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.

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!

After watching this wonderful video I have a greater appreciation for my C. F. Martin MMV which is U. S. Made. After buying it as an early retirement present to myself, I brought it to work to show my co-worker who plays guitar. After a few moments of playing it he had the biggest smile on his face I ever saw! I cannot describe how well the brightness of its sound brings enjoyment to me. Thank you Elderly and C. F. Martin for this great video.

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.

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.

Such a great American Company…

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.

Absolutely love that everyones work station is decorated by them. That alone shows how much pride these people have in their work! Love it!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

i have seen stephen stills, neil young, bob dylan, and others doing lovely things with a martin

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.

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!

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!

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.

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..🇺🇸🇬🇧

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?😊

Great work on the video and commentary. Thanks to Elderly and Martin for the tour.

Love that they still use old school tooling..its classic manufacturing that will never fall to technology.

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.

D28!! Get one... it will change your life!🎶🎵🎶

I have been through there a few times....I absolutely love how the exterior of the new building matches the old original building.

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.

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.

I really enjoy hand made stuff, even if they use some machines. Now I’m tempted to get a Martin guitar.

Easily the most informative tour of the Martin factory Ive seen. Thank you for this and your wonderful store.

Went there with my dad and took the tour just before he passed.

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 saved for 5 years to get my HD-28. So worth it.

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

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’. :-)

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.

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.

The fingerboard blanks are stacked with spacers to allow the wood to breath - and then wrapped in plastic..!!

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

People creating something special, fabulous, we need more people like these back again.

Watching tours like this is very soothing.

Sat and watched as I picked my D35. Fascinating tour.

I know who is going to make my next guitar! Great video!

That was excellent, thanks for sharing it. Someday I’ll own a D-35…….

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. 😮

so cool. one day, i shall own a custom d-35! thanks for the great tour, elderly!

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 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.

Legendary!

I’ve played a lot of good guitars in my time, mainly solid wood back, sides and top but nothing prepared me for my Martin 0-12-28 MD. Bought as s treat for retirement I sold off most of my electric gear and a camera system and took the plunge. I have never encountered a guitar with so much natural resonance, each string rings out loud and clear with its own unique voice even when strummed and finger picking? It just blows your mind, notes ring out with clarity and separation but with that resonance they keep going forever. Even resting the guitar on your chest and speaking into it you can feel it vibrating. Hopefully this one will get handed down through my family, my great nephew has shown interest in playing so i sent him a little parlour i had, if he continues the “ought” will be his when I’m gone.

Really nice video, that explains the steps of the manufacturing of Martin Guitars. They are definitely on top of QC!!

I did the tour mid 80's. I can still smell the place. Great job on video.

excellent tour guide - no silly comments

A really nice and calm walkthrough , full of information. I loved it, great upload, thanks!

I really enjoyed this video, Thank You

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!

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 KZfaq! 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.

Cool.. .I play a Yasuma..it's lovely😊

Elmer's white glue for the mother of pearl ....... I never would have guessed.

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!

Own a 2011 HD35, just purchased a new 2023 D41...... best acoustic guitars in the World......

Fascinating trip, thanks for sharing it with us!

This is great. Thank you

Awesome!

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.

Amazing 😮..

Great video!

Awesome video!

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!

Just Fantastic

Nicely done. That was pretty awesome

Fascinating

Great tour 👍

Awesome presentation…Thank you.

Tremendous Tour ~ thank you 🪵🌳🍀

Magnificent!

Fascinating video, I learnt a lot. Thank you...

Fantastic video - Great job Martin Guitar and Elderly Instruments!

I love my Martin. Brilliant.

Went there a few yrs ago, great tour ❤

Most excellent.

much respect for all the skilled workers. thank you

❤ thank you for sharing this video....I could enjoy that place.....❤

This is a fabulous tour video, thanks so much!!

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.

Dream job !

I bet it smells sooooo good in that factory

Thank you.

My D42 neck keeps bowing. Third time to luthier. But only 5k

ШИКАРНАЯ РАБОТА НА КАЖДОЙ ОПЕРАЦИИ...

What are great tour video. Thank you!

Awesome tour ! Thanks !!! Incredible skills and process !

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 .

Very impressive! Guitar making has come a very long way.

That was freaking awesome

Great tour!

Fabulous video, thank you.

Absolutely amazing. Martin guitars are incredible.😊