Nazareth Guitar Institute

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.