Martin 000C-16RGTE AURA Auditorium Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case)
The Martin 000C-16RGTE AURA weds acoustic guitar craftsmanship to modern modeling. The Martin 000C-16RGTE's Aura system blends natural and modeled sounds.
Overall User Ratings (based on 53 ratings)
Submitted October 24, 2016 by Alex Kova in San Diego, CA
"Better than Taylor!"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I've never been much of a Martin fan until now. To me Martin's have always had a dark tone. I know it's their signature sound but it never appealed to me. Recently, I've come to appreciate certain Martin models and this one is by far my favorite. In fact, it sounds better than any Taylor I've ever owned and I've owned a lot of Taylor's. This Martin is extremely bright, punchy, well balanced and the pickup system is incredible. The Aura system SMOKES the "Expression" system on a Taylor. No comparison. It's what really sets this guitar apart. However, there is a catch... I've had to try a lot of Martin's over the years in order to find one that sounds punchy and bright. My 000C-16RGTE is the best Martin I've ever heard or owned. Unplugged it's really great but plugged in it's a total beast!!! It will easily cut through the mix of any loud band or rowdy bar. This is a "working man's" guitar. It's looks are very understated but when you plug it in, you and your audience will be amazed!
Sound
The sound is extremely balanced top to bottom. I hear high's, mid's and low's perfectly balanced together. Perfect for finger picking or strumming.
Features
That Aura pickup system is really incredible and it's what sets this guitar apart from anything else I've tried over the years. You have to hear it to believe it.
Ease of Use
Because it has a shallow body, it's very comfortable, light and easy to play. The neck is thin and fast so soloing is very easy.
Quality
This is a very high end quality Martin and I expect it to last for years and years.
Value
I'm writing this review in 2016 when they don't make this guitar anymore. I bought it used for $1200 which is a total steal!!
Manufacturer Support
Haven't needed support.
The Wow Factor
I give this guitar a 10 out of 10 for "WOW" factor. When I plugged it in, my jaw was on the floor. Truly exceeded my expectations on so many levels.
Musical Background:
Professional
Musical Style:
Rock and Pop
4 of 4 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted January 12, 2008 by a customer from bellsouth.net
"UNBEATABLE GUITAR----GET ONE YOU WON"T BE SORRY!!!!!"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I love everything about this guitar, its sound, its playability, its size. I thought I would never find the perfect guitar but when I found this one I realized there is a perfect guitar!
Sound
Had just purchased a Blueridge 3 weeks earlier, thought it was great until I picked this up at a music store and gave it a try----WOW!! The sound is simply amazing unplugged, very very warm, mellow and extremely well balanced. I just couldn't put it down. Then plugged in you have even more sounds selections and best electronics I've seen on an acoustic/electric.
Features
I like the slimmer body style for my size, I'm a petite female and the regular width dreads gave me back fatigue, I feel this guitar is more comfortable. The Aura electronics is simply unbeatable in sound and ability to dial in specific tones.
Ease of Use
This thing played like butter the second I picked it up. Barre chords were a breeze even being lazy about it, IMO a guitar is set-up well when barre chords take little effort to make each string ring clearly.
Quality
I think the overall quality of this guitar is unbeatable, I'm very well satisfied with the quality. It has a sustain on it that makes hammer-ons and pull-offs much more audible than other guitars I've tried. I've tried everything, from $4000 Gibsons, Epiphones, Taylors, Blueridge, and the Martins are a completely different league and sound.
Value
In lieu of all the guitars I've tried, I think this Martin is the best value for the money. I think its priced right. I can't see that I would ever have a need for more.
Manufacturer Support
haven't had to use it
The Wow Factor
My opinion is that this guitar is one of the better looking models out there. I personally like this body-shape as opposed to the regular dreadnoughts. I also love the satin back with gloss top. I think it is very tastefully done and I strongly disagree with the reviewer that stated, "it wasn't very good-looking". I think its very classy looking.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Folk, pop, 70s,country
23 of 24 people (96%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted June 5, 2008 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Great sound, playability, comfort and looks at a most attractive price."
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
Well, I've had it five years and, while I'm always buying and replacing electrics, I haven't found anything to replace the GTE. As far as a steel-stringed acoustic that can be amplified, this one is perfect. If it got stolen, I'd buy another.
Sound
I'll begin by noting that I've owned this guitar for about five years, so we've spent some time together. I'm a finger-style player who performs in a local restaurant weekly and this has been my main guitar. When shopping, I tried about 30 other Martins and Taylors without too much concern for price, but this one sounded best for me. I think it has a great sound acoustically, and I've found that I can even get a really Beatle-y sound if need be. Otherwise it's fairly loud for its size, even while finger-picking. It does not have an "Aura" pickup system - I guess Gibson changed to Aura in the past few years. Anyway, can't address the amplified sound with the current system. After trying many brands of strings, I use Elixir lights on it which complement the acoustics of the instrument nicely.
Features
I think the materials used a great. Nothing has broken or gotten any the worse for wear since I bought it. That's saying a lot, 'cause I'm not all that gentle and slap the body occasionally for expression during some songs.
Ease of Use
This is a very easy guitar to play. The action is great, right from the factory. The electronics are simple and intuitive. Frets are fine, fingerboard is good, it stays in tune all the way up the neck.
Quality
Excellent quality. Fit and finish are superb and it's pretty resistant to wear. Nothing has come loose, worn out or broken over the past five years.
Value
I could have spent a lot more money but found there really was no need. I think you get a lot for the price with this one.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't needed any.
The Wow Factor
I think it's aesthetically pleasing. I think it's great that the controls for the electronics are where they are rather than on the face of the guitar. The cutaway comes in handy.
Musical Background:
40 years as a performing musician
Musical Style:
Rock, jazz, acoustic, surf
34 of 36 people (94%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted October 5, 2007 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Plug in an play this and you won't settle for anything else."
I wouldn't have paid this much for a guitar if I though I would need to upgrade any time soon. As long as I keep this guitar in good shape, I don't think I will ever need a new one... unless I want to get a cheaper "road trip" guitar.
Sound
I love the Fishman electronics on this thing. There are so many things to play around with besides bass/mid/treble. You can slide between pickup and aura - the aura is a more full (ambient?) sound while the pickup gives you more of the flat strum. Besides that you also have 6 different settings to choose from to change how the guitar sounds as far as tone and brightess and so forth. Like one setting might be better for a soft ballad and another gives you a nice bright sound for a raucous rock song. It's very fun to play with this when plugged into an amp to determine which setting works best for which song in your set.
Features
The Fishman electronics are awesome. I tried a Taylor and some other guitars and kept going back to this one. You have a tuner (I've only tried it in a quiet room) and lots of "sound effect" options. The battery is pretty easy to access too. I would have preferred if it ran on a AA battery, but at least I don't have to take off the strings to get at the battery.
Ease of Use
It's very easy to use. There are even 3 more buttons on the Fishman electronics that I haven't used yet, I will have to read the manual to see what they do. I just got the guitar yesterday so I haven't had more than a couple of hours to play with it so far.
Quality
It looks perfect to me. I would only worry that the electronics might break, but they should be fine as long as I am not careless. If I brought this guitar on an airplane I would definately want to carry it on.
Value
This was by far better than any of the guitars I tried at a comparable price.
Manufacturer Support
Have not needed support so far.
The Wow Factor
It's not the prettiest guitar I've seen, but the white and black details make it basic enough and nice enough that it would go with any outfit or setting, looking good, but also blending in when you don't want to be too flashy. The Fishman electronics are what make this guitar stand out above other accoustic-electric guitars.
Musical Background:
Active church musician
Musical Style:
Rock, alternative, country, jazz, contemporary Christian
11 of 12 people (92%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted September 3, 2007 by a customer from windstream.net
"Hey, it's a Martin!"
I'm 56, I think this and the Fender will outlast me.
Sound
I've playes dozens of guitars, never played anything better.
Features
The tuner is right on.
Ease of Use
Mine was professionally set up and they did a great job. I just need to buy a better amp to do it justice.
Quality
It's a Martin right? I'm on the road about 2 months out of the year. I don't think I'd take it on a plance. I do have a Fender acoustic that I've taken a few times.
Value
Before buying this I did try Gibson, Epiphone, Fender and others. Kept going back to the Martin.
Manufacturer Support
Have not needed to contact them.
The Wow Factor
Just like everyone else, the Martin is what you strive to obtain.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Country and Old rock
9 of 10 people (90%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted March 4, 2009 by a customer from yahoo.com
"nice martin"
I plan on holding on to my Martin for a LONG time. I have 4 other acoustic guitars and this one by far is the easiest to play. The only complaint which is minor is that I changed out the light strings to the heavier strings because I want deeper tone. I like the playablity and pickup system on board tuner and the quality of the instrument
Sound
First of all I have been playing guitar for over 25 years and have always wanted a high quality acoustic. So when I went looking for the right guitar I was very picky. I spent over three months playing a number of different acoustics.taylor,gibson etc, I narrowed down the search between a gibson hummingbird and the Martin aura. The Gibson is a very nice instrument and has a slightly deeper tone however the Martin had the aura system and played much easier and was a couple hundred dollars cheaper. As with any acoustic instrument. sound is a subjective thing but playability and quality construction are a fact and this martin possess quality materials and craftmanship of the highest caliber. I have recorded and played live with the guitar and have found the aura system to be outstanding for both however when I play in band it cuts better when placed on the peizo vs the aura.
Features
The fishman aura really is a nice piece. I find to be versatile and quite easy to use. The presets are user friendly and best of all the effect was specically designed for this intrument which I believe has helped the overall tonal aspects of the guitar.
Ease of Use
Very easy to play straight out of box. The action is nice and fast. The cutaway is nice for reaaching the higher frets. One complaint however is the fact that you can't use the onboard tuner without plugging in cord,
Quality
The fit and finish is what you would expect from a higher end Martin. The action from the factory is good with no intonation issues.
Value
If you are looking at purchasing a martin you have to be ready to pay some decent cash. Martin has been makingn guitars that are world renowned for their sound and quality for over 100 years so this specific model guitar in my opinon is good value in compasion to others in thier price range.
Manufacturer Support
I contacted the tech support and found them to be knoweldgeable and helpfull
The Wow Factor
This Guitar is not martin's most appealing to look at. No fancy mother of pearl inlays but the feel of the instrument in my hands feels quite comfrtable and inspiring and thats what you really should be looking for in a any guitar regardless of price.
Musical Background:
active musician of over 25 years
Musical Style:
rock acoustic
1 of 1 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted June 18, 2008 by a customer from comcast.net
"Sold on Martin!"
I would replace it if I had to. Don't expect that to happen. This guitar meets my music goals and more. And its kept under lock and key.
Sound
With so many great guitars on the market, I don't think there is a perfect 10. But this one comes close. I have also tried Taylor, Fender, epiphone, too name a few. But could not put this one down. This was my first Martin purchase. Since, I have purchased a Martin DSM. I also own a Fender CD2200SCE, and a 72 Clasic Tele. I use all of them. My 16RGTEAURA is my Tux. I save her for the best. I play her out of a Fender Stage 1600. Add some spring and chorus and blend it with the desired Aura setting for a great sound. I would also like to mention the smell. I sure wish it could be bottled. You get what you pay for, and this one is worth it!
Features
One great feature is the built in tuner. The only bad thing about it is you have to be pluged in in order to use it. However, with this guitar you really do not have to use it that often. The Martin case fits nice and snug.
Value
You get what you pay for, and this one is worth the money.
Manufacturer Support
Have not had any problems.
The Wow Factor
I expect to keep this guitar until death do us part. If I had a need, yes, I would buy this guitar again.
Musical Background:
Active musician (church)
Musical Style:
Christian, Alternative, Country, and soft Rock.
1 of 1 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted September 22, 2008
"Great Value"
This one is a keeper forever. The Micarta fingerboard has great playability got used to it.
Sound
The one I have is a real sweetheart. Classic Martin tone with amazing playability. The Aura system is incredible on its own.
Features
Aura is world class
Ease of Use
As I said playability is like a great electric.
Quality
Top Quality. I wish they had vintage style tuners but you can always put them in later
Value
Great balance and tone. Worth every penny. Pbly the best value in the Martin lineup.
Manufacturer Support
Good so far. Great factory tour.
The Wow Factor
excellent
1 of 1 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted December 20, 2007
"Ecstatic"
Couldnt be happier.
Sound
The ultimate acoustic sound plugged in and acoustic. I was dead set on buying a taylor x14 series, going back and forth amongst taylors, until as i was having the salesman restring the taylor, i picked up this Martin and was blown away...
Features
The Aura system is incredible. There is non other like it on the market. (to my knowledge at least). Highs, lows and mids are all represented beautifully, each note articulated perfectly.
Ease of Use
The Aura system and its on board tuner is incredibly user friendly, the guitar has a very playable neck, and you get a crisp sound up and down the neck.
Quality
C.F. Martin Co. (need I say more?)
Value
I was shopping/saving for a while to buy *THAT* acoustic, you know the one that will stay with me till the end (I'm only 19) I'm confident that this was the best purchase I could have made, and lucky for me, guitar center was out of the normal cases so I recieved the highest end case Martin produced (or atleast that they had in stock).
Manufacturer Support
havent had to deal w/ them.
The Wow Factor
There are prettier guitars out there, but if you are shopping for looks rather than sound, you shouldnt be looking in this price range. The white binding and satin finishes combine for a classy, warm looking intstrument.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Acoustic Alternative Rock (coffee shops, college gigs, that sort of thing)
2 of 3 people (67%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Submitted November 18, 2006
Martin 000C-16RGTE AURA Customer Review
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
If I had to replace it, I wouldn't consider anything else.
Sound
Just can't beat that Martin sound. Sounds great plugged in or not. The Aura system lets me achieve a full body sound in any environment.
Features
Aura is easily mastered and will deliver a variety of tones. The built-in tuner can be a little iffy in a noisy room.
Ease of Use
Again, the tuner is sensitive to noisy environments, but still very usable, even in a live performance.
Quality
No problems whatsoever. Best quality.
Value
Seems a bit expensive, but if you play several you will appreciate the difference. I admit being partial to the Martin brand, but there are several other makers that I appreciate. This one was $200-1000 less than any equivalent other brand.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't used it, but online registration was a breeze
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Blues/Folk/Country
6 of 7 people (86%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Please wait.