Nazareth, PA is home to C.F. Martin & Co., which is celebrating it's 175th Anniversary this year. It is the oldest surviving producer of guitars in the world and currently the largest manufacturer of acoustic guitars in the United States. The company is known for making some of the finest, quality instruments, and introducing standards in the music products industry. C.F. Martin & Co. was started by German immigrant Christian Frederick Martin, Sr. in 1833 and was founded in the U.S. It has been family owned and operated for 6 generations.
The company will kick off it's year long celebration in honor of the acoustic guitar, which has been played in all types of music, from classical and country, to blues, folk and acoustic rock. Special events will include an auction of exquisite Martin prototypes to benefit the Martin Foundation in late 2008. In addition, the company will introduce a line of limited edition guitars, publication of several books, a CD featuring performances of Martin artists, an in-depth online photo gallery showing the company's history, as well as the copmany's accomplishments and cultural contributions throughout the world during the last 175 years.
C.F. Martin & Co. has survived many economic, social and political events, such as the Civil War, post war turmoil, immigration, World War I, the "Roaring 20's", the Great Depression, World War II, the Vietnam War and the technological revolution. Not only did it survive through it all, it also improved and increased. Recently, Martin has set company sales records even with the down economy. It has crafted it's millionth acoustic guitar, has undergone renovation and expansion of the factory, plus, it unveiled a new museum and visitor's center in Nazareth, PA.
Over the years, Martin started producing mandolins in the late 1800's, and becoming the top producer of ukuleles in the 1920's. In 1970, Martin acquired Darco String Company and are also now producing quality guitar strings.
Christian, better known as Chris, Frederick Martin IV took over the company in 1986 and is the current Chairman and CEO. Under his leadership, he has increased sales and production, maintained the level of quality, introduced new technologies and expanded the factory to nearly 3 times its prior size. He has also introduced many affordable guitars.
If you are ever in the area of Nazareth, PA, be sure to stop and visit the museum and take a tour of the factory. You will be totally amazed at the craftsmanship that goes into manufacturing a guitar.
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