Home

Welcome to Nazareth Guitar Institute

14 South Broad St. Nazareth, Pa 18064

American Archtop ©

Dale Unger was born September 16, 1954, raised in Nazareth, PA, home of Martin Guitar. In my teens I became inspired by meeting some of the world's finest guitar builders. This led me to play guitar and become a builder. Visiting the shop of one of Martin's craftsmen encouraged me to buy one of his guitars. I was overwhelmed by the craftsmanship and ease of playing. At that point I knew I wanted to build an instrument of that quality. I started building acoustic guitars in 1977 in collaboration with friend Dick Boak.

In 1993 I began an apprentice with Archtop guitar builder, Robert Benedetto. Working for Bob for several years was an experience of a lifetime. Teaching me his secrets and passions for the Archtop guitar that has taken him some 30 years to master. Together we built some of the worlds finest Archtop guitars.

Gradually, I started incorporating Bob’s secrets with my own ideas. In 1996, inspired by Bob and Cindy Benedetto, I began offering my own handmade Archtop guitars under the American Archtop Brand, for which I have received critical acclaim. American Archtop Guitars are built for the player. Guitars are custom ordered and I am always available to discuss your personal preferences. I am president and owner of American Archtop Guitars & Unger Instrument Company. My world- famous instruments are built in Nazareth, Pa USA.

I offered my first guitar building workshop in 1996, and since that time, I have been imparting my skills and knowledge at colleges and music institutes around the world. As time passed, I began to realize how much I enjoy introducing my trade to others, and likewise, how much they appreciated the opportunity to learn from me over the past 33 years. In 2003, I opened Nazareth Guitar institute where I hold private and group workshops many times a year. Please call us, or visit the school, to discover the ways you can begin your new career, foster your passion, or simply build the guitar of your dreams.

Sincerely,
Dale Unger
American Archtop Guitars & Nazareth Guitar Institute

Luthier School Welcomes You