|
|
Here's the history
Posted by Andrew Marshall on Sat, 11/22/03 - 12:43:11.
In brief, the guitar you describe was made in Japan on behalf of CF Martin by the Tokai company. You own either an SBG2-6 or an SBG2-9 (depending on hardware) made between 1973 and 74.
Martin has made several electric series over the years. They are all very collectible:
E-suffix electro acoustics, 1959-1964 (D-18E, D-28E, OO-18E)
F series electric archtops, 1961-65 (F-50, 55 and 65)
GT series electric thinlines 1966-8 (GT-70, GT-75)
Tokai Manufactured copies 1973-4 (SBG2-6, 2-9, SBF2-6, -8)
18 series solid electrics 1979-80 (E-18, EM-18 EB-18 bass)
28 series solid electrics 1980-82 E-28, EB-28 bass
Some Korean made copies with the 'Stinger' label 1985-1989.
Martin stopped making electrics because their core market is acoustics, and they do those best, bluntly. I've interviewed the people involved to try to get to the bottom of the whole thing, and that's basically it.
I have all the records the factory has, and then some :-)
Regards
Andy Marshall
Author, Martin Electrics guitars
Re: Here's the history
I own one but have never seen another one since I bought mine in 1975
Re: Here's the history
: I own one but have never seen another one since I bought mine in 1975
Just bought an SBF2 tele...love it! Can't find out much info...does anyone know how many were made?
Sigma SBG2-9 Re: Here's the history
I also have one and I have never seen another. The one Vintage Guitar article that briefly mentions it says it has a rosewood fretboard and mine is laminated maple I think. It's certainly one of the greatest guitars I've ever played and I wish I could find out more about it, though I have to say it is interesting that it is such a rare guitar. The only drawback is the bolt on neck. Had these been neck through like the late 70s Martin electrics it would be THE ULTIMATE guitar.
Sigma SBG2-9
I have a natural wood finish and a maple fretboard with gold appliances - the way it came when I bought it in 1974. The only thing I've done is replaced my pickups with DiMarzios. This is a wonderfully crafted and super sounding guitar. And, now I've discovered how RARE this thing is, it would take a chunk of coin to make me part with it.
Re: Here's the history
In 1975, I was given a Martin Sigma SBG2-9 for a graduation gift. Of all the guitars that I've played on stage with, It is the one that gets the most compliments. Its a gorgeous guitar and plays like butter. The only complaint that I have with it, is that it is a bit heavy. For some reason, it seems to feel and play better with age. Thanks for your follow-up on it!
Re: Here's the history
If the SBG2-9 is the guitar with the gold plated hardware and white pickguard, I have one. I am the only owner - had it for years. It is the most beautiful guitar I've ever seen - and it IS hefty in weight. Anyone know anything about it's pickups?
Post new comment