In early spring of 2022 I found myself in Maryland for a few weeks tending to some family business. I learned that it was only a few hours to the Martin guitar factory where I could tour factory and museum in Bethlehem, PA. So I woke up super early one day and made the drive so I could be there when they opened at 9 AM - due to COVID they weren't allowing factory tours, but I did get a chance to spend some time in the museum and peak onto the factory floor through a few doors and windows.
CF Martin and his guitars truly defined the sound of the American steel string guitar, and still exist as the standard for guitar builders today. Even the most innovative luthiers usually start their training by building Martin style guitars. I believe some small improvements have been made by large and small makers, but all of us who love guitar have to appreciate the Martin OM's and Dreadnoughts.
