For generations, the name Martin has been synonymous with acoustic guitar excellence. From legendary musicians to aspiring players, Martin guitars are revered for their craftsmanship, tone, and rich history. Have you ever wondered where this magic happens? A visit to the Martin Guitar Factory in Nazareth, Pennsylvania offers a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the creation of these iconic instruments. This guide answers all your essential questions to plan your unforgettable tour of the Martin Guitar Factory.
Planning Your Visit to the Martin Guitar Factory
Tour Tickets and Costs
Embarking on the Martin Guitar Factory tour is surprisingly affordable. For just $5 per person, you gain access to an hour-long immersive experience inside the working factory. This nominal fee not only grants you an insightful tour but also contributes to the Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation, supporting music, arts, education, and environmental causes. It’s a win-win – you learn about guitar making and support a good cause!
Image alt text: A sign displaying the Martin Guitar Factory tour price of $5 per person, highlighting the charitable contribution.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance through the official booking portal. It’s important to note that tickets cannot be bought in person at the factory, so plan ahead to secure your spot. This online system ensures a smooth check-in process and helps manage tour group sizes for an optimal visitor experience.
Bringing the Family: Are Children Allowed?
Absolutely! The Martin Guitar Factory tour welcomes visitors of all ages. Children are not only allowed but encouraged to experience the fascinating world of guitar manufacturing. To maintain safety and ensure comfortable group sizes, tickets are required for all children, regardless of age. This policy ensures that tour groups remain within the limit of 8 people per tour, providing everyone with a clear view and a more personalized experience.
Booking and Rescheduling Your Tour
Life happens, and plans sometimes need to change. If you need to adjust your Martin Guitar Factory tour schedule, cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours before your scheduled tour time for a full refund. You can easily find the cancellation link in your tour confirmation email. However, please be aware that no-shows will not be refunded.
Image alt text: A section of a confirmation email for a Martin Guitar Factory tour highlighting the cancellation link and policy.
Unfortunately, direct rescheduling of tours to a different date or time is not possible. If you need to change your tour time, you’ll need to cancel your existing booking (at least 24 hours prior) and then book a new tour slot that better suits your schedule. This ensures fairness and availability for all visitors.
In the rare event of factory closures due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, rest assured that you will be notified via email and receive a full refund automatically.
Arriving On Time and What Happens if You’re Late
Punctuality is key to a smooth tour experience. Please aim to arrive at the Martin Guitar Factory Visitor Center at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour departure time. This allows ample time for check-in and preparation before the tour begins.
If you arrive late and the tour has already departed, unfortunately, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to join that tour or be accommodated on a later one. Missed tours are non-refundable, and tickets cannot be transferred to a new tour time. If space permits on a later tour, you would need to purchase new tickets. Therefore, arriving on time ensures you don’t miss out on this unique experience.
Group Sizes and Larger Parties
To maintain an intimate and engaging tour experience, group sizes are currently limited to 8 people. If your group exceeds this limit, and you wish to tour together, you must contact the Martin Guitar Factory at least 4 weeks prior to your desired visit date through their online contact form. A representative will then be in touch to discuss the possibility of accommodating your request. Planning ahead is essential for larger groups.
Experiencing the Martin Guitar Factory Tour
The Headphone Experience: Why They Are Necessary
As a fully operational manufacturing facility, the Martin Guitar Factory floor is alive with the sounds of machinery and processes. To ensure you can clearly hear your tour guide and fully understand the fascinating details of guitar making, headphones and a hands-free audio receiver are provided upon check-in. These are included in the tour fee.
Image alt text: Visitors on the Martin Guitar Factory tour wearing headphones and audio receivers, listening to their tour guide amidst factory machinery.
Both the receivers and headphones are meticulously sanitized after each use, and single-use headphone protectors are provided for hygiene. You are also welcome to bring your own headphones, provided they are compatible with a 3.5mm (1/8”) headphone jack. If you choose to use your own headphones, you are responsible for their use and sanitization.
Photography and Interaction with Workers
Capture the memories of your Martin Guitar Factory tour through photos! Non-flash photography is permitted throughout the tour. However, video recording is prohibited to protect proprietary processes and maintain a smooth flow for the tour.
While you’ll be immersed in the factory environment, interacting directly with the factory workers during the tour is not permitted. These skilled craftspeople are focused on their intricate work, and conversations can be disruptive to their workflow and the tour itself. Similarly, factory workers are not permitted to pose for photographs with guests, though capturing images of the factory floor, including workers in their environment (without flash), is allowed.
What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)
To ensure a comfortable and safe tour, certain items are restricted on the factory floor. Food, drinks, coolers, and backpacks are not allowed on the tour. It’s recommended to leave these items securely in your car. Alternatively, they can be left at the Visitor Center, but please note that Martin Guitar is not responsible for personal belongings left in the Visitor Center. Purses or small bags are permitted.
Dress Code and Comfort
Comfort is key when touring the Martin Guitar Factory. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes with rubber soles are highly recommended. The tour involves walking less than half a mile entirely indoors, so dress comfortably for an indoor walking tour.
Tour Duration and Accessibility
The Martin Guitar Factory tour experience lasts approximately one hour, covering a walking distance of less than half a mile within the factory. The tour is conducted in American English only. If you need to leave the tour early due to an emergency, please inform your tour guide, and they will arrange for you to be safely escorted back to the Visitor Center.
Pet Policy
To maintain a safe and hygienic environment within the Martin Guitar Factory facilities, pets are not allowed anywhere on the premises. However, service animals are permitted.
Immerse Yourself in Guitar History
A tour of the Martin Guitar Factory is more than just a factory visit; it’s a journey into the heart of American music history. Witness the passion, precision, and craftsmanship that goes into creating each iconic Martin guitar. Plan your visit today and experience the magic for yourself!
