Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $2,090
High-end/Boutique
$200
$1001+
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Martin D-16E". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Experience the perfect blend of tradition and innovation with the Martin D-16E acoustic-electric guitar. Crafted by Martin, a name synonymous with the acoustic guitar, this instrument is as much a piece of musical history as it is an instrument.
The D-16E is a dreadnought guitar with a twist. While retaining the iconic dreadnought shape, it's slightly thinner than usual, taming the boomy bass for cleaner recording and creating a mid-forward response. Yet, it still delivers the room-filling power you expect from a Martin dreadnought. The back and sides are made of East Indian Rosewood, known for producing a warm, robust sound with excellent sustain, while the top is made of solid Sitka spruce, generating a balanced, resonant tone with shimmering highs and tight lows.
A key feature of the D-16E is the Fishman Matrix VT Enhance NT2 electronics. This proprietary system captures the guitar's rich acoustic voice perfectly for amplified performance or recording. It doesn't just pick up the sound of the strings but allows the natural sounds of the guitar to come through, making it ideal for techniques such as body tapping.
Key Features:
- Solid Sitka spruce top for balanced, resonant tone
- East Indian Rosewood back and sides for warmth and depth
- Modified low oval neck profile for comfortable playing
- Fishman Matrix VT Enhance NT2 Pickup for natural acoustic amplified tone
- 25.4" scale length suitable for most players
- Durable hard-shell case included for protection and transport
- Martin's time-honored mortise and tenon neck joint and dovetail body joint for stability and tone
- Scalloped, forward-shifted spruce X bracing for enhanced resonance
- Plek'd frets for optimized playability
- Dreadnought body shape with unique thinner depth for cleaner recording and mid-forward response
Product specs
| Brand | Martin |
| Model | D-16E |
| Finish | Natural, Sunburst |
| Year | 2017 - 2024 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Acoustic-Electric Guitars, Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | Yes |
| Back Material | Mahogany, Rosewood |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Color Family | Natural, Orange |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Satin |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Model Family | Martin D-16 |
| Model Sub-Family | Martin D-16E |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | Hybrid System, Undersaddle Piezo Pickup |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Martin 16 / 17 Series |
| Sides Material | Mahogany, Rosewood |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used for the Martin D-16E's body?
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The Martin D-16E features a body made from solid mahogany and rosewood, with a spruce top. This combination provides a balanced tone with warmth and clarity, suitable for various music styles.
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Does the Martin D-16E come with built-in electronics for amplification?
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Yes, the Martin D-16E is equipped with an active preamp and an undersaddle piezo pickup, allowing it to be easily amplified for live performances.
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What is the neck profile like on the Martin D-16E?
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The Martin D-16E has a neck made from mahogany, providing a comfortable playing experience with a smooth satin finish that facilitates easy movement along the fretboard.
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Is the Martin D-16E suitable for beginners?
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While the Martin D-16E is a high-quality instrument that can be appreciated by players of all levels, its features and craftsmanship may be better suited for intermediate to advanced guitarists who can fully utilize its capabilities.
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How does the Martin D-16E perform acoustically compared to when amplified?
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The Martin D-16E delivers a rich, resonant sound both acoustically and when amplified, thanks to its solid wood construction and quality electronics, making it versatile for both unplugged and plugged-in settings.
Videos
Alamo Music Center
Reviewing the new Martin D-16E, Martin Guitar's Most Affordable Rosewood Dreadnought Guitar!
Reviews
PROS
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Classic Martin sound with a balanced tone, not overly boomy
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Smooth, buttery neck ideal for fingerpicking and solos
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High-quality craftsmanship, American-made
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Comfortable to play with a narrower 000 body depth
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High clarity and projection with clear, sweet notes
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Factory-installed Fishman pickup system provides excellent amplified sound
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Lightweight with a thinner body that resonates well
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Perfect for both fingerstyle and light strumming
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Includes a padded semi-rigid case for good protection
CONS
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Lacking loudness compared to full-size dreadnoughts
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Some find the "low oval" neck shape uncomfortable
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Gig bag included instead of a hard case for the price
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Needs careful handling to avoid neck bending without proper storage
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin D-16E.
Comparisons
Features and functionality
User experience
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Owners report that the Special 16 has a more powerful low-end response, making it preferable for those seeking pronounced bass tones.
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One owner experienced issues with the pickup initially, but received a rapid replacement, highlighting Martin's responsive customer service.
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Owners coming from Taylor guitars, like the 314ce, find the D-16E to be a compelling first Martin option.
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Mods and upgrades
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Users suggest replacing Martin tuner buttons with Hipshot buttons for improved aesthetics while maintaining functionality.
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Build quality
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Some owners have reported that the neck block only lists "D-16" without additional detail, which can be confusing for identifying specific models like the D-16E Rosewood.
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Use cases and applications
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