Martin D16 Questions

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Permalink Reply by Jan Borgstroem on February 21, 2009 at 5:56am

I own a Martin D16 RGT, ( My Miss Martin - /Only sixteen /Sweet little sixteen) ,
and I love it more every day
Try it out ;-))

Jan of Denmark

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Permalink Reply by Ed Rhoades on February 21, 2009 at 6:46am

I also have a D16RGT which I purchased new in August. It now has bone, nut, saddle and bridgepins and I buffed out the back and sides. It looks and feels very similar to a D28. Unlike the D 28, it has a micarta bridge and fingerboard and scalloped braces. Cosmetically and tonaly, it compares very favorably to the new D28 models and cost half the price. I also had a Fishman Gold + pickup installed and it has a nice sound amplified. It's a very solid guitar with typical Martin feel and sound, and I'm satisfied.

It came with medium guage strings which I changed to Elixir Custom Lights which gave it a very warm tone. I broke the high E and changed to a different brand of custom lights which sounded a little too brassy for my taste. They are breaking in and the tone is a bit sweeter. When I change the strings, I will go back to Elixir.

Although the guitar had a nice sound initially, a few months of playing made it sound considerably better to my ears. I would expect this guitar to fit the needs to you describe.

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Permalink Reply by Central Valley Musician on February 21, 2009 at 10:46am

I own the Mahogany D-16GT and love it. It is my favorite Mahogany Martn, really. I use itto fingerpick, srum, etc. and you simply can't beat teh price, go for it!

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Permalink Reply by David Volk on February 26, 2009 at 8:47pm

I have two Martin Dreds. Both early 90's. An HD 35 (rosewood/beautifully figured) which sounds rich and full and a D16 (mahogany/zipper strip on back, tortoise style binding on top and bottom, abalone ring around hole. It is a cannon. They are both set up for strong attack and will compare with anything I come across while jamming. I got them both used for a low price. I also played the M38 and found it to be excellent in every way. If I didn't have two dreds, I would be just as pleased to play the M (0000) as it is the largest body made by Martin. Although my inspiration (Clarence White) was famous for his rosewood D28, he used a D18 for most of his solos as it seems to cut through/stand out when playing in an ensemble.

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Permalink Reply by Chris Treiber on February 27, 2009 at 4:55am

David - thanks for the feedback. I just bought a Martin HD-16r lsh with the Fishman Aura system in it. This is to keep my M38 company. Between these and the Collings OM2H, I think I'll be able to stay entertained. I am thinining the herd by one to make room for the HD-16r lsh; the guitar I am letting go is a nice guitar (Guild D40 Bluegrass Jubilee with DTAR) but I guess I am more of a Martin guy. The Martin's seem to fit my style (flatpicking and fills intertwined with chording). The Collings is awesome but I use it in the studio; it doesn't gig. The clarity of the Collings is almost like a piano. Very different from the Martins. I had an HD 28 once that was way too boomy, so I sold it. I played the HD-16r lsh and thought it was more like a "normal" D 28. Projects well but balanced and not too much bass.

David Volk said:

I have two Martin Dreds. Both early 90's. An HD 35 (rosewood/beautifully figured) which sounds rich and full and a D16 (mahogany/zipper strip on back, tortoise style binding on top and bottom, abalone ring around hole. It is a cannon. They are both set up for strong attack and will compare with anything I come across while jamming. I got them both used for a low price. I also played the M38 and found it to be excellent in every way. If I didn't have two dreds, I would be just as pleased to play the M (0000) as it is the largest body made by Martin. Although my inspiration (Clarence White) was famous for his rosewood D28, he used a D18 for most of his solos as it seems to cut through/stand out when playing in an ensemble.

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