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Average Price: $871
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Description
The Martin Guitars DC16GTE is where timeless craftsmanship meets modern innovation, making it an essential addition for any guitarist seeking versatility and rich sound. This acoustic-electric guitar combines the classic depth and projection of a dreadnought body with the effortless playability of a cutaway design, allowing you to explore the entire fretboard with ease. Crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top, it sings with clear, resonant tones, perfectly balanced by the solid sapele back and sides that offer a warm, full-bodied sound.
What truly sets the DC16GTE apart is its Roland AP-1 electronics, which capture every nuance of your performance with exceptional clarity, whether you're in the studio or on stage. The hybrid "X" scalloped bracing enhances the guitar's dynamic range, offering a responsive playing experience. Expertly finished with a polished gloss top and satin back and sides, this instrument exudes elegance while its black boltaron binding adds a sleek contrast.
Join a community of musicians who value quality and performance. Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring artist, the Martin DC16GTE promises an inspiring musical journey.
Key Features:
- Body Size: D-14 fret cutaway
- Top: Solid Sitka spruce
- Back & Sides: Solid sapele
- Neck Shape: Modified low oval
- Fingerboard Material: Black richlite
- Electronics: Roland AP-1
- Scale Length: 25.4"
- Nut Material: White corian
- Tuning Machines: Chrome enclosed with large buttons
- Case: 345 Hardshell case included
Product specs
| Brand | Martin |
| Model | DC-16GTE |
| Finish | Natural |
| Year | 1999 - 2015 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Acoustic-Electric Guitars |
| Active Preamp | Yes |
| Back Material | Sapele |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Color Family | Natural |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Composite |
| Model Family | Martin D-16 |
| Model Sub-Family | Martin D-16E |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | Undersaddle Piezo Pickup |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Martin 16 / 17 Series |
| Sides Material | Sapele |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the Martin DC-16GTE?
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The Martin DC-16GTE features sapele wood for both the back and sides, which is known for producing a warm and balanced tone with good projection.
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Does the Martin DC-16GTE come with an active preamp?
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Yes, the Martin DC-16GTE is equipped with an active preamp, allowing for amplified performance with greater control over your sound.
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What is the body shape of the Martin DC-16GTE, and how does it affect the sound?
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The Martin DC-16GTE has a dreadnought body shape, which provides a robust and powerful sound with strong bass response, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles.
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Is the Martin DC-16GTE suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Martin DC-16GTE is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its undersaddle piezo pickup and active preamp, which offer reliable amplification and sound control.
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How many frets does the Martin DC-16GTE have?
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The Martin DC-16GTE comes with 20 frets, providing a range suitable for most playing styles, from rhythm to lead.
Videos
The Fellowship of Acoustics
TFOA review - Martin DC16 GTE
Reviews
PROS
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Consistent perfect tuning even after string changes
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Warm, mellow sound ideal for fingerpicking
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Balanced tone, not overly bass-heavy
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Fast neck allows easy complex chord fingerings
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Adjustable mic enhances sound versatility
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Durable, ages beautifully over time
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Built-in tuner remains reliable after years
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Versatile for both rhythm and lead playing
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Holds up well over decades of use
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Resonates against the body for a full sound experience
CONS
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Side wood splitting reported in humid environments
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Pickup quality considered subpar for some users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin Guitars DC16GTE.
Setup and maintenance
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The back separation from the neck block is a critical issue that can render the guitar unplayable if not repaired.
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Removal of the under saddle pickup might involve a perforated top, but typically only requires a hole for the pickup lead.
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Proper removal of a pickup generally involves replacing the saddle with a taller one to compensate for lost height, and adjusting the endpin jack.
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Features and functionality
User experience
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Owners with repair skills find this model valuable despite structural issues, highlighting the importance of maintenance capabilities.
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A user compared the D-15M's sound to a mix of Martin’s clarity with Gibson's warmth, indicating a unique tonal blend appealing to different musical styles.
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Value and pricing
Comparisons
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The Martin DC16GTE was initially thought of as a "bridge guitar" before an upgrade to models like the D-18 or D-28, but owners often find it hard to part with.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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