
Martin Guitar Factory & Museum
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
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour

Martin Guitar Factory & Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour
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.
"An absolutely fantastic time touring the Martin Guitar Factory, a gem for music lovers and history buffs alike. "

🎯 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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Factory Tour
Martin Guitar Factory
Witness the meticulous craft of guitar making, from raw wood to iconic instruments played by legends.

The Museum Collection
Martin Guitar Museum
Explore rare and historically significant guitars, showcasing nearly two centuries of musical innovation.

Picking Parlor Experience
Martin Guitar Factory Store
Try your hand at playing various Martin guitar models and feel the difference firsthand.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Allow Ample Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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:
📸 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! :musical_note:
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. :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! :musical_note:
⏳ Allow Extra Time
Don't rush! Explore the museum and store thoroughly after your tour.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎶 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🎸 Guitar Enthusiasts & Musicians
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.
🏛️ History & Craftsmanship Buffs
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Martin Guitar Making
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.
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.
A Legacy in the Museum
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.
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.
The Picking Parlor Experience
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.
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.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit