The prototypes were produced in ’78 and the guitars entered production in 1979. Like many designs of the late ’70s, these have a kind of “organic” quality that’s unique in guitar chronology. The Es were the creation of Dick Boak, who came to Martin as a draftsman in 1976 and by ’77 was given the project of coming up with some new electric guitars.
So anyhow it was into this mix of anti-disco naturalness that Martin tried again with its E Series. Rich guitars were also within this mode, as were the lesser known S.D.Curlees. While somewhat more exotic in shape, Bernie Rico’s B.C. When Norlin/Gibson sued them, they introduced the Musicians and Studios, inspired by the neck-through, active creations of Alembic (and the Grateful Dead, kings of natural enjoyment). Elger Guitars, the American beachhead of Hoshino, makers of Ibanez guitars, established itself by making high-quality copies of American guitars, as well as creating some interesting variations and original models (think Iceman). The taste for natural-looking guitars coincided with the end of the Copy Era in 1978.
Most of it was played on keyboard synthesizers and axe-slingers were afraid interest in guitars would disappear! Of course, they hadn’t reckoned on a young Eddie Van Halen! In contrast with the glitzy glam of disco spandex was the “back-to-nature” look.
Disco! Guitarists were panicked by disco. The 1970s were a strange time, to say the least! It had anti-war protests, wild inflation, fondue, gas shortages, odd new Japanese cars, presidential resignations, new STDs, and, man, disco. Vintage 1979 Martin EM-18 Electric Guitar
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