Members rhythmdoctor Posted March 28, 2008 Members Share Posted March 28, 2008 So I am an acoustic forumite looking here for some knowledge. I also posted this in the acoustic forum but figured I'd spread out my search So, I just missed out on an ebay auction for a 1961 F-65. And the hollow bodied electrics I know were made by Martin are: F-55/F-65 & the GT-70/GT-75. The 65 & 75 being the high end of their respective models. And since the F models were made first (61-65), followed by the GT models (66-70?), apparently the GT models were enhanced/modified versions of the F model. As far as solid bodies, I'm only aware of the EM-18 which to my understanding was made in the late 70s early 80s. What I want to know is: Has anyone here played any of these Martin electrics? If so, which has the best tone (looking for warmth and fatness)? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I've always preferred the sound of a hollow body and used to have a custom shop gibson ES-335 which I loved. However, it could very well be that the EM-18 solid body has a warmer tone. The few reviews I've found say that the GT-75 is known for a trebbly sound - I cannot find any reviews on the F-65. There are a few reviews on the EM-18, all favorable and all claiming great tone. Anyways, sorry for posting an electric guitar question in the acoustic forum - but we are talking about a Martin. By the way, I am obviously looking to buy a Martin electric but it's hard to find one to play so I am looking for other's experience to base an educated opinion. Thanks in advancebrent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rhythmdoctor Posted March 28, 2008 Author Members Share Posted March 28, 2008 bump Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cardude6987 Posted March 28, 2008 Members Share Posted March 28, 2008 Sorry man I do not think anyone has had any experience with these on the HCEG forum. But there has to be someone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rhythmdoctor Posted March 28, 2008 Author Members Share Posted March 28, 2008 Sorry man I do not think anyone has had any experience with these on the HCEG forum. But there has to be someone. Yeah, I know they're rare but someone has to know something. Thanks for your condolences:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cardude6987 Posted March 28, 2008 Members Share Posted March 28, 2008 I understand though I could not find any info on the electrics alvarez used to make Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Patuney Posted March 28, 2008 Members Share Posted March 28, 2008 I saw one in a small mom & pop music store in Fargo ND. Neck and fretboard looked immaculate. Must have used nitrocellulose because the entire finish was checked and cracked. Guy had a price tag of four grand on it, so I didn't even pick it up. Looked like a bloated, pancaked ES175. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rhythmdoctor Posted March 28, 2008 Author Members Share Posted March 28, 2008 Patuney - I wonder what the model was? $4K is insane especially considering most of the Martin electrics I've seen advertised are relatively inexpensive. I just saw a late 50s gibson 175 on ebay for $4k Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Patuney Posted March 28, 2008 Members Share Posted March 28, 2008 I'll see if I can find some pictures of some old Martins and let you know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rhythmdoctor Posted March 28, 2008 Author Members Share Posted March 28, 2008 I'll see if I can find some pictures of some old Martins and let you know. Very cool, thanks for the efforts! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Patuney Posted March 28, 2008 Members Share Posted March 28, 2008 Got it! A Martin GT-70 is pretty close to what I saw. Still looking for dates of those things. Later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Patuney Posted March 28, 2008 Members Share Posted March 28, 2008 :bor:More: produced 1966-68, only about 1,495 produced, DeArmond pickups, Gretsch-like jangley tone. Going price- 2,495 pounds, you figure it out. I'm tapped, better researchers need to step in! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rhythmdoctor Posted October 9, 2009 Author Members Share Posted October 9, 2009 Still interested in the F-65 and GT-75 if anyone has any experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rhythmdoctor Posted October 9, 2009 Author Members Share Posted October 9, 2009 This board is way faster than the acoustic. Sorry, just hoping to catch somebody who has experience or can tell me the difference between the GT-75 and F-65. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Sharkfin Posted October 9, 2009 Members Share Posted October 9, 2009 I don't know a thing about the aforementioned guitars. A search of HC's user reviews may offer some clues, though I don't know if the information offered regarding value or model is solid. Martin GT-75:http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Acoustic+Guitar/product/Martin/GT-75/10/1 Martin F-55:http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Acoustic+Guitar/product/Martin/F-55/10/1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rhythmdoctor Posted October 9, 2009 Author Members Share Posted October 9, 2009 I don't know a thing about the aforementioned guitars. A search of HC's user reviews may offer some clues, though I don't know if the information offered regarding value or model is solid.Martin GT-75:http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Acoustic+Guitar/product/Martin/GT-75/10/1Martin F-55:http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Acoustic+Guitar/product/Martin/F-55/10/1 I appreciate the input. I've seen those reviews and was looking for more - very rare guitars, I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members SPONGEBOB Posted October 9, 2009 Members Share Posted October 9, 2009 You won't like it as 335 stand in.. I played a few years ago.. meh.. Decent enough but not close the the standard of excellence Martin demonstrated in their acoustic guitars of the period.. If I could find one cheap, I might bite, otherwise, not interested... there is a reason no one plays them.... The Dearmond pickups are good, but you can find them in MUCH cheaper guitars, like the Fender Coronado or several old Harmony semis like the Rocket, which will have a similar sound to the Martin, as they use the same pickups... Those DeArmonds sound sweet, but squeal uncontrollably at anything approaching rock band volume.. Jazz and standard type stuff will be ok, but if you want to crank a semi with DeArmonds, watch out!!!. Screechy feedback... bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rhythmdoctor Posted October 9, 2009 Author Members Share Posted October 9, 2009 You won't like it as 335 stand in.. I played a few years ago.. meh.. Decent enough but not close the the standard of excellence Martin demonstrated in their acoustic guitars of the period.. If I could find one cheap, I might bite, otherwise, not interested... there is a reason no one plays them.... The Dearmond pickups are good, but you can find them in MUCH cheaper guitars, like the Fender Coronado or several old Harmony semis like the Rocket, which will have a similar sound to the Martin, as they use the same pickups... Those DeArmonds sound sweet, but squeal uncontrollably at anything approaching rock band volume.. Jazz and standard type stuff will be ok, but if you want to crank a semi with DeArmonds, watch out!!!. Screechy feedback... bob Thanks for the feedback. What about if I changed the pickups? I'm not opposed to modifying a vintage git. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rhythmdoctor Posted October 9, 2009 Author Members Share Posted October 9, 2009 One more bump for the Martin F-65 or GT-75. Experience, knowledge - all are welcome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ScienceFriction Posted July 13, 2010 Members Share Posted July 13, 2010 I don't know too much about Martin's electric guitars and would also like more info. I'm pretty smitten with all the ones I've seen so far, including the E/EM-18, they have some of the more pleasing distortion that I've heard on an electric guitar in my opinion. The thing about the F and GT series guitars for me is mostly the look and supposed feel of them, and I love to play jazz and country. I wouldn't shell out too much for them either for the reason SPONGEBOB mentioned, if I had the money I would just go for a vintage Gretsch because you get that great clean sound as well as a great distortion. The E series is a different story though, I don't know too much about them but they seem like very good guitars, and they look awesome. Plus they are more affordable if you can find them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members A Happy Crowd Posted July 13, 2010 Members Share Posted July 13, 2010 I have a Martin Stinger so I've looked them up online from time to time. Here's an article I found a while back on a brief history of Martin's involvement with electric guitars. http://www.vintageguitar.com/features/brands/details.asp?AID=1135 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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