Photography by Matt Bednarsky
Sounds of music
Students get a backstage pass to the historic Martin Guitar facility.
Lafayette students had the opportunity to visit the legendary Martin Guitars Factory in nearby Nazareth, Pa., in September, thanks to an educational trip planned by the Dyer Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Founded in New York City in 1833, Martin Guitars relocated to Lehigh Valley in 1839. Their guitars have been strummed around Civil War campfires and heard throughout the generations, from Johnny Cash’s iconic all-black D-35 to John Mayer’s signature acoustic-electric guitar.
While there for a few hours, Lafayette students gained a zoomed-in perspective on the company’s production, learning how pieces of wood move through construction, assembly, polish, and play.
They also explored the on-site museum, which houses nearly two centuries of guitar history, including the earliest known Martin guitar. Before leaving, students made time to strum the timeless instruments.
