UPPER NAZARETH TWP., Pa — Music and tradition are both important parts of the holiday season, and both were back Tuesday as C.F. Martin & Co. resumed its Holiday Open House for the first time in three years.
After a hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic, the iconic guitar maker again opened the doors to its factory for holiday tours, music and giveaways.
- Martin Guitar again opened its doors for a public Holiday Open House on Tuesday
- The event featured giveaways, concerts and a visit from Santa Claus
- Martin Guitar has been in the Lehigh Valley for more than 180 years
Martin Vice President of Marketing Michael Nelson, who started four years ago, said he's thrilled to see the event come back.
Nelson said he loves working at the Martin factory and in the Lehigh Valley.
"First of all, you're around music all the time, and it's just so inspiring," he said. "Because when you think about where these guitars could end up, you know, whether it's Johnny Cash, or The Beatles, or Ed Sheeran, they're just bringing joy to everyone and it's an inspiring place to work."
C.F. Martin & Co. has been crafting fine instruments for more than 180 years, with artists such as Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton playing its instruments.
On Tuesday, the factory floor was accessible to the public, giving visitors front-row seats to their guitar-making process.
The factory is a giant brick warehouse, with sprinkles of sawdust all over the brightly lit manufacturing room.
Between the aisles of tables, wood, and machines, there was a robot on wheels roaming around, decked out in a Christmas wreath and wrapped gifts, playing a rock 'n' roll version of "Jingle Bells" through its speakers.
Chris Pfeiffer, a designer at Martin Guitar, was controlling the robot from a computer behind a stand-up desk on the factory floor. He offered to turn it around so curious guests could get a better look.
"It's our parts delivery cart, so he actually delivers parts from downstairs to upstairs," Pfeiffer said. "But we decorated him for the holiday party to just kind of spread some cheer."
Pfeiffer said the robot sometimes goes the wrong way, or makes mistakes. When asked if he had an unofficial nickname, he jokingly replied "none that I can say here."
When asked, Nelson said he plays guitars himself (only Martin) but that he is "very bad."
Later in the night, Santa Claus was on site, posing for photos with children, and taking requests for their Christmas wishes.
There was also a live performance by Lehigh Valley guitar favorite Craig Thatcher, who travels the world as an ambassador for Martin Guitar, and violinist Nyke Van Wyk, as well as guitar giveaways.
