Just to set the record straight on a few things...
The Martin factory has featured tours for deacades, beginning shortly after the current factory opened in 1964 I believe. I took my first tour in 1986 and will be taking my 44th in August at the UMGF’s annual Martin fest.
As of last year, it is now officially possible to buy an instrument at the factory. (It has been unofficially possible for many, many years but neither encouraged nor advertised.) To do so, you would let them know upon arrival that you’re interested in buying an instrument. A customer service rep will then help you make your selection and together you will choose and contact an authorized Martin dealer. The sale is finalized with and credited to that dealer. You do not have to pay full retail, but you do have to pay MAP (Minimum Advertsed Price) which is the minimum price dealers are allowed to advertise in print and online. Many dealers do, in fact, sell Martins well below MAP in their shops or over the phone.
I have played many outstanding Martin custom guitars over the years (in fact Iown one) and several custom Martin Ukes. They have all been extraordinarily well-crafted instruments. Tone is, of course, subjective so all I can tell you is that I personally feel that almost all of the examples I’ve played were, in my opinion, well worth the money invested (and some of the custom shop guitars I’ve played were in the >$10,000 range).
As for the Mexican made Martin Ukes, I have never played a C1K that didn’t impress me, although I’ve come across a few T1Ks that didn’t trip my trigger. Likewise, most of the S1s I’ve come across have been classic examples of of well-made mahogany Martin sopranos. Not necessarily on par with most vintage Style 0s, but they also don’t have 60+ years of mojo under their tops yet. The HPL Martin Ukes I have found to be extremely consistent across the board. Well made, durable, very good sounding instruments and an excellent choice for a travel Uke in particular. Martin’s facility in Mexico is held to the same high standard of excellence as the Nazareth factory, they just make a more affordable product line.
All of this is just my personal experience with Martin over the last 30 years or so. As always, YMMV. If anyone wants their own hands on experience, the 11th annual event “Martin on Main” will take place in downtown Nazareth on August 4, coinciding with the 16th annual UMGF Martin Fest August 3-5. Most of the UMGF festivities take place at Nazareth Boro. Park on Friday and Sunday, and we provide the entertainment on the town square on Saturday. Technically, the UMGF stuff is for forum members but if you want to stop by the large pavilion at the park on Friday or Sunday after 10:00am for cameraderie and endless jamming, just tell them Scooter sent you and you’all be welcomed with open arms. (Interested parties can PM me for more details.)
Peace,
Scooter