How To Build a Martin Guitar

[@MarySpender]

Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: bit.ly/maryspender_nebula Watch my documentary - Martin Guitars: A Short History | First on Nebula bit.ly/3KI3TGm

[@TheGrandPoohPaw]

I’m signed up, so go Mary! Thanks for the entertaining and fascinating content.

[@nedludd3641]

What happened to the antique 19th-Century Martin Guitar borrowed from the Martin Museum for the Quinton Tarantino movie, 'The Hateful Eight'?

[@iatsd]

Mahogany? So they ignore the international ban on trading it and contribute towards the deforestation and extinction of it? Greeeeeeat...... 😕

[@tippytailmckitty2658]

Now do the Gibson Bozeman plant!

[@ashroskell]

There is something very therapeutic about watching things being made. I get the same release of oxytocin when I watch videos of cute puppies being bathed, dried and trimmed. Sounds daft, but I can watch stuff like that for hours. The explanation over the top is just gravy. Thanks 👍

[@RonaldCzik]

Thank you. More than a dozen years ago, my wife and I were touring colleges with our son, who plays guitar. We surprised him after a college tour by going to the Martin factory. He was overjoyed. Being a woodworker myself, I was enthralled at the machine but more so with the craftspeople working there. It is clear they have talent and take pride in their work. After the tour, we went to the rooms where our son could try some of the sample guitars. He picked up a $50,000 guitar (I was freaking out - he was just 17 at the time!) and played a wonderful song. Amazing. He then went over and picked up a 12 string, which he never played before and started play Hotel California. We've heard him play that song on his 6 string but is was a different experience, it was as if he had only been playing half the song (go figure - LOL). It was a great time and insight into watching a group of artists do their craft. Thanks for creating this video.

[@1230403]

You’re son is a brave, brave man to be picking up $50,000 guitars! I would be terrified of damaging it! Great story 😊

[@OzziePete1]

Beautiful story Ronald. The memory of playing those expensive instruments will stay forever with your son. If he continues playing guitar, those memories will be benchmarks for when he buys guitars.

[@Lacquerhead-TX]

The machines are nifty. The magic is the people.

[@marcusthompson6775]

What a precious memory that must be :)

[@StoöpídFN]

I’m afraid of picking up a $200 guitar😂

[@seanhopkins3758]

I am fortunate enough to be about 75 min from the Martin factory in Nazareth, Pa. I have been there a handful of times and have taken the tour twice. It feels like hallowed ground then you are there. I also own two late 1980's Martins, a D35 and a J40 (i posted reviews of both on my own channel). Any time i have any issue whatsoever, I bring them back to the factory to have then serviced. Their staff are always top notch in their attention to detail and customer service. They certainly stand by their instruments!!!!!

[@AlexPriceMusician]

7:14 - Fun fact: a *huge* number of Martin dreadnaughts in the 70's were built and sold while the bridge gauge was out of alignment. I was looking at a 1973 D-35 years ago and that was a bit of info I dug up. To this day (original owner or not), if you have one of these guitars, Martin will fix the bridge at zero cost.

[@SimpleHormones]

My wife plays Martins and loves her 1971 000-18 that she bought new on her 21st birthday. She also has a gorgeous and beautiful sounding 1990 J-40 (rosewood) that has deep Martin tone for days. We bought our son a 00-15 (mahogany top) when he was 15. We’re definitely a Martin family. All 3 of us toured the Nazareth factory in 2003 when we were on a cross country motorhome trip. We loved it. Fantastic video! Did not know Martin also Pleks their newly built guitars. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@alanclayton9277]

Spender and Martin, perfect match.

[@MichelleLouiseDavis-zl7ub]

Both are defective

[@amain325]

@@MichelleLouiseDavis-zl7ub Mary is defective??? I think not.

[@MichelleLouiseDavis-zl7ub]

@amain325 she's meant you be a guitarist but she's fone more tslking than playing and she doesn't even teach

[@jazzyonno]

Nice! I visited the factory in April 2006 to pick up a Custom based on a D-42 spec, flying in from West Africa. I did the factory tour too. It was very memorable, also the drive from Manhattan. I also purchased a secondhand OM-42 QMII that trip. These two instruments are still cherished by me 17 years later and played often. I can really recommend a factory trip. The museum at the factory is also great.

[@tyblu7667]

I love how you don't waste any time in your informational videos. You are clear and concise whilst remaining very entertaining. Thank you for doing what you do, Mary!

[@margaretschuering622]

Love this video. I own a Martin and it is a wonderful instrument. Through your video, I can see how much attention to detail and love is put into each instrument. Glad that there is a company like Martin out there. Thanks for the video and I really enjoyed your narration.

[@josephadambery6278]

Your writing and narration in this clip is sublime and precise I look forward to the full length feature

[@alnicol__]

I love Martin! As a lefty I was lucky enough to find a Martin at my local guitar shop and I’ve been playing it live for a couple years now. Such a full sound.

[@LindsayLallaMusic]

Wow. I just got my first Martin, and this makes it even better. What an awesome insight into the people who make it all happen.

[@jonm4989]

I bought a second hand 000M and absolutely love it. I appreciate it’s at the cheaper end of the Martin range, but I love it to bits.

[@topdazzle]

Got my first Martin (a DSS-17) a little over a year ago and playing it for the first time was absolutely shocking! The sustain never stopped and the projection and volume was off the scale. I played it in a bar in Ireland with other Trad musicians and even when I wasn't playing it, the top was vibrating sympathetically with the frequencies of the other instruments. Expensive but, as you said, you can't rush (or put a price) on quality - the difference is clear to me. I bought another one since for travel (a DJR-10E Dreadnought Junior) and it is also amazing. Not quite as loud, sure - but sooooo nice to play. Thanks Mary - a great video.

[@novaseline4u]

Hi Mary! I'm glad you got to go over to the Martin facility for a tour. For 12 years I lived in the next town to the east, not far from Martin's, and I have toured there several times. I saw changes over the years, mostly to include more automation. If I remember right, some of the sanding machines were built by Martin's electrical and mechanical technicians, since what was needed was not available on the open market. I guess those units could have been replaced by now with commercially produced machines. Or not, I'm not certain. I always loved the smells there -- freshly sawn wood, and acrylic lacquer. Lacquer finishing on guitars requires the same skills as those in refinishing a car. If Jeff Beck were still with us, he'd tell you the same! He was a very skilled auto body man and mechanic, as well as a guitarist. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed your visit to the Lehigh Valley, and to Martin Guitar!

[@wbfaulk]

Many countries ban the export of woods in an "unfinished" state. This is basically what got Gibson in trouble back in 2012 or so. This is probably the reason that the rosewood arrives as "back and side material" (1:20) rather than as raw lumber.

[@JimForeman]

I took the tour several months ago and it was a fascinating time. I was struck at the range of technology being used. The laser cutting of the tops and back at one end of the spectrum, to clothes pins for clamps at the other end. Very educational. I recommend a tour for any guitarist.

[@thedave2429]

Can't believe you were just a few miles away and didn't tell me! I would have loved to go on that tour with you. Keep up the great work, and thank you for showcasing a great American company.

[@DavidAnderson-gp6gi]

Same!!!

[@guidobrunellijr.3]

yup

[@usmapiper88]

I am about 5 miles from the factory too. Havent taken the tour, but I try to make Martin on Main every year.

[@paulbuck0267]

Great video! I live about an hour away from the factory in Nazareth, PA. The pandemic prevented me from taking a tour. Hopefully this summer. I love my OM-28, SC13e, 00 2XE!!!

[@redinator9896]

I had the honor of putting an LR Baggs pickup in a D-18 recently. Great combination! I also love the Takamine CT-4 electronics.

[@johnmcintosh3298]

Thanks!

[@edphaze6550]

Wow Mary! This is one of the most informative and beautifully done videos about acoustic guitar I’ve ever seen. Thank you for all you do. ❤

[@DrElectron1]

Thanks Mary for putting together a nice video. It took me down memory lane. I visited the Nazareth factory back in 1972 and thoroughly enjoyed the tour and the museum. I see that Martin's manufacturing processes have changed which one would expect after 50+ years. They are clearly more efficient but still focused on quality and craftsmanship.

[@guprovasi]

Definitely a lot of work 😱 Amazing video 👏🏻

[@RobertFairweatherMusic]

Very amazed with and thankful for the craftsmen and craftswomen working on our guitars at Martin. I love my Martin. Nice doc, Mary. TY

[@MrFlames01]

Big fan of Martin guitars as well. Very interesting video! Thanks for sharing it!

[@northsongs]

Mary, a few years back on DYI Network here in the states, there was a program called 'Handmade Music'. They had a few episodes about Lynn Dudenbostel, a luthier, and followed along as he built a D-28 type guitar. It was fascinating to watch. I can't find it online anywhere but I do still have it on VCR. That one program started me on my guitar building journey. Great stuff! I remember his explanation of the nitro finish as " it's not about how much finish you put on the guitar, as it is about how much finish you 'leave' on the guitar."

[@robertvillalobos7083]

Looking forward to watching your documentary. I am a big fan of Martin Guitars. Love my HD-28.

[@bernardinelermite1133]

Your diction is so clear and perfect ! It's a pleasure just to listen to you.😊And your smile when you enter the workshop like you are stepping into paradise is priceless ! 😄

[@mrmedic2012]

What a great video and interview. Thank you so much I appreciate the time you put into making this. I've been a musician in the past but I played the trumpet and I'd like to transition to guitar. I like this brand a lot the attention to detail and craftsmanship is beautiful.

[@freesk8]

I have a bottom of the line Martin D-10 Road series I got used. Stays in tune better than any guitar I have ever owned, and always sounds great!

[@guyincognito1423]

Great video! Anytime people would bring up Martin, I would always roll my eyes. I always considered them overrated and overpriced... until I played one last week. I picked it up as a goof while trying out acoustics, played a few chords, and bought it on the spot. Didn't even bother really looking at the quality, or craftsmanship, it just sounded soo good that there was no way I was going to leave the store without it. And when I did get it home, and was able to look it over, I was even more impressed!

[@timsongster]

I totally enjoyed this video… I played an older Taylor 12-string Jumbo for years… my bass player collected Martins… I had my Taylor in the shop for a re-fretting and some other work.. I expected it back before my next gig, sadly it was delayed… my bassist lent me his 12 string Martin.. that tone was awesome.. I didn’t want to return it… but I continued to play my Taylor….. now I am not able to play professionally. (some disability issues) but I still pick it up everyday and play what I can… just as exercise and prayer…. It is part of who I am… I’ve been asked to judge talent shows and advise young performers and sometimes help with production…. All for free…. I have never discouraged anyone from following their dreams… How lucky are we that we get to play original music

[@oliverschnell5434]

I own a Martin 00L 17E, and it's such a beautiful instrument. It's extremely light, it looks absolutely gorgeous and sounds amazing.

[@jimji5116]

I've owned several Martin guitars over the years, some I regret parting with, but my present Martin J40 is a beauty. I did visit the Martin Guitar factory, an enjoyable experience

[@butlerdawgs78]

Love it! I live in NJ so only a couple hour drive to their factory. I went for a tour there and was just drooling over all the guitars, especially in their museum area. Spent another couple hours just trying out all the different ones. Ended up buying a 000-12E Road Series, the back and sides are Koa and the grain is beautiful!

[@wizewoods9130]

Another great video by Miss Mary, always a treat, I'm headed to Nebula RIGHT NOW!

[@gregfisher216]

A fascinating tour ,thank you for sharing this video of how these beautiful instruments are made with love and skill . And how you produced this video with love and skill.

[@peaceman7321]

Mary, Mary... you just make me happy - thanks, as always, for a high-quality video - loved it!

[@deniswastaken]

I love this kind of videos, especially I was eager to watch a martin's video because of kurt cobain's martin d18e.

[@PMCN53]

That’s another wonderful episode! Done with style, as usual. I agree the craftsmanship of Martin Guitars is GOLD standard…. Love your work ❤😊

[@Geotubest]

I have both a Taylor and a Martin HD28. I go to my HD28 a lot but I also enjoy the Taylor. Great guitars.

[@Musician-Lee]

I love watching a good guitar being made. A great video!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

As do I. However Martin is no longer the company it was pre CFM IV.

[@ChristopherRoss.]

I treasure my Martin. 2006 DCME model. My dad bought it for me as a graduation present, and it's one of my most treasured possessions.

[@michaelbarrett2855]

Wow nice guitar congrats on the graduation and the fine gift

[@lilycat1694]

I really enjoyed this. Time to save up for one of the Martin Standard series guitars.

[@STARKNAKEDVIDEOS]

"Made to be together", that's how I believe I will feel when I finally get my first Martin 😊

[@zino4073]

Lovely, thanks Mary ❤️

[@PlayMadness]

I live about five minutes from this factory and I see it every day. Thank you for helping me rediscover an appreciation for the the incredible craftsmanship and history here, which had become mundane through familiarity.

[@revelationsoundstudio]

I have been to the Martin factory twice and own one of their guitars as well. I used to own a Taylor but after a couple of years, I got tired of the bright loud sound and I found I was more attracted to the balanced tone of a Martin. And now I have not looked back. They sound amazing when recording them as well

[@dennisyounkin644]

I just bought a 1967 Martin D-28 and I will receive it tomorrow!!! CAN’T WAIT!!!!

[@craigwestwood1]

Nice video Mary! Great short version and lead-in for the full documentary. I’m intrigued…

[@deandaniel4911]

Thanks Mary!, It was wonderful to meet and hear you in the Martin booth @ NAMM

[@richcibelli1445]

Great Job, I bought a D12E this year. Its my first Martin and a great buy!

[@giorassiccuriosity3179]

wish this video was much much much longer! This could be my nightly background playlist!

[@bradsimpson7369]

Great video! I have some Taylors, which I like, but at some point in time there will be a Martin joining the herd. Thanks for taking us on the tour Mary! Enjoy!

[@latelierpunk1348]

Fantastic video, Mary! Would love to see you do one with Daisy Tempest!

[@michaelsongs]

Another great video, Mary! I waited a year to get my Martin 000-15m because I didn’t want a pick guard on it. It essentially went thru their production schedule as a custom, due to that one small change. Totally worth the wait. I’ve never had a guitar that felt & sounded more like me in my life. It was my 2nd Martin. I believe I may now be Martin for life!❤

[@peterzuehlke]

love mine, though I do like it better with the phospher bronze DR 11-50s I use on it now.

[@alicankarakaya2770]

Do they make custom 15? I thought it starts from 18.

[@michaelsongs]

@@alicankarakaya2770 mine was not a ‘custom shop’ custom. It was simply a preference to not have a pick guard glued onto the guitar. I assumed they would just take one of the guitars that was at that step & skip the pick guard application. Instead it was treated as a custom order ‘back of the line’ in production. Hence the 12 month wait period.

[@michaelsongs]

@@peterzuehlke I’ll have to check those out. The guitar sounds so good I’ve been afraid to try a different type of string on it. But if there’s a chance it could sound even better, I guess I should try that out! Thanks for the tip. 😉👍

[@peterzuehlke]

@@michaelsongs a lot of that is personal preference, of course, and whether you are recording it or listening acoustically. I find the Martin strings a little brassy (like that 5 to 7 khz area), even with my old ears, haha

[@aldenwilkins]

I recently picked up a new to me 2021 HD-28. Love it.

[@dave7010]

good for you. Did you put it back down after you saw the price tag?

[@alancandy6080]

Must have been hard getting all that info into a short time. You did a great job, Mary. Signature Martin coming on the way?

[@danieldunkel4378]

Thank you for this video. I have seen many of the CF Martin Videos but your is short and sweet. I own a 000-28 and I am loving it. It is beautiful in looks and also sounds. So, as far as I am concerned I am a big fan of you and CF Martin. Cheers from Switzherland

[@baskeptic1161]

I have been playing guitar for over 40 years and learned more about guitar manufacturing today than I had in the previous 40! Thank you!

[@1755ma]

Superb job. Concise, informative, and entertaining. Cheers!❤

[@peterprice5896]

Great mini doc Mary as always your content has a polish “scuse the pun” to it that makes all you do very watchable and interesting.

[@michaellakinloch5371]

I enjoyed this. I've been to the Martin factory and took the tour, but you got to see, and record, more than we saw. Thank you.

[@kh491]

You have the most pleasant voice. Aside from being a great singer you would do incredible at voice over! Love the tour very informative! Thank you Mary!

[@teashea1]

and a massive thanks to you...... what a great video ...... the best of any of the Martin produciton process videos on YT.

[@michaelevan9184]

Awesome! I only live about an hour away and have always wanted a Martin.... Going to pay them a visit and hopefully pick out my dream guitar!

[@antoinettepierce3330]

This is absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing. I'm sending you love 💕

[@grouchomarxist666]

Superb video. Your word economy is refreshing and appreciated. Well done. Love my Martin.

[@grahamnash9794]

The finest of artists plying their trade to this quality is a fine gift to the eyes.

[@twhalen5516]

Lucky Goose! Would love to see that!

[@edmurphy671]

By chance in 1990 I bought a 1981 D42 for $800 with a factory hardshell case. Setting up on stage about 5 years later one of our crew placed it on the floor for just a second while he setup a stand and another crew member lost his balance and stepped on it with his full weight. Literally all three of us cried together. I felt like someone killed my favorite pet. I drove it to the factory in Nazareth and they told me they'd do the best they could. They brought her back, well all but the finish, and to this day it still has the spider cracks. She's a beautiful old girl with a lot of character and my favorite still.

[@Randorita]

Love that place! One of my favorite trips! I hung out in the picking room for about an hour.

[@RuggieroCampopiano]

Awesomeness...Sooooo good!!! I play a D28...my go to and now I wanna hug it even more!!

[@tankhalffull]

Love my lefty OMC18E.., had to wait six-months for her to be built.., it was definitely worth the wait... great video, appreciate the insight into the process that brought my Martin to me...

[@margiesplace259]

Mary Martin seriously should consider hiring you as a special guitar player, PR for them once in a while, great job! How fun, these guys take their craft seriously, I've oh nothing but Martin acoustic guitars love them love their sound and I know that they are crafted with care and love.

[@j.b.8767]

While there are many excellent manufacturers of guitars in the world, there is just something about a Martin that, for me, makes it very special, and though subtle, it's very distinct: I can hear the difference without even seeing the guitar, no matter which guitar model I am hearing! I have a "cheap" D-16e, and I am amazed by the quality of this guitar each time I pick it up and play it. As I say, there's something truly special about these guitars. Martin's are in a league of their own. Nothing compares. Thanks, Mary! Well done! Like a Martin...

[@davidhoxit4274]

Book matching can be applied to all wooden instruments....I was able to buy a Martin D-28 with the aid of my employers "Length Of Service Award" . It is the finest instrument I own...thanks Mary! Great Video👍🏻

[@michaelbarrett2855]

Veneering fine furniture is a great look also.

[@petermargie]

You should have called! I live just down the road from the Martin factory. I could have shown you the local sights,.....such as they are 🤣 Stop back at the beginning of August for Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA. It’s the largest non-gated, mostly free, music festival in the US

[@Hubbs3of6]

Good job Mary. Thanks for the tour.

[@mestengo22]

Tks good video I had & loved a Martin in days so nice of a tone bring tears to your eyes cheers from Mestengo

[@Cody-Blues]

Was fortunate enough to get mine over a year ago. The guitar has become a part of my soul. Great video on how these are constructed and hand made

[@Ahuntrgw2013]

Thank you for another GREAT video, mum! I felt that I saw all I needed to know about Martin.

[@DjKayD]

I have a mini lx1e, Interesting seeing all the work and process that goes into them.

[@davidgramling1484]

I have a Martin D-28 John Lennon model. Love everything about it, beautiful workmanship, Incredible tone. It is my favorite ❤️

[@tomliemohn624]

Cool overveiw! I used to build guitars as a hobby. I was never extremely good at it, some were nice looking and some played well. In short, I couldn't do this for a living. But Martin is a Gold standard company and seeing how they do this, is pretty cool.

[@noelpatrick5074]

The lovely Mary Spender with a lovely video of an outstanding guitar,,, here in India videos like this are appreciated 👍👍👍

[@AntonioZaccariaGuitar]

Beautiful video. The more guitars I own and play the more confident I am that my Martins are some of the best possible acoustic guitars ever🙂

[@Futs101]

You were soooo close to building your own Mary!!❤. Now with your learned new skills, grab that gorgeous piece of purple figured mahogany and some extra parts and you can get started 😁 😉 can't wait to see that video!!!

[@davidward5225]

Great guitars, I have a HD-35 50th anniversary model, SWDGT, and StreetMaster 000-15M.

[@bobjones3027]

Nice job. Very useful descriptions for those who may be somewhat new to guitars, but I (55-year player) also enjoyed the care you took with the narrative.

[@ratwynd]

I am fortunate to own 3 Martins. 2 of those were my dream guitars for many years and I was finally able to acquire them a few years back, a D-35 and a D12-28. Then I went in to Kevin's one day and they had an Ovankol OMC16e. I was kind of looking for a D15s 12 fret slot-head mahogany guitar. But this girl had the tone and feel Iwas looking for so she is my #3. (I still may look at a 12 fret if one turns up....) I would love to tour the factory. Look forward to the full documentary you produced, you create such great music and videos.

[@larryhogan3-16]

Thanks to Martin Guitar and you Mary. I'm always amazed when I play my 000 Martin of the sound and quality of construction. By the way you're intelligent and beautiful 😊

[@anthonynonya]

Great video, I love the details. At 6:18 you can see the base of the neck has a threaded insert. Since the necks are glued in, is this insert used for holding the neck in place during the manufacturing process?

[@michaelbarrett2855]

And they will loosen up over time if the guitar gets dried out. For the owners of this type of neck joint, the wooden model tag on the neck block can carefully be removed (it is two sided tape securing it and can be tightened with a phillips head screwdriver if the heal is pulling away from the body. Voila instant neck reset

[@jacksondemarre8057]

I have a 1998 Martin SPD-16T and love it to bits. Awesome video, Mary!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

T for technology meaning the bracing system designed by an employ on his own time, adopted by Martin. Employ mysteriously no longer with the company in short order.

[@janajeffsilvernickelladventure]

Thank You so much. What a great video. I absolutely love my Martin!!

[@kylejacobson9212]

Thank you for the well done video. I enjoyed it. I have a OOO-15 that I love to play. I know they make more expensive and fancier models but it’s simplicity seems to work for me.

[@slowpokemax]

Lovely documentary. Precise and straight to the point. Maybe someday I might just make it to the factory and see everything firsthand. Thanks for the video.

[@docjeffry]

Your camera operator did a great job on the candid shots with you in them. Good video, good content. Thank you.

[@philcottone2247]

Thank you. I loved seeing how my Martin was made. Great video.

[@guitaaress]

I toured the factory back in 77 and have two Guitars from that tour an HD28 and anM38 I also got them to do some repair work on a 1963 D18 sadly I later sold an act I bitterly regret. Every acoustic guitar maker measure their instruments against CF Martin it doesn’t matter who they are. I love my three Martins! Oh! Didn’t I mention my 0M 28? My “go too” guitar. It sits on its stand waiting for me to get into my morning practice session.