C.F. Martin Factory Tour

 I took the tour of Martin Guitar's factory tour.

 The smell of beautiful tone woods permeates 

every fiber of one's body when you enter. 

 The tour focuses on the custom shop,

where your fantasy is made real. (This is $117K.)

Hands and machines 

 working side by side

 to create and individual

if somewhat standardized expression

of music and art.

 The amount of craftsman,

a term I do not use lightly, 

that touch each guitar is comforting. 

But to maintain production levels, 

 to ensure no fingerprints under a high gloss finish,

or precision cuts that create a life long dovetail

requires some machinery.

Electronics and

 fretwork is still done by hand for many models.

 Rigorous quality checks once created dumpster divers at the factory.

The old factory (pictured above) was put to use to re-purpose rejected components for people that want to buy kits or parts that luthiers and apprentices can purchase. The pieces are far from trash, the tiniest windbreak of a tree years ago will cause a rejection and is barely noticeable to the untrained eye even when pointed out. 

That said, being a craftsman in an unrelated field, I realize the value of those that make the complete guitars, each one putting their years of experience for the benefit of myself, my listeners, and my fellow Martin guitar players.

#CFMartin #MadeinUSA