Martin D-16TR Very Good, Hard, $1,095.00

The Martin D-16TR Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is part of the “D-16” series of guitars which incorporate modern guitar specifications with the famous Martin quality and sound. The D-16TR is the rosewood version introduced in 1996, and quite different from the D-16R, which didn’t appear until 2004. The year this particular guitar was made, according to its serial number (614152), was 1997—the next-to-last year the model was offered. Only a total of about 450 D-16TRs were made in the three years of production. Featuring solid woods throughout, the D-16TR is a superb American-made acoustic guitar at a somewhat more affordable price than Martin’s more famous rosewood guitar, the D-28.

The D-16TR is a Dreadnought-size guitar which features a solid rosewood back and sides in a semi-gloss finish, with tortoise binding on the top and back, a solid mahogany neck, and a solid Sitka Spruce top. It combines several modern Martin innovations with the traditional Martin craftsmanship and the resonance which solid rosewood and spruce produce. It has a tortoise pick guard, a herringbone inlaid rosette (and backstripe), and a rosewood belly-style bridge with white abalone-dot pins and two split-diamond abalone inlays. The rosewood fingerboard with matching abalone split-diamond inlaid position markers, mahogany headstock with raised gold foil logo, and enclosed chrome Martin small-knob tuners, complete the picture of a quality guitar--topped off, of course, with the C. F. Martin name on the headstock which says it all.

In addition to the traditional Martin quality in tonewoods, fit and finish, the D-16TR has the “modern” innovations of the extremely fast extra low-profile neck, and a U-shaped mortise-and-tenon neck joint. The result is a wonderful combination of power and balance rivaling its big brother, the D-28. Some typical on-line reviewer comments from Harmony Central:

“It has a nice deep Martin bass, but with what seems to be a bit more balance with the mids and trebles. It does not seem to boom as much as a lot of Martin D bodies I have played, and I happen to like that.There are a lot of overtones when I strum it. It also works well for finger style.”

“The sound just keeps getting better and better!!! By far one of the most pleasing acoustic guitars I have ever played.”

“Haven't had this guitar for very long yet, but I must say that the sound of it brings a smile to my face every time I play it! I'd say it has a rich sound and comparing to any of the other guitars I tried, it was worth adding a few hundred dollars extra.”

“The problem with these guitars is that you can't get them much cheaper than what I paid, in Europe that is. I paid a high price but I’d say it was worth it. I actually set out to buy a guitar of some 600-700 Euros but ended up buying one that cost twice as much. I really love the sound and I think I’ll keep it forever.”

“The D16TR is outstanding. Don't confuse it with the Martin D16GT. If you can find one - and they are pretty rare - buy it.”

Obviously, the playability and sound verify the quality promised by the name. The body dimensions are similar to those of most dreadnoughts: it has a 14/20-fret fingerboard, a 25.4” scale, a fingerboard width of 1 11/16” at the nut, and a compensated Tusq saddle. The Martin mortise/tenon neck joint and scalloped spruce hybrid X-bracing of the top combine to allow for thinner, more responsive tonewoods, making for a rich, bright sound. The modified low-profile neck is fast and comfortable, which is good because you won’t want to put it down for hours.

The playing condition is excellent, as you would expect of a Martin: straight neck, low action (slightly less than 3/32” at the 12th fret low E), little fret wear, flat top, solid bridge, tight tuners, and so on. However, there are two professionally repaired humidity cracks in the top lower bout. Other than that, cosmetically it’s nearly perfect—hardly a ding, scratch, buckle rash, or even a pick mark on the pick guard—and above all the Martin logo certifying that it was born and bred in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.

The deluxe arched-top hard shell case is an upgrade from the Martin 345 original, and in eight years it has earned a few dings around the edges protecting this guitar. However, the hardware works perfectly, and the plush green interior is in fine shape, as seen in picture 1. As one would expect of such a case, it offers great protection and is an ideal complement to this excellent guitar.

Buyer pays a flat rate of $55.00 for insurance and shipping to the lower 48 states; shipping costs elsewhere will be negotiated as necessary. Payment by Paypal is preferred; cashiers and personal checks are acceptable, but checks must clear before the guitar will be shipped.

I believe that I have described this instrument fully and accurately. Please check out the pictures and ask any questions before buying, as its return will not be accepted unless it can be shown that it was egregiously misrepresented in this listing.

Thank you for your interest in this fine guitar.