Martin D16GT Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar (with Case)
A solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, and scalloped X-bracing help the Martin D-16GT dreadnought acoustic guitar resonate with warm tone.
Overall User Ratings (based on 77 ratings)
Submitted January 30, 2004 by a customer from adelphia.net
"Total Stisfaction.I LOve my Martin!!"
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I will probably play this Guitar for life. I can not see a reason to ever buy another guitar.
Sound
Beautiful,deep,rich low tones & crisp clear highs.
Features
Guitar came with a beatiful hardshell case. The woods used in this guitar are excellent throughout. Mahogany back & sides and a Spruce top.
Quality
Fit and finish are excellent.I could find no flaws.
Value
Absolutely! In fact, in my opinon it's worth more. I would have paid more if I had to.
The Wow Factor
The beauty of the D16GT is in it's simplicity. Nothing fancy or pretentious. The Gloss Top & Matte finish sies combo really works for me. It is beautiful just to look at.
Musical Style:
Rock, Blues
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Submitted May 23, 2014 by anthony k in ocala, FL
"Sweetest voice of any Dreadnought, great for Church"
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Just a sweet, balanced voice with great projection and sustain. crystal clear. beautifully made.
Sound
My prior main was a 1996 Taylor 510w with an Englemann top that I had to retire. The D-16gt is the first and only guitar I have played that sounds like that one. No muddiness at all, and subtle picking sounds fantastic and clear.
Features
The top has nice narrow grain and lots of cross-silking which is a sign of some good, strong wood. The Richlite fingerboard is very smooth.
Ease of Use
The top is highly responsive. I have heard people say that some Martins need to "open up," but this one is the most responsive guitar I have ever played.
Quality
Construction is flawless.
Value
This is an amazing value for the money. Blows the Taylor sapeles out of the water.
Manufacturer Support
n/a
The Wow Factor
The perfect construction and the beautiful top. The reddish color of the mahogany is very rich and warm.
Musical Background:
Professional church musician
Musical Style:
Christian, Blues, Folk.
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Submitted June 1, 2003 by a customer from bellsouth.net
"D16GT... Solid wood, super value"
I really don't regret buying this instrument and I have other guitars that don't get played much anymore because I own the D16GT. It is my intention to keep this guitar.
Sound
Very good sound. Bright highs and resonate lows. I flatpick bluegrass and country and love the sound. The only reason I don't rate it 10 is there are no 10's.
Features
Very nice looking guitar. And super workmanship. I wish it had a little "dressier fretboard. I do not find the micarta fretboard to have "ANY" negative effect on the sound or playability as some would lead you to believe.
Quality
I found absolutely No quality issues. In fit or finish. I found this somewhat unusual since every other guitar I own as well as some other Martins I've played, had some blims.
Value
I am convinced this is the best solid wood buy out there right now for under $1000.
Manufacturer Support
I've had to call once for a service related question and that experience was very positive and followed up via email. Again there are no 10's.
The Wow Factor
This guitar is made for playing not dating.
Musical Style:
Acustic Guitar - Bluegrass/Country
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Submitted May 22, 2014 by Curt Dony in Carol Stream, IL
"Fantastic purchasing experience"
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Received my D-16GT yesterday. The guitar arrived is pristine condition. Beautiful, simple design and absolutely stunning spruce top (even a little bit of flaming in the grain which was very cool). Of course, I expected it would need a set up, but to my pleasant surprise the guitar was ready to play, IN TUNE, and the action was perfect for my playing style. I think I'll change the strings out to a light gauge, but other than that this is one of the best American made guitars I have ever purchased for under $1500.00. I'll probably add a pickup in the future, but this guitar has plenty of volume projection and handles the lows and highs with rich clarity. Very impressed! What do you expect? It's a Martin!
Musical Background:
Playing 32 years both as a professional and for my own enjoyment.
Musical Style:
All types with a focus on classic rock, and my own original music.
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Submitted December 8, 2015 by Timothy Holmes in Charleston, WV
"Martin quality at a great price"
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I bought my D16GT a few months ago and am well pleased. Craftsmanship is top notch as can be expected from Martin. I have owned several Martins as well as other brands such as Gibson, Taylor, Gallagher etc. The D16GT compares favorably to the higher end Martins I have owned, D-28, D-35, CEO Model, HD-35 and even a D-18 Golden Era, although these were fancier and all had great tone, the D16GT holds its own with them as it is an all solid wood instrument. Although the bracing is not forward shifted it does allow the top to resonate well and the action and feel of the neck is awesome. The top is gloss however the back and sides are satin which I assume keeps the cost down a bit as it does not take as much labor as a fully buffed out guitar. I used a polishing compound on the back and sides and buffed out the finish to a beautiful shine which really shows the wood grain and its beautiful stain. If your looking to own a Martin and your budget is limited don't hesitate to pick one of these up, you get an American Nazareth PA Martin, all solid wood guitar with a Martin Hard Case and limited Life Time Warranty at s fraction of the cost of say a D-28 or D-35.
Musical Background:
Been playing over 40 years. Have played in various groups. Currently play in a Bluegrass Gospel Group.
Musical Style:
Bluegrass, Bluegrass Gospel
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Submitted March 7, 2017 by Scott D in Cincinnati, OH
"Beautiful guitar!"
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Guitar was delivered in perfect condition and very fast! Can say enough about how good this guitar sounds, and looks. You will not be disappointed in this guitar, or zZounds customer service. Martin was also awesome, after a few months the case began to split at the seams, I contacted Martin and it was replaced!
Musical Background:
Play at home
Musical Style:
Black crows, stuff like that
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Submitted December 19, 2015 by Fredric Vaughan in Edmonds, WA
"Saved my Bacon"
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I came off the plane to find my 92 Martin D16 crushed while in its flight case.Had a session to do in 4 days. While the airline came to the conclusion it was their fault i needed a replacement.zZounds to the rescue. with the pay to play i was able to not only get a replacement fast but the new version is as beautiful sounding as my dead one was maybe a little more robust in its articulation. Beautiful guitar very well built. The session went as if nothing ever happened.Thank You zZounds for saving my bacon.
Musical Background:
Professional for 30 years
Musical Style:
I ve done it all..
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Submitted May 9, 2006 by a customer from alltel.net
"Cute guitar with beautiful sound."
Sound
I did own a 1971 modle D18. The D16GT out plays it, out sounds it. It's tone is beautiful in all ranges.
Ease of Use
I have small hands. The neck is perfect. Best playing flattop I've ever played.
Quality
Simple and clean.
Value
Real good value. I played the D28 and D35. For the money this guitar is great.
The Wow Factor
Just plain in looks but who needs looks when you can sing like the D16GT.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Gospel bluegrass
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Submitted November 7, 2004 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Great sound, but does it record well?"
Pretty handy guitar: loadsa volume and tone with light strings on: I already own lots of guitars, all high end, mostly mature,I give this new fangled technology a whirl and see what it can do! Satisfaction longterm will depend on how the guitar settles in and ages.
Sound
At first the sound simply blew me away. Then I recorded it with a high end large diaphragm mic. and listened again: 10/10 for the bass end, 9/10 for the top, but the midrange is nasal and only rates 5/10.
I guess age might mellow this somewhat.
Features
Simple, no frills and thats just fine. The material used for the fretboard feels ok, but using this for the bridge itself is questionable. The sound might be better still if it had an ebony bridge, for example. I'd pay the extra for that.
Quality
Quality of build seems very good indeed.The wood used for the top is not the closest grain I've seen, however, and looks like a slice of my antique kitchen table top! Nicely mathed sets, though, and the sound is good.
Value
Good value, providing it stays in shape years down the line: the new bracing and materials used have yet to stand the test of time!
Manufacturer Support
no experience
The Wow Factor
The sound and tonal textures this guitar produces would seduce most players instantly: first impressions can be deceiving at times, especially when seduction is involved! So I would say just check on the overall sound spectrum, especially the midrange and see if other instruments might offer a better overall balance. Other than that, grab it off the shelf and go4it!!
Musical Background:
highly experienced aging musician
Musical Style:
Jazz, new age, folk, latin.
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Submitted November 4, 2014 by James Tannahill in Wichita Falls, TX
"Martin d16gt"
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I am a beginner and had been in a search to find a guitar which I enjoy learning to play....after many trials and tribulations I kept coming back to the Martin D16GT...I loved the tone of the guitar....zZounds made it an easy purchase and I am thankful for their Play as you Pay program or would not have been able to get my Martin. I will do all my purchases from zZounds in the future.
Musical Background:
I'm a late learner
Musical Style:
Rock, alternative, country and bluegrass
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Submitted May 8, 2014 by Eddie Parent in Pocahontas, AR
"Martin D-16GT"
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Very nice Guitar, Got it today, right out of the box, did not have to tune it. Action was Excellent!
Musical Background:
I have been playing for 38 years. I used to play with a Bluegrass band. I'm thanking about doing it again.
Musical Style:
Bluegrass, Country, Folk and Christian Music.
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Submitted August 26, 2008 by a customer from CHARTER.NET
"IT'S A MARTIN WHAT ELSE DO YOU NEED TO SAY."
I WILL KEEP IT FOREVER , NO MATTER WHAT ELSE I GET OVER TIME. IT SIMPLY SOUND AND PLAYS GREAT.
Sound
IT HAS THAT GREAT MARTIN SOUND WITH LOTS OF BASS!
Features
THERE IS NOTHING ON IT THAT YOU DON'T REALLY NEED.
Ease of Use
I HAD TO HAVE IT SETUP BUT THEN IT PLAYS LIKE BUTTER!
Quality
IT IS A MARTIN. WHAT ELSE CAN YOU SAY.
Value
THIS IS THE BEST SOUNDING AND HIGHEST QUALITY GUITAR YOU CAN GET FOR THE MONEY!
Manufacturer Support
NONE NEEDED!
The Wow Factor
IT IS A MARTIN AND YOU CAN'T GET MORE SEXY THAN THAT!
Musical Background:
HOBBYIST
Musical Style:
ROCK, COUNTRY, BLUEGRASS
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Submitted January 5, 2016 by PJ W
"love this guitar"
I got my d-16gt in 2008. I tried out a lot of acoustics before I bought this one. A friend of mine was with me when I first played this and told me I got this really peaceful look on my face while I was playing. As they say, play enough guitars and the right one will find you. Get it setup by a good luthier and you will love it even more.
Musical Background:
20 yrs jamming
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Submitted March 16, 2004 by a customer from yahoo.com
"D-16 construction problem"
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I'm already looking for a replacement axe. I hear Alvarez makes a great git!
Sound
decent timbre and tone but the highs aren't as crisp as cheaper gits. The B string doesn't ring clear anywhere, even open, which I've been told is inherent in D16's.
Quality
My Martin is 3 yrs old. Kept in the case 98% of the time. Nothing but light gauge strings every graced it's fretboard. Moderate flatpicking (occassional heavy) and fingerstyle. Now the complaint: The bracing under the top is separating and causing the bridge to lift which in turn is damaging the gloss top. This is also happening at the neck. My first suspicion was string tension but it's always been at standard tuning. I'm taking it to a Martin repair center this weekend so we'll see what they have to say. But as it is I'd never buy another Martin below an D-18. This is legendary quality???
Value
It would be a 10 value if it weren't screwing up. I give it a 7 nonetheless because, event tho it has problems, it still plays and sounds good.
The Wow Factor
I love the simplicity of the Martin look. To me that's sexy. But quality of sound and construction is more important. I'd buy a $200 git if it's built better than this.
Musical Style:
Classic rock, new rock, folk,
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Submitted January 10, 2012 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Very Nice guitar and Value"
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I am very pleased with my first Martin, wouldn't part with it for anything
Sound
Amazing sound, good bass very bright sound.
Features
For some its a little plain but I like it that way.
Ease of Use
Action is a little high so I need to get it setup for my preference
Quality
Absolutely perfect not a single blemish, very light but well built
Value
For the quality, payability and being made in USA its the bomb, I hate spending this kind of money on foreign stuff so being made in the USA was a definite plus.
Manufacturer Support
Havent had to use them yet but I received an invitation to the factory plus a very nice thank you letter from the CEO
The Wow Factor
Everyone who has played my guitar has offered my money back for it, I just tell them to go buy it Zzounds
Musical Background:
Intermediate
Musical Style:
Country & Rock
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Submitted December 25, 2011 by a customer from yahoo.com
"One great Guitar"
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I hope to keep this guitar forever but if it suddenly dissapeared I would definitely buy another in a heartbeat
Sound
The sound of this guitar is awesome, deep base and clean highs
Features
Action is a little high so I need to get it adjusted, but overall I'm real impressed with the craftsmanship and how light weight it is.
Quality
excellent quality
Value
Its pricey but worth the money
The Wow Factor
So far everybody who has seen it drools over the Martin
Musical Background:
20+ years
Musical Style:
little bit of everything
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