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.

@dannyperfect9270

4 ай бұрын

You need Active Melody (KZread )

@kurikokaleidoscope

4 ай бұрын

It's never too late to start ⚘

@alanpecherer5705

4 ай бұрын

That's an awesome, awesome guitar. Should be a cannon. Please care for it.

@Crow-jg4sj

4 ай бұрын

It's just shapes. It's best to first play your favorite song

@michaelmullen8373

4 ай бұрын

Very sorry about your brother's passing. I too inherited a D-18 after my brother passed. He bought it new in 1966 and passed after a sailing accident in 1967. I began playing after a few years and was given his guitar when I was 16. I still own and play his guitar and it will go to my son when I am done. (He too will have to learn to play!) There is a comfort that comes when playing a family instrument and I hope you feel that comfort for years to come.

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.

@kurikokaleidoscope

4 ай бұрын

Can we see this video?

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.

@ElderlyInstruments

4 ай бұрын

Very cool! Hope you can come visit our store nearby in Lansing, Michigan someday soon. Thanks for watching, Doug!

@DouglasNicholas-el5hv

4 ай бұрын

One of my favorite guitars, was the Garcia

@vayabroder729

3 ай бұрын

Actually the Martin family started as cabinet makers before they delved into musical instruments.

@merseybeat1963

3 ай бұрын

Good furniture made at Kindel ..that Winterthur..National Trust and Irish Georgian Collection were real pieces of American beauty

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'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.

@user-vy3ph4mm8v

2 ай бұрын

Not there hands. Their hands.

@garvdarb

2 ай бұрын

@@user-vy3ph4mm8v Bg Fn dl

@roadapple66

2 ай бұрын

@@user-vy3ph4mm8v Easy now!

Such a great American Company…

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.

@stewartfenton7660

28 күн бұрын

I would guess that everyone in this company is considered important, unlike factories I have worked at.

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.

@ElderlyInstruments

4 ай бұрын

We're familiar with those sound hole coasters! Glad you've had the chance to experience it in person back in a classic era. Thanks for watching and sharing your memories with us!

@vayabroder729

3 ай бұрын

Got a few of those coasters myself.

@davidbusen545

3 ай бұрын

I myself received one of those sound hole coasters and was allowed to play a 25,000 Martin guitar add a demo at a local music store. Me being a hack and a duffer I still sounded better than I ever had. They wouldn't let me capo up but I got through Alice's restaurant massacre what's a fair amount of competence. Never forget the tone!

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.

@kurikokaleidoscope

4 ай бұрын

Well done for stopping.

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!

@ElderlyInstruments

4 ай бұрын

It certainly has evolved over the years, we're so glad you enjoyed the video tour. Thanks for watching!

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.

@jmabs5096

4 ай бұрын

You bet we are. There are hundreds of skilled trademans jobs despertly trying to find replacements for folks like you. It's too bad our youth is encouraged to obtain a useless liberal arts degree, be in debt for decades while a 2 year or so tradeschool can be your ticket to a solid livelihood with minimal debt.

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.

@r.s.zabriskie1930

Ай бұрын

WOW incredible hand labor work involved, had no idea of the rigors they go through absolutely amazing! Enjoy these Martin guitars for sure!.. Thanks for the educational tour 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 👍

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

@shable1436

4 ай бұрын

You know that's a good story, I always wanted an old Martin but they are out of my league, I read stories like these and it makes me glad ppl know what they have is special. I have a 1950s Gibson that my dad gave me, and I played it until it about fell apart, then I put it in it's case never to be played again, though I'm an electric guitar player so it's ok, but sometimes you just want to hear the natural resonance of the wood, and clean brightness of strings

@vayabroder729

3 ай бұрын

@@shable1436You should get that Gibbie in the hands of a good luthier/repairman to do it justice and so you can enjoy it and pass it on to your descendants. I got a ‘47 J-50 and it is glorious sounding.

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.

@ElderlyInstruments

4 ай бұрын

Wow, those are some incredible family heirlooms! If you're ever interested in having them appraised, we offer that service. Learn more here: www.elderly.com/pages/sell-trade-consign-appraisals

@stewartfenton7660

28 күн бұрын

I'm taking it they either lost early records,or didn't keep them. I'm a guitar ignoramus, but isn't Joan Baez's guitar a Martin? When they wanted to make replicas,she said they had to take it back and take it to pieces to see how it was made. I think it was made in the twenties.

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.

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’. :-)

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

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

@ElderlyInstruments

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching, and for the kind words!

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.

@lwilson1234

4 ай бұрын

I'd advise against it. Bought one for my Dad(playing for over 60 years). Thing is a POS! TWO THOUSAND dollar chunk of junk! Horrific right out of the box. Nut wasn't right. All of the frets were basically "in the white" and unfinished. Sent it back TWICE and it still won't hold a candle to any of the other acoustics he or I have including the slim body FIREFLY he bought. I Even took it to a master luthier friend. Nope. All that history, equipment and knowledge and no one at the company seems to give a crap. They ride on their name because they build ACTUAL custom guitars for famous musicians as advertising. I personally have never picked up a Martin that I liked enough to spend the money. Just my opinion and experience. Good luck.

@lancecahill5486

4 ай бұрын

@@lwilson1234 Was the one that you bought made in Mexico?

@ElderlyInstruments

4 ай бұрын

Sorry to hear you came across an instrument in such poor quality! We believe our customers deserve better. At elderly.com, we take extra steps to ensure satisfaction and quality. Every guitar undergoes a professional inspection and an expert setup by our team to ensure it's playing its absolute best right out of the box.

@KiloMintoni-kg4kn

2 ай бұрын

​@@lwilson1234I have two. The 000-15 sounds great. Needed some adjustments but it one of the warmest sounding of all my acoustics. My D28 ---look out! Fatty! It's a Fatty!!

@r.s.zabriskie1930

Ай бұрын

​@@lwilson1234 sorry u feel this way.

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.

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

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.

Watching tours like this is very soothing.

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

Never got the chance to view the factory but always remember seeing their display at ABE Airport when visiting my parents when they lived in Hamburg Pa. They looked great.

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.

Now I know why Martin's are one of the very best, that was great!...nice people as well.

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?😊

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

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

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

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

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

@roadapple66

2 ай бұрын

I sat and picked my D-28 while watching this video!

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

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.

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. 😮

Have taken the tour twice. These people are amazing with skills most of us dream of! They have all my respect!

Very interesting. Over 50 years ago my first college roommate was blind. he was also a musician. He was quite proud of his Martin...and he could really make that guitar talk. Our room was the site of many jam sessions.

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

@gryfandjane

5 ай бұрын

No argument here... I love my 28!

@fredbrandl880

5 ай бұрын

I have a Martin d15 mahogany and just love it such a woody natural sound. I’ve never played a D28 I’m sure it’s awesome.

@roadapple66

2 ай бұрын

I sat and picked my D-28 while watching this video.

Tremendous Tour ~ thank you 🪵🌳🍀

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

Absolutely amazing. Martin guitars are incredible.😊

Fascinating trip, thanks for sharing it with us!

Fantastic... Beautiful guitars... Exceptional craftsmanship.. I own a D 28... 2005... and i love it... I could never not own it.. Thank you Martin... Best guitar I ever, or could ever have...

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

much respect for all the skilled workers. thank you

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

@ElderlyInstruments

5 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

I've been learning things on the guitar since I was 15 years old (I'm now 71), I have several electric guitars, Danelectro 63 reissue and Epiphone by Gibson 335. My acoustic is a humble Eko Ranger V I . I loved this tour enjoyed the beautiful materials being put together. Thanks again

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

This is great. Thank you

This was great. Thank you I’ve been on many tours there, but I learned a little more detail from this video. Great job. Thank you.

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.

@wildcard9724

4 ай бұрын

Excellent choice sir! HD-28V 1998 here!

@roadapple66

2 ай бұрын

I have always wanted a D-41. I thought, like you did, to just pick up an HD-28. I was just about set on that decision when I got to hear a side by side comparison of a "well broken-in" HD-28 reimagined and a brand new D-41 (right out of the box). The D-41 blew the HD-28 right out of the water! I got to play each guitar as well. I am so glad that I did not pick up an HD-28 when I was thinking about it. Even if the D-41 did not have all of the pearl inlay, it is still worth the price difference to me. I have to wait another 19 months to have the funds to get the D-41, but I will gladly wait another 3 or 4 years if necessary to own a D-41. They are that good! Now don't get me wrong, the HD-28 was amazing. If I had only heard the HD-28 that day, I would have went home with one. I am so very glad I was able to hear (and play) both guitars that day. Follow your dreams. They are worth seeing through to the end. Have patience: It is worth it!

Just Fantastic

Awesome presentation…Thank you.

@ElderlyInstruments

4 ай бұрын

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching.

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

@ElderlyInstruments

3 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

I bought a smaller than full scale Martin a while ago. It has a really great tone and is a beautiful piece of work.

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

@ElderlyInstruments

3 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Legendary!

Thanks for sharing this video!

@ElderlyInstruments

4 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Awesome!

Magnificent!

Simply spectacular! I visited the Martin Guitar factory a few years ago and, just like this video, was just amazing. The level of expertise and dedication is just unparalleled and to me, nothing sounds, pays and feels better than a Martin.

@ElderlyInstruments

4 ай бұрын

Thanks! We totally agree, there's nothing quite like a Martin. Glad you enjoyed both the tour and the video!

@francescotenti193

4 ай бұрын

I love them so much that I am the proud owner of a D35, a DC Aura, a 000 28EC and D12-28.@@ElderlyInstruments

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

I love my Martin. Brilliant.

Excellent video! Thanks for uploading!

@ElderlyInstruments

4 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

I really enjoyed this video, Thank You

@ElderlyInstruments

5 ай бұрын

We're so glad you enjoyed it, Kevin! Thanks for joining us.

Amazing,I'm a new jersey girl in the GB ...thanks yallllll

Thank you.

Dream job !

That was freaking awesome

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

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

Thank you so much I really enjoyed the video, My congrats to everybody, you make a wonderful product. What workmanship beautiful just beautifor thank you

Fantastic video - Great job Martin Guitar and Elderly Instruments!

@ElderlyInstruments

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

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

Nicely done. That was pretty awesome

Went there a few yrs ago, great tour ❤

What are great tour video. Thank you!

@ElderlyInstruments

3 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Excellent video. Now I know what it took to build my 12-string Martin almost 15 years ago. Amazing.

@ElderlyInstruments

3 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the tour!

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!

Fabulous video, thank you.

@ElderlyInstruments

4 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

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 .

Excellent video! I learned so much. Thanks!

@ElderlyInstruments

4 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Amazing 😮..

Just so many beautiful things done on behalf of these fabulous guitars! The real intricate processes that goes into each guitar 🎸 😍 👌!!! Of course this is a factory 🏭 ! But, the guitar speaks for itself

Great video tour. Wonderful craftsmanship still being used with automation and technology. Martin Guitars are a part of Americana. Thank you!

@ElderlyInstruments

4 ай бұрын

We absolutely agree. Thanks for watching!

great video! I'm so stoked to see the elderly youtube channel getting more popular, ya'll have been my favorite place in Lansing for years!

@ElderlyInstruments

4 ай бұрын

Awe, shucks! Thanks for your support. 🎶

Martin Guitar, you did a fine job on your tour video. Quick and lively, on point while at the same time seemed very relaxed and supremely confident. Fits the company image and even the sound on your guitars to a 'T'! Well done indeed.

@ElderlyInstruments

4 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed our video! Thanks for watching.

Great video!