Martin Electric Guitar History: E, F And GT Changes

Model Changes By Year

1959: The Electrified Flat-Tops

The 00-18E retained a flat-top acoustic body while adding a DeArmond pickup and controls on the top. A second pickup was available. The model belonged to the same early electric effort as the larger D-18E and D-28E.

This first approach adapted the acoustic platform. The later F series was a different thin hollowbody design, so the shift was more substantial than adding another pickup to the 00-18E.

1961 And 1962: The F-Series Hollowbodies

The first F-50, F-55 and F-65 prototypes and small batches date to 1961, followed by larger production in 1962. The F-50 used one pickup. The F-55 added a second pickup, and the F-65 used the two-pickup arrangement with a double-cutaway body.

An adjustable clear plexiglass bridge was part of the original F-series design. A later wood or metal replacement on an individual guitar is not a new factory model phase. The F model numbers distinguished simultaneous versions, rather than a sequence in which every F-50 became an F-55 and then an F-65.

1964 And 1965: The Early Electric Lines End

00-18E production ended in 1964, but the model remained in the next year’s price list while stock was available. The F series ended in 1965.

Martin built 519 F-50s in total, with only one recorded in the final year. These production dates explain why a sales listing or catalog date may be later than the manufacturing period.

1965 And 1966: The GT Redesign

The GT-70 and GT-75 arrived in 1965 with a revised body, bolt-on neck construction and an adjustable neck rod. GT-70 identified the single-cutaway version; GT-75 identified the double-cutaway version. A Bigsby vibrato was optional.

The GT hardware and neck arrangement differed from the earlier flat-top electrics. GT-70 production lasted through 1966, while the GT-75 continued into the following year. Headstock outlines and finishes varied within the GT period and should not be turned into unsupported one-year cutoffs.

1967 And 1968: Twelve Strings And Remaining Stock

A twelve-string GT-75 appeared briefly in 1967. Its elongated conventional headstock accommodated twelve tuners, setting it apart from the six-string GT headstock forms.

GT-series production ended in 1967. Catalog and price-list appearances continued in 1968, reflecting continued availability rather than another year of manufacture. The twelve-string version was a short addition at the end of the line.

Was The F Series A Continuation Of Martin’s Acoustic F Archtops?

No. The acoustic F-1, F-2, F-7 and F-9 belonged to the 1930s and 1940s archtop family. The F-50, F-55 and F-65 were thin hollowbody electrics introduced in 1961.

Were GT Guitars Still Being Made In 1968?

GT production ended in 1967. The models remained in 1968 catalogs and price lists, so a later advertisement does not establish a 1968 build date.