Martin D-16RGT Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar (with Case)
The Martin D-16RGT is a fantastic dreadnought acoustic for a good price. With solid Rosewood back and sides, the Martin D-16RGT offers great tone.
Overall User Ratings (based on 69 ratings)
Submitted May 4, 2017 by Ed M in Harrisville, WV
"Now that the "honeymoon" is over"
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I am writing this follow up review.
I had intended to replace the tuners with Waverly open back ones but now I will just keep the factory Martin branded Ping ones. They are proficient enough and keep the guitar in tune.
Now that I've had a month of every day play on this guitar here are my findings.
The tone is very balanced from low to high. Once I set it up properly it plays wonderful. The intonation is dead on, absolutely no dead or fretted out notes anywhere. No buzzing and the action is at 5/64ths at the Low E @ the 12th fret and 4/64ths at the high E 2 the 12th fret. The neck is perfectly straight.
One of the best features for me is the neck carve. Martin's low profile oval with an 1 11/16ths nut width is excellent in comfort all the way down the neck. Both for barred chords and open ones, cowboy chords and single note runs. The 16" radius is very good for note bends as well.
The very thin finish helps you feel the vibrations and resonance when playing against your body and all the way through to the end of the neck at the nut. So it's resonance, sustain and dynamics are very good for a guitar at this price point.
Martin's customer service is excellent as well by the way. I will be keeping this D-16RGT for the rest of my life now doubt. It is a lifetime investment worth taking
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Submitted April 13, 2017 by Ed M in Harrisville, WV
"Martin D-16RGT"
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This review is a preliminary one since I just received the instrument yesterday.
The woods used are excellent. AA grade Sitka Spruce top with no run-out, beautiful silking in the grain and bookmatched flawlessly. The Catalized Nitro lacquer gloss finish on top soundboard is top quality. Very thin finish that will allow the top to breath and vibrate nicely. The rosette herringbone inlay is also nicely done.
The East Indian rosewood back and sides are finished in the same Catalized nitro lacquer but with a very thin satin coat which will also let it breath and resonate well.
The rosewood back is book matched flawlessly also. The bright white body and neck binding is flat in color and that might seem a tiny bit upsetting to some but the more I look at it the more it falls in line with the simple elegance of the whole guitar which is where it's beauty lies visually.
The fingerboard which is Richlite and not Micarta as Martin has told me they stopped using Micarta in 2006, is very nice to my sense of feel. Maybe not to all but it feels close to ebony to me and well as visually. I did have to file the edge of the G string slot just the smallest amount to keep it from binding a little when tuning that string but all the others were perfect.
Now the bad thing was the action was set at 32/64ths at the 12th fret. That was not acceptable but being a luthier it was not a big deal to correct. I adjusted the neck relief a tiny bit and sanded down the saddle some and now it plays like melted butter. All new guitars need some level of a set up right out of the box so it isn't that big of a deal. The tuners are proficient but I will eventually replace them with Waverly open back ones only because I prefer those.
I expect the tone to improve even more as it ages and "opens up" some more which it will do. At this moment the tone is very nice. Real nice low end with a balanced mid range and the highs are shimmering but not harsh. Excellent resonance and sustain. Definitely a true Martin sound and tone. Maybe just a very tiny bit on the dry side tonally but that will get better with time also.
Because of the worse than usual factory set up I give it a 4.5 but other than that 5 stars all the way. If you want a quality Martin at an affordable price this could be your best choice. Especially with zZounds' pay as you play program.
Musical Background:
been playing guitars since 1964, built guitars , owned a recording studio
Musical Style:
Blues / Country / Rock / some Jazz.
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Submitted September 23, 2003 by a customer from adelphia.net
"Try this before you spend thousands on your next guitar"
I will play this guitar till it can no longer play or i am not hear to play it. I am totally pleased with it and feel like i scored a good one!
Sound
I chose this Martin because it sounded better than some more spendy guitars i put it up against. I play country gospel and bluegrass and this guitar rocks! If you are a finger picker this is a must own! I have owned the guitar less than a year and the sound just gets sweeter. It has opend up some and now has the power i wanted. My friend said if he had found my martin when he was looking and bought his Taylor he would have bought the Martin. Better than the dgt in bass and general sound.
Features
This model has a sitka spruce top gloss finish and matte rosewood sides and back. I had a bone saddle put in mine and it made a difference. I have read other reviews that said the same. I would prefer and ebony finger board but the micarta still works well.
Quality
This is a martin and the finish was outstanding and the matched bookend wood is beautiful. I depend on it and do not think i will have any problems with it.
Value
this guitar in my opinion is the best in its price range!
Manufacturer Support
I have had no reason to deal with Martin because i have had no problems.
The Wow Factor
This guitar has its beauty in its simplicity
Musical Style:
Gospel country and bluegrass
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Submitted September 26, 2011 by a customer from hotmail.com
"I've played a lot of Martins. All different ranges. This guitar is as close to a D-28 series as anything I've played. Just a tad"
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My equipment stays with me. Can you say Dan Electro?
Sound
I had a D-28 that I sort of "had" to sell. It was about 40 years old and sounded incredible in the studio. Broke my heart to sell it, but that's not the story. I bought my D-16RGT about a year later, and the first thing I noticed is that it had no balls compared to the D-28. It was a few years old and had a chance to work in, so I was a little disappointed. Oh, and going through withdrawals over my D-28. I've had it for about 10 years now, and I have to say it's starting to fight back. I have the same comfort and command over the neck I had before, and the tone is nice and even through the entire range. Balanced flow, not midrangey if you know what I mean. Each string resonates perfectly. I do not get the same harmonics from inside the guitar, but overall it is more than doing the job. Getting this guitar was like trying to replace your dog when he dies. You are sure the new dog isn't going to be the same, but sooner or later he wins you over. That's what happened with this guitar. Don't get me wrong. I'd still like my D-28 back. But this puppy is doing just fine.
Features
Just the basic gold tone tuning pegs, saddle, nut. Some nice inlay around the edges,nice position markers. Actually a bit fancier than the D-28. The fretboard is some kind of composite but plays well. Overall a very nice looking axe.
Ease of Use
Too easy. The action is a bit too low off the rack. I find that compromises the sound.That extra couple of millimeters provides just enough more air volume for the strings to move around. That can be fixed or improved with different strings or raising or lowering the bridge.
Quality
This is a fine guitar, and no only for the price. It plays like more expensive Martins and better than Taylors I have played. The Taylors sound great out of the box, but they don't age. They stagnate. This axe gets better every year.
Value
They always say to get the best you can afford. With this model, you can get the best without having to afford more than you can afford.
Manufacturer Support
Haven't needed it, but it's a Martin. I'm not worried.
The Wow Factor
If I buy a guitar because of sex appeal, shoot me.
Musical Background:
Playing, recording, writing, performing
Musical Style:
Acid Rock
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Submitted May 20, 2011 by a customer from telus.net
"Love my new martin"
Sound
I bought this particular guitar and I am absolutely thrilled with it.The sound is unmistakenly Martin and the sweetest voice I have heard in a long time.When I plat it I am simply blown away by the clear and full range it has.I use this guitar with a Shure Beta 58 microphone and it is impressive on stage.I Martin has produced a great instrument for a very good price.
Features
I would prefer a bone saddle and an ebony fingerboard...but it works well as it is.
Ease of Use
..It is the easiest thing to get beautiful sounds from this guitar.This guitar is so playable and so much fun too.I find I play it much longer than I planned every time I pick it up.
Quality
Fit and finish is typical for a martin.Superb attention to detail.I feel this is a lifelong companion and i fully intend to get a more robust case for it when I travel.The factory case is OK ,but I need something that is more solid .
Manufacturer Support
Never had any problems with this guitar and there has been no need to contact martin other than to exxpress my thanks for such a great product.
Musical Background:
active musician
Musical Style:
Rock,Blues,Folk
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Submitted April 18, 2013 by charles c in portage, OH
"Good Guitar for your Stable"
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I own several Martin Guitars including a D-35, HD-28, D-18GE , SPD16 and a DM...and my D-16RGT. Even though I already had a few too many guitars when I bought my D-16RGT I just couldn't walk out of the store without it. It has a fantastic sound, plays like a dream and offers a great value in an all solid wood guitar.
I purchased this guitar to be my backup to my HD-28. While the HD is awesome, there are just some places I don't want to take it. I am more than happy to pull out the old D-16RGT. When my friends come over to play this is one of the guitars they fight over. You won't be disappointed if you get one of these little beauties. It may be less money than the higher end model but it's no less a very playable and enjoyable workhorse to add to your stable or to get your stable started.
Sound
I play almost all bluegrass. This guitar holds its own in small group settings and provides all the clarity and tone I need. It's not the loudest guitar I own but it will give you all it has got and that is saying something. It's a Martin and it has the Martin sound.
Features
The glossy sitka spruce top, and the matte finish of the rosewood back and sides are appealing to me. It isn't a fancy guitar but it looks fine on the wall of my studio alongside my other guitars. It kind of resembles the HD-28 from a distance.
Ease of Use
It's a very playable instrument, mics well, and sounded very good right off the showroom wall.
Quality
I am a believer in the quality of Martin guitars. I own six of them and my D-16RGT is a well built and has as much attention to detail for the money as my D18GE. It's apples and oranges...but they are both great tasting fruits.
Value
For the money you should make this your entry level Martin. I bought it as a little brother to my other instruments. It sounds lgreat and has a voice all its own. I don't like it any less than any of my other guitars. If you are into buying a second Martin to gig with or use as a second on occasions"when you don't want to risk your "good" guitar this guitar is a great value.
Manufacturer Support
Martin is easy to deal with, they honor their warranty to the fullest extent possible. I believe they gave me the benefit of the doubt when my D-35 developed a very small back crack and they repaired it for free.
The Wow Factor
I like this guitar for a few reasons. Fpr one thing it was an outstanding value for the money I purchased it for. It offers all solid construction, great workmanship, quality wood, scalloped bracing and a Martin Logo on the headstock...need I say more?
Musical Background:
I have been playing guitar for 40 years. I play guitar, banjo, mandolin and dobro.
Musical Style:
Bluegrass
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Submitted May 7, 2012 by Frank M in Utica, NY
"Martin D-16RGT"
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The guitar is everything I hoped for and more. The build quality, and sound quality are amazing. The guitar is simply beautiful. I highly recommend that you have the guitar professionally set-up to your liking and style by a authorized Martin dealer or qualified luthier. This is a lot of guitar for the price and a Martin to boot. I am 110% satisfied and would highly recommend zZounds and the Martin D-16RGT.
Musical Background:
Guitar for 45 years
Musical Style:
Blues, acoustic rock
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Submitted January 6, 2016 by Jerry Harper in Lubbock, TX
"Great. "
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The Martin D-16rgt is a great instrument. I have several Martins, but I play this one the most. It's the basic Martin. It has the looks, the smell and the great sound. I will never part with it.
Musical Background:
55 yeras
Musical Style:
All
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Submitted July 10, 2013 by RAY M in KOKOMO, IN
"Martin D16RGT"
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I have to say that this is the best guitar I have ever owned...and I've owned several.I've never played one that had the sound and playability of this Martin.I have played several Martins,and always wanted to own one and thanks to zZounds,my dreams came true.Thank you zZounds for making this happen and for your courteous and helpful staff...forever appreciated.
Musical Background:
Have been playing for 52 years.I play guitar,mostly at church and jam in small groups.
Musical Style:
I play mostly gospel,country,blues,and a little classical.
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Submitted November 11, 2004 by a customer from yahoo.com
"This bad boy even smells great!!!!"
Sound
This guitar sounds amazing. it really shines when fingerpicked. i really like the way it sounds with a set of elixer lights on it, but they might make it a little too bottom heavy for some people.
Value
you can't beat this for the cash.
The Wow Factor
come on, it's a martin, who doesn't want one.
Musical Background:
perennially awful guitarist
Musical Style:
everything
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Submitted September 8, 2013 by William R in Gastonia, NC
"Bang for you BUCK!!!"
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Great guitar with that Martin sound that won't put you in the poor house.
Musical Background:
I play guitar and drums on the side
Musical Style:
Been playing all kinds of music for 20 plus years from Beatles to Buffett to Metallica.
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Submitted May 18, 2014 by Marcus Hembree in hewittt, TX
"No regrets"
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This is a keeper.
Musical Background:
home
Musical Style:
country and rock and classic
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Submitted December 30, 2004 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Excellent guitar for the money"
I would only like an HD-28 or HD-28V more, but to me they aren't worth the additional cost, especially the HD-28V.
Sound
Sound quality is excellent. It leans to the bass but highs ring clear as a bell. I've played many guitars at the local guitar shop, D-18's, D-28's and HD-28's and this guitar really holds its own. Its not quite as loud as a HD-28 but the tone is up there. Some of the D-28's I played seemed to be duds as the D-16RGT I bought sounds better. Intonation up the neck is very good (checked with a guitar tuner). Strum open or a E chord and a lot of complex tone comes into play as well as having a nice ring to it. It's like going up to a piano and holding a bunch of keys down. The sound is dark.
Features
Solid sitka spruce top and solid east indian rosewood back and sides.
Quality
Incredible workmanship. I cannot find a flaw, except for prominent bear claws on the sitka spruce top. Though it gives the guitar character so I'm not complaining.
Value
For the money this is an awesome guitar.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Rock, classical, country, bluegrass
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Submitted February 20, 2013 by Lanney M in Corona, CA
"Awesome!"
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Well this is my first Martin and I am very pleased with the quality, sound and price. This is well worth the money and I would compare it to my Taylor 524CE any day of the week which is a $2500 guitar. Yes I would puchase another Martin in the future.
Musical Background:
I've been playing for over 40 years, I play Guitar for self enjoyment and record music that I cover.
Musical Style:
I enjoy playing Blues, Rock and Country music, especially like CSN&Y and Neal Young style of music and Peter Green style Blues.
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Submitted February 26, 2013 by Lanney M in Corona, CA
"Awesome!"
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I just purchased this guitar and it is awesome, please great, sounds great. The action is super nice and being a Martin it does sound wonderful. I just put a new bone saddle in the bridge and light strings on it and just made it that much better. I really did not have to do that but what the heck I always try to improve my guitars I now own 10 and this just moved into the no. 1 go to guitar when I want to play. You will not be disapointed, get one! You'll love it.
Musical Background:
Played for over 40 years, Jam at home
Musical Style:
I enjoy Rock, Blues and Country.
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Submitted April 6, 2006
Martin D-16RGT Acoustic Customer Review
Sound
Compared it side by side with similar Taylors, and other Martins (D-28) Sound was better than all others in the music store. One year later it still turns me on.
Ease of Use
Plays like a dream.
Quality
Martin craftsmanship is well... Martin!
Value
Best deal around in a guitar for the money.
Manufacturer Support
I'll give it a 9 based on what I have heard... I have had no need for support yet.
The Wow Factor
It is nothing fancy but I love the simplicity.
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