Don Martin

Don Martin was 18 years old, in 1950, when he began working at CG Conn Musical Instruments in Elkhart, Indiana. His mother, who worked for the company for 26 years suggested Don interview for an opening in the bell making department. He stayed in that department, becoming a master craftsman, until the factory closed in 1972. Over the years, Don worked for several other instrument makers including EK Blessings, the Vincent Bach plant, and WT Armstrong. While at Armstrong, Don was asked to create the saxophone department. Throughout his career, Don created several methods and processes, many of which became standers within instrument making including the “Frez Bend” and the idea of cleaning bells using white vinegar verses acid.