Martin D-16GT.

[Mike M.]

Hi folks. Well, I've tried so many acoustic guitars lately that I find I'm having a hard time trying to remember what is what! Some not so good, some good and some great.

But so far the one that seems to have the most appeal to me is the Martin D-16GT. The price seems very reasonable (just under $1,000), it feels very good to hold and play and all of the tonal elements seem just right for the way I play. Lovely, rich bass response, the mids didn't sound "boxey" like so many others did and the higher end has a nice clarity that's not too crisp. The fact that the fingerboard and bridge are made from micatra doesn't bother me, as many all wood acoustics I tried didn't sound as good as this one did.

What I would like is to get a bit of feedback from those who own the D-16GT. Any info and wisdom you can share would be great, be it good, bad or ugly. I'm in no rush what so ever and I'm still open to sugestions.

Thanks.

[gakees]

Don't know if anybody here has that particular model. And I don't know anything about that particular guitar. BUT, it sounds as if you're very satisfied with it. From reading your description, it appears to sound like a Martin is supposed to sound. So, I say Bravo :dude :dude.

BUY IT !!!

P.S., I've never heard of micatra. I'd bet that Tom and Dan know a little about it though.

[hank]

I briefly owned a 000 version and it was a very nice guitar for the money.

As mentioned, if YOU like it ......... buy it. We don't count. Good luck! :boobs

[sliding-tom]

Don't worry about if the materials it's made of are "politically" correct - if it sounds good to you, it sounds good to you!

[Mike M.]

Thanks so far, folks. While I know that ultimatley any purchase is up to me I've found that is sure doesn't hurt to get some advice from those with experience.

As mentioned I'm in no big hurry as I've done that before with regrets. I'm gonna look a bit more here and there but so far the D-16GT is at the top of the list.

[bluespckr]

Hey, how did you make out with this? Did you buy the guitar?

Sorry I didn't check in sooner. I didn't have this specific model, but I did have a Martin DC16GTE -- basically a single cutaway version with built-in electronics.

I have to say I loved the guitar. The fretboard and nut materials are non factors with this guitar. I loved the neck profile, and that tone -- unplugged and plugged in -- was so full, rich, balanced. Not too high and not too bass-heavy. Great clarity and distinction across all the strings.

The electronic were great. Loved the built-in tuner as well. This was a well-made, guitar. The top is a bit thinner than on some other Martin models, but I believe the thickness of the top, combines with the bracing system, really makes this guitar breath and contributes to much of that great tone.

When I played it, I thought I was playing a $2,000- $2500 model. In other words, this is a lot of Martin for relatively affordable money.

If you do get this, or have bought it, I highly recommend having a Martin-certified tech set this up for your specific playing style and needs. I had this done with the DC16GTE and with my newer D-35 (which I ultimately gave up my DC16GTE to get). It's the best money you'll ever spend, and here's why.

I thought my DC played just fine as it was. I took it down to have some minor thing checked (which turned out to be related to a set-up tweak that was needed). I was told by that tech that Martins typically ship from the factory with a higher action -- higher string height off the bridge saddle -- that some acoustics, such as Taylor, do. He described Taylors (he's certified for them, too) as being acoustics designed specifically for electric guitar players, so the action is usally much lower and easier.

Anyway, he made some rod adjustments in the neck, then shaved the underside of the saddle a bit to drop the strings down some. When he was done, the guitar played like absolute butter, and without any rattles and buzzes. It made a huge difference.

So, that's as much as I can pass along. The 16-series are great guitars. I loved the dreadnaught sound a lot. If you're still considering one, I'd go for it. I can't recommend this guitar enough.

Paul