Strumming Through History: Lafayette Students Visit the Iconic Martin Guitar Factory in Nazareth, PA

Lafayette students had the opportunity to visit the legendary Martin Guitar Factory in Nazareth, PA. There, they gained a zoomed-in perspective on how the timeless instruments are made, from originating pieces of wood to construction, assembly, polish, and play! 

They also had the chance to explore the on-site museum, complete with an array of collectors’ items and one-of-a-kind guitars. And, experienced or not, they all had time to have some fun and strum a guitar too.

“It was an eye-opening experience that brought locality to something I wouldn’t otherwise have considered to be so homegrown,” remarked Sam Griff ‘28. “The tactility in particular, the machinery and individual skillsets while working together, were fascinating.” 

Said Tudor Palasan ‘29, “Being interested in manufacturing processes, I was amazed by how many steps and workstations go into making each guitar, and how much attention to detail there is at every stage. It was interesting to see how many people are involved in producing something that’s both mass-made and high quality. I also liked learning how much the choice of wood and other materials affects the sound and value for collectors.”