearing closed-toed, rubber-soled shoes.
- Audio Headsets: The factory floor is loud, so the facility provides required audio headsets to hear your tour guide perfectly.
Address: 510 Sycamore Street, Nazareth, PA 18064.
Website: Martin Guitar Factory Tours
