Serious musicians, and music lovers alike will enjoy this tour. From the moment you step inside not only will you learn about Martin's rich history, you'll get a fascinating view of how the world renowned Martin acoustic guitar and strings are made while learning about the innovation and artistry that have shaped the Martin legend.

Considered the epitome of acoustic guitars, Martins are coveted by musicians worldwide and have been in the hands of the world's greatest guitarists, from folkies to bluegrassers, jazzers to rockers. Martin counts among its guitar owners the likes of Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, Jimmy Buffett, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Shawn Colvin, the Indigo Girls, Jimmy Hendrix, Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley, Bonnie Raitt, John Lennon, Gene Autry, Bruce Springsteen, and Marty Stuart.

Martin's Chairman & CEO Christian F. Martin IV, known to his employees as Chris, accompanied me on a tour of the plant. The company employs 550 employees at two plants: one in Nazareth and a smaller factory in Mexico that makes the miniature "Backpacker" travel guitar.

As we moved across the factory floor, I watched intently as a worker glued the meticulously handcrafted Spanish cedar ribbon lining to the rim of the guitar body using wooden clothes pins. Another worker used a heated bending iron to shape a flat piece of wood to form the curvature of the guitar sides.

To the same extent that tone is a function of the guitar's body, playability is primarily a function of the guitar’s neck. I observed as craftsmen patiently worked with fine sandpaper, paring knives, and wood scrapers to smooth and shape the perfect neck contour prior to lacquering.

I was fascinated watching workers inlaying the intricate abalone pearl bordering around the perimeter of a custom deluxe D-45 fingerboard. Designed in the 1930's, this top-of-the-line guitar was first ordered by Gene Autry.

Martin Guitar Chairman and CEO Chris Martin, the sixth generation to run the company, is still in awe of what they do here. "Our interior X-bracing has been developed and designed over the years. It is what we are famous for," said Martin. X-bracing was developed by Christian F. Martin Sr. Though it's the least visible part of an acoustic guitar's construction, the bracing is of paramount importance.

C.F. Martin & Co. is one of only a few guitar makers who manufacture their own strings, made from high quality Swedish steel. Chris Martin noted, "Martin acoustic guitars are still hand made. Our biggest competitor is "used" Martin guitars. Our instruments don't wear out and they don't become obsolete." The attraction of this factory-tour experience is not hard to understand. It combines history, artistry, industry and mystique. Go and watch the process behind the making of one of the world's most beautiful and magical musical instruments. You won't soon forget the smell of rosewood in the air or the look of pride on the faces of the employees... each one a craftsperson making one the best acoustic guitars in the world.

The Martin factory is located at the corner of Beil Avenue and Sycamore Street in Nazareth. Tour Information call 610-759-2837.

Factory tours are at 1:15 p.m., Monday through Friday (except holidays). A company guide will take you on a tour that lasts approximately 1 hour. The tour leaves promptly, so we recommend that you arrive in plenty of time. There is no charge. Group tours at 10:00 a.m., Monday through Friday (no holidays). Advance registration required. To schedule a group tour (10 or more), please call 800-633-2060. Charge is

DIRECTIONS: From Philadelphia take the PA Turnpike's NE Extension(I-476) North to Exit 33 Lehigh Valley, take Rt. 22 East to Rt. 191 North into Nazareth. From Harrisburg: Take I-78 East to Exit 15 take Rt. 22 East to Rt. 191 North to Nazareth.