New and Improved: Getting to Know Martin’s New 16 Series Guitars

Working full-time at a music shop, I’m surrounded every day by amazing guitars. Of all the new instruments entering the shop, Martin’s recently refreshed 16 series has been producing a lot of excitement. Getting them out of the box and having many opportunities to play them, it’s very easy to see why. All solid wood, made in Nazareth, PA, and a high-quality padded soft case… what’s not to love?

Let’s break it down and meet the newest members of Martin’s refreshed 16 series and learn what sets them apart.

What’s Different?

This series still features the solid-wood construction and Nazareth, PA, manufacturing of its predecessors. However, a few updates set this refreshed 16 series apart. This refresh includes new slope-shoulder and jumbo sizes, factory-installed LR Baggs Element pickups, and bold new gloss-top color options. These include Cherry Cola, Blue Denim, and Cream. Wanting something a bit more traditional or understated? Have no fear; colors like natural, black smoke, and 1935 burst are on standby.

Now that we know what’s different, let’s check out the models.

00L-16E

Featuring a solid spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, solid mahogany back and sides, and a comfortable 24.9-inch scale with 1 3/4-inch nut width, the 00L-16E is a finger-picker’s delight. The smallest in the series, it delivers a focused yet balanced sound. It’s the perfect option for players who prefer to use their fingers or those looking for a good songwriting companion. 

GPC-16E

Moving up a size in the lineup, the GPC-16E is a great option for players looking for something that is balanced in sound and ready for any musical situation. Again, we have a solid spruce top with scalloped X-bracing, but now we have the addition of a solid Indian rosewood back and sides, in addition to a longer 25.4-inch scale. The extra string tension from the longer scale, combined with the rosewood, adds clear highs and bass to the sound; paired with the spruce top, it gives the GPC-16E nice projection and lots of beautiful overtones. To cap it off, the addition of a cutaway is an appealing feature for players looking to experiment above the 15th fret.

DSS-16E

One of my favorites in Martin’s refreshed 16 series, the DSS-16E is the definition of a “workhorse”. It features the unique pairing of a slope-shouldered dreadnought body with a shorter 24.9-inch scale. This combination gives it a bold, full sound with a more relaxed feel. This model has a solid spruce top with forward-shifted X-bracing and solid mahogany back and sides. With the DSS-16E, it doesn’t matter what you play or how you play; this guitar is ready for anything.

J-16E

If you’re looking for a guitar with some power, the J-16E is going to be right up your alley. This model brings Martin’s jumbo body to the 16 series for the first time; for rhythm players and strummers, it’s a dream come true. Featuring a solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and scalloped X-bracing, this guitar delivers a clear and commanding sound with tons of dynamics. The J-16E really shines with players who prefer to play with a pick, but sounds amazing as a finger-style guitar as well. 

Grand J-16E 12 String

They may not be fun to tune or re-string, but a good 12-string guitar is a beautiful thing. The Grand J-16E 12-string is just that! This model combines Martin’s grand jumbo shape with the shallower depth of their 000 size guitars. A unique combination, this gives the J-16E a large but balanced sound. It provides the perfect foundation for this 12-string platform. Featuring a solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and non-scalloped X-bracing, this guitar rings rich, clear, and balanced.

Closing Thoughts

Although most would not consider a price point ranging from $2,499.99 to $2,599.99 affordable, these 16 series guitars will inspire and last their owners a lifetime. Providing something for every player, Martin has once again proven it’s possible to take a good thing and make it better. 

With new body shapes, updated electronics, and color options aimed to please all, it’s no surprise this series is a hit. If you’re looking for an all-solid-wood, American-made guitar that’s ready to hit the stage, these new Martin 16 series guitars need to be on your radar. 

Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images