A note received from a 2003 Martin Guitar Design Workshop Participant
I wanted to send a thank you to all the people at CF Martin Guitar Co. who helped to make the past week of my life so wonderful. The experience was one I will never 
forget. From the factory tour the first day, I knew this class was special. Perhaps being around Chris Martin so much, the people at CF Martin may not realize how unique and wonderful it is to have such a CEO. One who truly cares about his product and people. It is unique in today's world of big business. As I write this I see many of my co-workers standing in the unemployment line as jobs are being shipped to India.
And sitting in the class all week, I was surrounded by wonderful classmates who shared a similar interest - guitars. As I stated in my presentation, I may not be able to play a song - note for note - but I do have a love of the Arts. And Martin Guitars are a perfect example of an instrument of (beautiful) art - being used to created (musical) art. It was a thrill for me to sit back, work on my design and listen to others in the class play music all day long.
Dale Unger was also the perfect match for this course. He obviously knows his guitars as well as their construction. He also defies the old adage - Those who can't do - teach. He can do it - and he can teach it as well. He is a perfect match for this forum.
I also want to thank those folks from CF Martin who took time out of their workday to come down to the college and talk to us. While I don't remember all of their names - I know I asked many questions about Martin, the company as well as the guitar. Each question was answered with great knowledge and respect - regardless of how simplistic a question it was.
As far as the college goes, I could think of no better place. The rooms were the correct size and most of the equipment we needed was on hand and in good working order.
And lastly - the meals. The lunches kept getting better and better, and they started out great. To say we were spoiled was very much an understatement. I will definitely be taking my wife there to experience another of the Lehigh Valley's unknown secrets.
Again, hats off to Chris Martin IV creating such a wonderful program. As I told my teenage daughter - who lives for her high school basketball - It was like her going to an NBA basketball clinic with Michael Jordan and A Iverson running the program...it was a dream come true.
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Michael R. Orr
