Stinger by C.F. Martin Electric Guitar, Red - Used
The Stinger line is one of the more unlikely chapters in C.F. Martin's long history — launched in 1985 as a Korean-made, Martin-inspected line of solid body electrics aimed at the entry-level market. Most Stingers were built by Samick and shipped to Martin's Nazareth, PA factory for final setup and inspection before hitting dealers. They're well-made for what they are, and they've developed a quiet cult following among players who appreciate a good-playing, no-frills Strat-style guitar with an unusual pedigree.
This one is a red Strat-style with three single-coil pickups, maple neck and fingerboard, standard tremolo, and chrome hardware — well played and well loved, with a fast, shreddy little neck that's a lot of fun. Fret wear is present but there's plenty of life left in them. The switch tip is missing. Body and neck show plentiful small scratches and dings consistent with years of enthusiastic playing, with one larger crack on the back of the neck — nothing structural, still fully functional. A great no-frills player at a great price.
Condition is Good.
- Make: Stinger by C.F. Martin & Co.
- Era: 1985-1996
- Country of origin: Korea (inspected and set up by C.F. Martin, Nazareth, PA)
- Type: Solid body electric guitar
- Body: Strat-style
- Finish: Red
- Neck: Maple, bolt-on
- Fingerboard: Maple
- Scale length: 25.4 inches
- Frets: 21
- Pickups: 3 single-coil
- Controls: Volume, tone x2, 5-way selector
- Bridge: Standard non-locking tremolo
- Hardware: Chrome
- Condition: Good
- Known issues: Switch tip missing
- Modifications: None
- Includes: Nothing
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value.
International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
