|
Home / Music
This Guitar Museum Hits Just The Right Notes
By:Daniel Lehrman
The test of time often proves that you are dealing with a qualified, if not exceptional company. The Martin Guitar Co. was started in New York way back in 1833 by C.F. Martin Sr. Being a native of Germany, based on some obscure information, the move to New York is somewhat comical in nature. Mr. Martin was a guitar maker, or luthier. His woodworking prowess caused much pressure from the Cabinet Makers Guild and The Violin Makers Guild to join their Unions(yes, they had unions that long ago). Within several years he fled to America to open The Martin Guitar Company in New York. However two years later the factory was moved to Nazareth, Pa. and has remained there and expanded as necessary ever since then.
The first thing that hits you as you enter the factory is a quote from Eric Clapton "If I could choose what to come back as, it would be a Martin OM-45". Words like this brought to mind how much people love their Martin guitars. I specifically mean love them for the beauty, materials and love put into the building of each Martin Guitar. Simply put, because of the exquisite workmanship of Martin guitars and their unmatched tone and playability, they are the gold standard for aspiring acoustic guitarists. To have a Martin guitar, or even a custom Martin is one of the few rites in their lifetime with this amount of significance.
Martin openly puffs up their chest when it comes to their place in American music and all of the noted(no pun intended) musicians who have used and swear by their instruments. As the Martin Company celebrates their 175th year of business one gets the feeling that the tremendous heritage created will continue in greatness.
Some of the artists who use Martin guitars have CD and album covers displayed on one of the walls. Representing such artists as Elvis Presley, Jimmie Rogers, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and Stephen Stills. Don't forget Andy Griffith played a D-18 model! So many icons have played Martin guitars there are not enough wall space to honor fall of them.
During the factory tour, the various steps that include more than 3oo very precise procedures and a few weeks of time become very evident. This is no jerry rig factory. It has a blend of the most modern hi-tech equipment with a big helping of old world craftsmanship. For some this part of the tour may be tedious, for people who like to know, this is an interesting and remarkable story of cutting, machining and assembling a guitar masterpiece.
The museum is what most folks come for. From some of the 19th century instruments that look awkward and bulky to the transition to modern styled guitars, the museum guides have the type of enthusiasm for Martin guitars that is infectious. The guide can also tell you in great detail very enthusiastically about every one of the 170 plus guitars on display.
Before I forget, it is very important to note that not only can you admire these beautiful guitars, but you are encouraged to pick one up and start to pluck a few notes. And, you are not limited to their least expensive models. Want to play an Eric Clapton custom guitar, them pick it up and go to town. they don't mind. In fact if you listen closely, their are plenty of people strumming their favorite tunes in the players room.
Want a tour of The Martin guitar Museum? Hours include Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm and The Factory Tours are from 11 am to 2:30 pm. Call 610-759-2837 to make a date.
Note: If you dig The Three Stooges, the Stoogeum is in Philly. It is fantastic and worth every bit if not more than the cost of the tour, which is free.
If you love guitars like the folks at Guitar players Center, than this is the type of relaxed, fun and informative trip to take. With the amount of experience and love put into the manufacturing process, it would be hard not wanting a Martin guitar after the tour.
Enjoy.
Digg
del.icio.us
Blink
Stumble
Spurl
Reddit
Netscape
Furl
Article keywords: guitar museum, martin guitar museum, martin guitar history
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
For more information about Guitar Players Center and The Jimi Hendrix Museum or examine the Voodoo Strat Guitar Review. Feel free to visit our website, ask questions, share it with others, make comments or simply enjoy.
|
|
| Top Music Articles |
- 1). U2s Bono From Rock Star To Designer To Humanitarian By : Sher Matsen
U2s lead singer Bono isn’t content with being part of a top band. Fashion and Music – well I’m sure they can mix!
Bono was born Paul David Hewson in 1960 in Dublin Ireland. His stage name is Bono. Bono is the lead singer of US, he is also a songwriter. He married Ali Stewart in August 1982 and they have 5 children. Bono is also actively involved in as an activist and screenwriter.
|
- 2). 4/4 Rhythm Strumming By : ian Williamson
If you are learning how to play the guitar, the basic 4/4 strumming technique is one of the first guitar playing techniques that you must be able to master.
|
- 3). Feel the Guitar Beat By : ian Williamson
The reason why most people who try to play the guitar and are not “up to snuff” is that they give too easily. The problem with these people is that they tend to think that there is something wrong with them and why they simply cannot get the strings to sound right.
|
- 4). Music Production and Mixing Tips & Tricks By : Ian Waugh
What makes a pro recording pro? What is the "sound" that the pros get and how can you make your recordings sound more professional?
The simple answer is - there's no simple answer. But with careful listening and a little experience you can create excellent results with modest equipment.
Good mixing starts ear
The first and most important item of.
|
|
|
- 6). Understanding The Purpose Of The Guitar Neck Shim By : Michael Granger
Some guitars will just NOT adjust properly with the standard methods available like the bridge saddles, nut filing adjustments and the ability to set the bow (or lack thereof) of the neck itself. Adding shims to the bolt on neck may be necessary to get the guitar to play properly at all locations up and down the neck.
A nut shim acts as a spacer between the nut and neck raising and lowering the distance between all of the strings at the lower end of the guitar, starting at fret 1 and moving towards the body of the guitar.
|
- 7). Creating The Perfect Structure For Your Song By : Ian Waugh
You know what they say about rules? Actually they say lots of things about rules but here's two - rules were made to be broken, and you have to know what the rules are before you can break them. While Judge Dredd may not agree with the first, the second is certainly true and nevermore so than in writing a song.
The song structure may not be the first thing you think about when you start writing.
|
- 8). Make Your Own Beats, Instrumentals, Tracks, and Demo CDs By : Matthew Keith
Many people are making an excellent living selling thier samples, tracks, and cd's, on the Internet and off, even if they're not with a major record label. Just look around on the Internet. People are paying $30 to $60 for small beat and and sound packages, $50 to $100 for small loopsets and beatsets, $100 to $300 for Instrumentals, $100's to $1,000's for complete tracks and samples, and for the few lucky ones like Jay-Z and J D.
|
- 9). iPod Shuffle: Technology for a Lifetime By : Sandra Stammberger
If someone said fifteen years ago that you could hold 240 songs in a device no bigger than a pack of gum, you’d probably be hauled off to the loony bin. But today, they are more of a reality than Survivor, the Apprentice and American Idol combined. This is an innovation brought upon by Apple with their iPod and the iPod shuffle.
|
- 10). Visual Kei As a Music World Vision By : Music Babylon
Visual Kei appears to be frequently used in videos and grab audience’s attentions. Visual Kei followers are characterised by a rather stunning, although freak appearance of a striking make-up and elaborate costumes, causing a shock effect.
To recall, for instance, Merlyn Manson, who is among few to follow the style in the US. The trend is popular among modern bands, irrespective of rumours, suggesting that the style suffered no popularity in the USA and Europe.
|
| New Music Articles |
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 4). How Record Pools Can Make Musicians Rich! By : Kenny Love
Record pools...ever heard of them? The chance is that you have not. And, there is an equal reason that you have not. And, even though major record labels have used them for years, and continue to use record pools extensively, record pools are one of the most secretive elements within the Music industry.
|
|
|
- 6). Playing an Instrument to Beat the Mid-life Blues By : Sam Salmon
The answer to being happy once in your mid-thirties is to fill your life with the things you always wanted or thought you might one day have, just on a more realistic scale. Thus begins my quest for musicians to jam with.
|
|
|
|
|
- 9). A Brief History of Taylor Guitars By : William McRea
Taylor Guitars officially began in 1974 with the purchase of a business by three friends. They had a rough beginning, but eventually persevered. Now the company boasts plenty of acoustic guitar models and has earned their place as one of the top acoustic guitar manufacturers in the world.
|
- 10). Home Run Gigs (The Top Gig Money-Makers) By : Kenny Love
Are you still playing your heart out to small audiences on gigs at unappreciative dives (excuse me, I meant to say nightclubs) that feel paying you a couple of hundred dollars for a 3-4 hour gig is also paying you about $150 too much?
|
|
|
