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Average Price: $1,488

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$200

$601+

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Description

Introducing the Martin D-16RGT, a guitar that stands as a testament to Martin's legacy of crafting guitars with unparalleled acoustic excellence. This dreadnought acoustic is designed to captivate fingerstyle enthusiasts, flatpickers, and strummers alike with its solid Sitka spruce top and rosewood back and sides, delivering a rich, resonant voice that fills any room or studio. Its classic dreadnought body size ensures powerful projection and a dynamic range that can handle delicate fingerpicking to bold strumming with ease.

The D-16RGT is not just about sound; it's about comfort and playability. The solid Spanish cedar neck is carved into a modified low-oval shape, allowing for a comfortable grip that suits various playing styles. Its Richlite fingerboard, adorned with Style 28 inlays, offers a smooth playing surface that adds a touch of elegance to its aesthetic.

Visually, the D-16RGT is a masterpiece. The gloss-finished top is complemented by a traditional tortoise-colored pickguard and a bold Herringbone rosette, giving it a timeless appearance that reflects its classic sound. The attention to detail continues with a white Corian nut, chrome tuning machines, and a compensated White Tusq saddle, ensuring precise tuning and intonation.

Whether you're recording in the studio or performing live, the Martin D-16RGT promises to deliver a stunning acoustic experience that's both versatile and reliable.

Key Features:

  • D-14 Fret body size
  • Gloss-finished solid Sitka spruce top
  • Rosewood back and sides
  • Solid Spanish cedar neck with modified low-oval shape
  • Richlite fingerboard with Style 28 inlays
  • 25.4" scale length
  • Chrome tuning machines
  • Compensated White Tusq saddle
  • Includes 345 hardshell case

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model D-16RGT
Finish Natural
Year 2000 - 2017
Made In United States
Categories Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Rosewood
Body Shape Dreadnought
Color Family Natural
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Composite
Model Family Martin D-16
Model Sub-Family Martin D-16R
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Martin 16 / 17 Series
Sides Material Rosewood
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the Martin D-16RGT?

The Martin D-16RGT features rosewood for both the back and sides, which contributes to its rich, warm tonal quality and excellent projection.

Is the Martin D-16RGT suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Martin D-16RGT's dreadnought body shape and spruce top provide a balanced tone that is well-suited for fingerstyle playing, offering clarity and resonance.

Does the Martin D-16RGT have a built-in pickup system?

No, the Martin D-16RGT does not come with a built-in pickup system, making it ideal for pure acoustic playing without electronic amplification.

How many frets does the Martin D-16RGT have?

The Martin D-16RGT has 20 frets, providing ample range for both rhythm and lead playing.

What is the finish style of the Martin D-16RGT?

The Martin D-16RGT features a gloss finish, which enhances the natural beauty of the wood and provides a smooth playing experience.

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Martin D-16RGT Review

Video thumbnail for Martin D-16RGT Review by Acoustic Letter

Martin D-16RGT Review

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for Martin D-16 RGT Demo at Main Stage Music Dayton, TN by Main Stage Music

Martin D-16 RGT Demo at Main Stage Music Dayton, TN

Main Stage Music

Main Stage Music

Video thumbnail for 2013 Martin D16RGT by WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

2013 Martin D16RGT

WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

Video thumbnail for Martin D-16RGT w/ Mike Jenkins at Collar City Guitars by Collar City Guitars

Martin D-16RGT w/ Mike Jenkins at Collar City Guitars

Collar City Guitars

Collar City Guitars

Video thumbnail for Martin D-16RGT Demo by Scotty Luke

Martin D-16RGT Demo

Scotty Luke

Scotty Luke

Video thumbnail for Martin D16RGT - Quick Review by The Guitar Shop Singapore

Martin D16RGT - Quick Review

The Guitar Shop Singapore

The Guitar Shop Singapore

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional value for a high-quality solid wood acoustic guitar

  • Richlite neck and fretboard adds clarity, tone, and environmental resilience

  • Comparable in sound and playability to more expensive models like the D-28

  • Rosewood body and dreadnought size provide balanced sound with strong bass and mids

  • Beautiful aesthetics with Sitka spruce top and intricate binding details

  • Comfortable neck profile and action make it easy to play

  • Maintains tuning well and requires less maintenance

  • Offers the signature Martin sound and tone

  • Suitable for both seasoned players and those new to Martin guitars

CONS

  • Lacks traditional dovetail neck joint, which may deter purists

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin D-16RGT.

Features and functionality

  • The D-16RGT features a gloss top finish, with satin back and sides, unlike the all-gloss finish of the Standard Series.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The D-16RGT has a full dreadnought depth, unlike the D-16E which has a 000 body depth, affecting bass response.

    Source
  • The D-16RGT is compared to the Martin HD-28 due to its forward shifted, scalloped bracing, offering a booming low end akin to a "poor man's HD-28."

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have modified D-16RGTs with Grover open-back tuners, aged using hydrochloric acid for a vintage look.

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  • A common customization is swapping the nut and saddle to unbleached bone and using solid bone Waverly pins for enhanced sound quality.

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User experience

  • The D-16RGT from the year 2000 originally came with an Ebony fretboard and bridge, which some users prefer over later materials.

    Source
  • Owners suggest assessing repair quality on D-16RGT; poor repairs may indicate further hidden damage.

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Setup and maintenance

  • A new, taller bone saddle is recommended to address fret buzz due to a previous sanding job that made the action too low.

    Source
  • Potential high action on repaired D-16RGT could be a deal breaker if no room to lower it further.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A D-16RGT was purchased for $1,000, noted as a solid deal for a Nazareth-made Martin with solid rosewood.

    Source
  • A locally available D-16RGT at $650 offers potential value if repairs are well-executed.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The D-16RGT's full dreadnought depth is favored for its robust bass response, making it suitable for those missing the depth in smaller bodies like the OM.

    Source
  • Rosewood on the D-16RGT is preferred by some for its tonal qualities, considered a peak by enthusiasts.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Martin D-16RGT Guitar Review | GuitarSquid

guitarsquid.com

The Martin D-16RGT stands out with its classic dreadnought design, featuring a solid Sitka Spruce top and East Indian Rosewood back and sides, offering a premium aesthetic. While its use of modern materials like Richlite may stir debate among purists, they enhance playability with stable fingerboard performance. The guitar delivers a balanced, nuanced tone with growling bass typical of Martin, making it versatile for various musical styles. Despite lacking onboard electronics, its comfortable playability from the factory setup makes it suitable for players of all levels. Overall, the D-16RGT is a strong choice for those seeking a professional-grade acoustic guitar.

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R

Not inferior to the more expensive models. Recommended!

All Martin guitars that I have played sound good. This one too. However, I think this is more due to vowel. I chose this Martin because it is solid from all sides. Except the inside of course. This guitar is not inferior to the more expensive models.

jos_de_vries

Not inferior to the more expensive models. Recommended!

All Martin guitars that I have played sound good. This one too. However, I think this is more due to vowel. I chose this Martin because it is solid from all sides. Except the inside of course. This guitar is not inferior to the more expensive models.

Artist usage

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See how Anthony Giorgio uses Martin D-16RGT

Anthony Giorgio

Guitarist, Bassist

...
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In the video you can see Anthony Giorgio playing his Martin D-16RGT.

Genre Usage

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