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Martin Guitar Nazareth Factory Tour Part 1

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Martin Guitar Nazareth Factory Tour Part 2

Martin

Description

The Martin Special 16 Style Rosewood dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar offers full, balanced tone and natural resonance. Crafted with satin-finished East Indian rosewood back and sides, and a Sitka spruce top, this guitar produces deep bass, rich overtones and crisp highs. Its High Performance Neck taper provides smooth playability across the fretboard. Now equipped with Fishman Matrix VT Enhance electronics for plug-and-play live performance or studio recording, the Special 16 Style Rosewood dreadnought is ready to shine on stage or in the studio.

Premium Tonewoods for a Lifetime of Playing

The solid East Indian rosewood back and sides give this guitar a warm, resonant voice with full lows and sparkling highs. Coupled with a solid Sitka spruce top, the tonewood combination produces a balanced, articulate tone with plenty of projection. Built to withstand years of regular playing, the rosewood and spruce tonewoods will open up over time, producing an even richer, more complex sound.

Fishman Pickup System for Stage and Studio

The Fishman Matrix VT Enhance pickup system gives you total control over your amplified tone. Blend between the piezo pickup and internal microphone to find the perfect balance of crispness and natural resonance. Shape your EQ with the intuitive control knobs for bass, mid and treble. With the Special 16 Style Rosewood dreadnought, you have a guitar that can hold its own whether unplugged or amplified on stage.

Playability and Portability

This guitar features a high-performance neck taper for smooth, comfortable playability across the fretboard. The neck taper provides an ideal combination of sturdiness and maneuverability. Light enough for hours of playing yet durable for life on the road, the Special 16 Style Rosewood dreadnought acoustic-electric comes with a padded gig bag for easy transport and storage.

Legendary Martin Craftsmanship

Since 1833, Martin has been crafting premium acoustic guitars known for their playability, tone and durability. The Special 16 Style Rosewood dreadnought continues this tradition of excellence with solid wood construction, a timeless dreadnought shape and electronics ready for any playing situation. This guitar is built to be your musical companion for life.

Open Box Martin Special 16 Style Rosewood Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Level 2 Natural 197881462383
Open Box Martin Special 16 Style Rosewood Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Level 2 Natural 197881462383
Open Box Martin Special 16 Style Rosewood Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Level 2 Natural 197881462383

Features

  • Spruce gloss top and satin-finished East Indian rosewood back and sides
  • High-performance neck taper for easy playability
  • Equipped with Fishman Matrix VT Enhance electronics
  • Strung with Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 light gauge strings
  • Mother-of-pearl fingerboard inlays
  • Tortoise-pattern pickguard

Specs

Body
  • Body Style: D-14 Fret
  • Top Wood: Spruce
  • Back & Sides: East Indian rosewood
  • Bracing Pattern: Forward Shifted X, scalloped spruce, 5/16"
  • Finish: Gloss top, satin back and sides
Neck
  • Neck Shape: Modified Low Oval with High Performance taper
  • Neck Material: Select hardwood
  • Fingerboard Material: Ebony
  • Scale Length: 25.4"
  • Finish: Satin
Electronics
  • Preamp: Yes
  • Brand: Fishman Matrix VT Enhance NT2
Other
  • Tuning Machines: Chrome Enclosed Gear
  • Nut width: 1-3/4"
  • Number of Frets: 20
  • Nut & Saddle Material: Bone, Compensated White Tusq
  • Case: Soft shell
  • Country of origin: United States

Featured Articles

Reviews

4.92

51 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Yes
Yes
Yes
I wanted to love it, but it just wasn't the right fit for me
Martin Special 16
Martin Special 16
Martin Special 16
It's pretty decent!
Yes I would
Feels, sounds and plays like the D-18. I'M IN LOVE!!
Poor person's HD-28

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Really is a true Martin

I was finally ready to get a "real" Martin, and narrowed it down to a D-28, D-35, HD-28, and HD-35. After playing several, I decided on the HD-28. The extra resonance of the forward shifted scalloped braces gave it the perfect sound I had in my head. While looking around for the right one, I found the Special 16 Style Rosewood and gave it a try, even though it was half the price of the HD-28 and I figured it wouldn't hold a candle. I'm so glad I did, because I was so wrong! This guitar sounded and played every bit as good as the Standard Martins I had played. It had all the low end, and all the resonance, and all the chime, and all the magic of the HD-28. When I looked it up, I found it has the same forward shifted scalloped braces as the HD-28, the same neck profile, the same Spruce and Rosewood combo, the same full size depth...and it's made in the same factory in Nazareth, PA. Why was this guitar half the price of an HD-28e?! The only real differences are the satin back and sides (which I actually prefer), the D-28 style rosette and purfling, the older D-28 style (and current D-35 style) closed tuners, no center strip down the back, and it has the laser-cut Dovetail neck joint instead of the hand-cut Dovetail. That's pretty much it! And this comes with the Fishman Matrix VT Enhance pickup, which actually sounds pretty good! The pickup on a HD-28 is a $400 add-on! Oh, one other difference is this comes with a really nice thickly padded gig bag, while the Standard Martins come with a normal hard case. Seriously, this is the nicest "gig bag" I have ever seen. I would much rather take this to a gig slung over my shoulder than carry in the awfully ugly "nostril" Martin hard case. I know this isn't "the same" as a Standard Martin, but it is sooooo close! In my opinion, it sounds exactly like an HD-28 (has the same woods and braces) and plays exactly like an HD-28 (has the same neck) and is built with the same quality (it is made by the same luthiers in the same shop). The places they cut cost are all things that either don't matter to me or I actually prefer. I can't recommend this Special 16 Style Rosewood enough. It really is special, and really is a true Martin!

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

I wanted to love it, but it just wasn't the right fit for me

My sales guy was great, I received the guitar and at first it seemed like everything I was looking for: Acoustic electric USA made Martin dread. However I found the guitar to be too bright. Additionally it does not record well. It sounds thin and needs more attention to EQ than I care to give it. It can be a loud strummer but seems too quiet when fingerpicked. I learned that I much prefer mahogany as a tone wood than rosewood. D-18's are the flagship Martin sound that I prefer. I like a darker more bass heavy sound that a guitar like that or a J-45 projects. This guitar is indeed like a D28, but I guess I'm weird I don't like the way D-28's sound either! I ultimately returned the guitar within a week. I'm still on the hunt for another acoustic but glad I learned some more of what I don't like. I appreciate that guitar center was understanding since finding the right guitar is a personal journey and not always easy. #sweepstakes

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Practicing36
  2. Jamming33
  3. Recording29
  4. Small Venues28
  5. Rock Concerts5
Cons
  1. Quality Control Issue1
  2. There are no cons1
  3. High Action1
  4. Doesn't sound good w/ heavy handed strum1
  5. GIG BAG1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced37
  2. Novice4
  3. Professional Musician2
Pros
  1. Fun To Play42
  2. Good Audio42
  3. Good Feel41
  4. Stays In Tune38
  5. Consistent33

Reviewed by 51 customers

  • Awesome

    5

    submitted9 months ago

    byLUCKY

    fromMiami

    Bought it just recently as a demo, so got a discount. It is fantastic. The playability of this guitar comes so easily, it almost feels natural. The tone is amazing, concert quality. Beautiful to listen to. My first high end guitar and it does not disappoint. I would suggest to anyone who wants to upgrade, this might be the best option if you don't want to spend more than 2 thousand dollars.

  • Yes

    5

    submitteda year ago

    byJim

    fromTexas

    Playing just for myself, my wife and my cat. This comes with a satin finish back and sides. I used some Maguire's Ultimate to buff it out to a beautiful "vintage gloss" type shine. I highly recommend this. it does take a couple of hours to buff it all out, but it is absolutely worth the effort. Check out the photos.

  • This is the one! Just do it.

    5

    submitteda year ago

    byCody

    fromAsheville NC

    I've played tons of standard series and this Special 16 hasn't left me wanting for anything. It's just a little dressed down. I swear it sounds better everyday. Take a look at the sheet I got from Martin. This thing is BUILT and it sings! Those specs might sway you pull the trigger!

  • Yes I would!

    5

    submitteda year ago

    byJim

    fromSan Antonio, Texas

    I bought this guitar thinking that, "Well, it's not an HD-28, but I can settle for this." Boy, was I wrong! This guitar sounds and plays as well as an HD-28. My G.A.S. For a HD-28 has evaporated. This is my forever Martin all solid Rosewood dreadnought. There are a few things that I am going to change, but these are personal preferences and I do not expect them to change the sound or playability appreciably. They are: change out the Tusq saddle for a Bob Colosi compensated bone saddle, do a complete setup in that the action is way too high for my playing style, buff out the back and sides to a "vintage gloss" finish. I did this on my D-18 Satin and the results were spectacular!

  • I wanted to love it, but it just wasn't the right fit for me

    3

    submitteda year ago

    byRyan

    fromTexas

    My sales guy was great, I received the guitar and at first it seemed like everything I was looking for: Acoustic electric USA made Martin dread. However I found the guitar to be too bright. Additionally it does not record well. It sounds thin and needs more attention to EQ than I care to give it. It can be a loud strummer but seems too quiet when fingerpicked. I learned that I much prefer mahogany as a tone wood than rosewood. D-18's are the flagship Martin sound that I prefer. I like a darker more bass heavy sound that a guitar like that or a J-45 projects. This guitar is indeed like a D28, but I guess I'm weird I don't like the way D-28's sound either! I ultimately returned the guitar within a week. I'm still on the hunt for another acoustic but glad I learned some more of what I don't like. I appreciate that guitar center was understanding since finding the right guitar is a personal journey and not always easy. #sweepstakes

  • Amazing guitar! It's an HD28 with D28 appointments

    5

    submitted2 years ago

    byBrian

    fromJennings Louisiana

    This guitar is a steal. Sounds exactly like hd28 for less money. If you're looking for a true Martin guitar don't pass this one up.

Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted9 months ago

    asked byJUSTIN

    fromMissouri

    The description of this guitar on Musicians Friend website says all solid, but here in teh Q&A the tech says its "layered", which is it? This is a MAJOR difference

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The Martin Special 16 Style Rosewood Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byDavid

    fromThornton CO

    Two Questions: Is the top solid spruce or layered? Is the back and side solid Rosewood or layered. I'm funny, I want it to be layered. I had a H-28 crack on me and won't buy another expensive guitar that will eventually crack even here in Sunny Dry Colorado. And, yes, I had a humidified room.

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The top, back and sides are layered.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byFrank

    fromundisclosed

    Can this guitar be upgraded in any way?!

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    I’m very sorry. Your question is not clear.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byFrobie

    fromManhattan, KS

    Can the saddle, nut and pins be swapped for bone including a long bone saddle? If so, how much would this cost?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    I'm sorry, modifications are not available.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byRamon

    fromBrick, NJ

    Does it come with a hardshell case?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The Special 16 includes the Martin 12B0012 Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byNatchy

    fromCorona, CA

    I have this guitar and i want to change the strings at this point, Wich gauge are the strings that comes with it? Thanks

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan® 2.0 light gauge strings.

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byDennis

    fromEastvale, CA

    I've purchased a D-16E and it came with a soft case ... what is the recommended hard cases for this guitars size. I will be traveling across country and don't trust baggage handlers. I also would like options for price consideration ... Thanks, Dennis

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Please see "Martin 345 Dreadnought Hardshell Guitar Case"

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byIan

    fromSan Diego

    What is the warranty on this? Thx

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Martin has a lifetime warranty on this guitar.

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byJim

    fromPittsburgh

    What is the difference between this "special 16 style" and the Martin d16e which is more expensive

    Open Reply - Ronald
    The D16E has upgraded electronics.

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked bySantiago

    fromundisclosed

    IS MADE IN THE USA?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, this is made in the USA.
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