The Martin F-55 is a rare Vintage Holly Body Thinline Guitar Made in the USA in the 60ties.

C. F. Martin F-55 Model Thinline Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1961), made in Nazareth, PA, sunburst lacquer finish, laminated maple body, mahogany neck, came with a black tolex hard shell case.

A great example of one of C.F. Martin and Co's more unusual creations. Although busy building flat tops for the folk boom, Martin must have felt an urge to get into the electric market, and after a stab at fitting DeArmond pickups to Dreadnoughts, came out with this thin hollowbody series in 1961.

The F-55 is the middle of a three model line, a single cutaway guitar with two pickups. This guitar is one of the first 15 production models recorded as having been built during 1961, the debut year.

The slim sunburst-finished body is triple bound; the dot-inlayed fingerboard is unbound. The neck is slim and comfortable, with typical Martin contours and single enclosed metal-button Kluson tuners. The wiring rig with a switch and individual tone and volume knobs is standard Gibson style, and the pickups are even wired in phase (unlike Guild practice). The chrome stamped metal vaguely "M" shaped tailpiece is the guitar's raciest feature.

While these guitars have been ignored and generally derided since their short production run ('61-'65), perhaps the joke's on us, because viewed without prejudice, this is actually quite a good instrument! The craftsmanship is as good as you'd expect from Martin, it's a comfortable thin body design, and the DeArmond "Dynasonic" pickups are the same as those on some of the greatest-sounding Gretsch and Guild guitars, albiet in a slightly different cover.

While the styling might be best described as "conservative" (it comes mostly from Martin's 1930's archtops), in sound and playability this is fully the equivalent guitar to a Guild Starfire, Gretsch Anniversary of Gibson ES-225. Maybe Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Skip Spence, and the Music Machine's Sean Bonniwell knew something after all.

Overall length is 40 1/4 in. (102.2 cm.), 16 1/16 in. (40.8 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 in. (5.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.).

Product specs

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Martin F-55 hollowbody electric guitar?

The Martin F-55 offers a warm, resonant tone with a rich low end and clear highs, typical of hollowbody guitars. Its single-cutaway design enhances sustain and projection, making it suitable for jazz, blues, and rock genres.

How does the pickup configuration on the Martin F-55 affect its sound?

The Martin F-55 features a dual single-coil pickup configuration, providing a bright and articulate sound. This setup allows for a versatile tonal range, from clean and crisp to warm and bluesy, ideal for various musical styles.

Is the Martin F-55 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Martin F-55 is well-suited for live performances, offering excellent projection and clarity. Its hollowbody construction minimizes feedback, while the single-coil pickups ensure a clear and dynamic sound on stage.

What type of neck does the Martin F-55 have, and how does it affect playability?

The Martin F-55 features a set-neck construction with a rosewood fretboard, providing smooth playability and comfortable fretting. This design enhances sustain and allows for easy access to higher frets, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing.

Is the Martin F-55 a good choice for beginners?

The Martin F-55, with its vintage design and specific tonal qualities, is more suited for intermediate to advanced players who appreciate the nuances of a hollowbody guitar. Beginners might find a solid-body guitar easier to handle initially.