Despite Martin's legendary status in the acoustic guitar arena, their electric guitars models have been less successful. Although in 1959 they had offered D-18 and D-28 dreadnoughts with added pickups and controls, Martin's first true electric guitars were the F series archtops introduced in 1961. These were replaced in the GT series, which was made until 1968. The GT Series consisted of three models: the GT-70, GT-75 and GT-75-12. These were semi-hollow bodied thin-line electric with two f-holes. They had bound rosewood 22 fret fingerboards, with dot position markers and large headstocks which were radically different from Martin's acoustic guitar pegheads. The GT-70 was a single cutaway and the GT-75 double cutaway. Both had two DeArmond pickups.

Martin described the GT Series as follows in their catalog:

• "These new Martin electrics feature exceptionally slender necks. each having 22 low-lying frets on a narrow linger- board at genuine Brazilian rosewood. this assures the brilliant tonal qualities and last action favored by professionals  
• From their lean bodies to the smooth, close frets of nickel silver, these guitars provide the answer for the demanding musician who insists on the most modern technical advances in sound reproduction, matched with high quality workmanship.  
• Martin's history of painstaking craftsmanship, blended With the latest resonance developments. have resulted in the production of these already highly-praised guitars  There are no heels on the thin. especially-reinforced necks of either instrument, giving complete ease when playing the total length of the 22-fret fingerboard. bound in white. And, using a new, adjustable neck rod. we have ensured the lowest and fastest action possible.  
• Both the GT-70 and the GT-75 are equipped With DeArmond high-fidelity dual electric guitar pick-ups, and both bass and treble have individually-adjustable magnets under each string which compensate for any variable characteristics and provide improved. well-balanced tone. In addition, the pick-ups have their own individual tone and volume controls. By using the three position selector switch, these guitars can utilize the treble or bass pick-ups individually, or both dual pick-ups simultaneously. 
• The GT-70 and the GT-75 are both available in deep, polished burgundy or black finish, protected by lustrous white pick-guards and bindings on the head, neck and body. Both guitars are prepared for optional-extra Vibrato tail-pieces. now available.  The GT-70 Single Cutaway, gaining the 15th fret on the bass side and the 18th fret on the treble.  The G-75 Double Cutaway, joining the neck at the 18th fret on both sides."