Opinions on a Martin D16

sjm1580 · #1 10-01-2022, 01:20 AM

Looking at picking up a 2004 Martin D16 and was hoping for some educated opinions. This is the mahogany back and sides with (sitka?) spruce top model.

Thanks in advance!

tsmith28 · #2 10-01-2022, 05:33 AM

I have one from that same year and it's a really nice guitar. Warm woody tone, nice low action without any buzz...very much a "real" Martin in my book. It certainly helps that the D16's from that year have the full dreadnought body depth. I'm not a fan of the more recent D16E model with the 000 depth.

Anyway, you can't do much better in the under-$1200 price range.

davenumber2 · #3 10-01-2022, 07:21 AM

I agree with everything tsmith28 said. I have a 2004 and to my ears it’s VERY close to a D-18. That year will have micarta bridge and fretboard but don’t let that deter you. It looks and feels very much like ebony. And yes, Sitka top.

nbs2005 · #4 10-01-2022, 07:58 AM

What year did they switch to the 000 depth? Interested in trying one of these with the full depth body. From what I've learnt of Martin, this may not have a simple answer.

davenumber2 · #5 10-01-2022, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nbs2005

What year did they switch to the 000 depth? Interested in trying one of these with the full depth body. From what I've learnt of Martin, this may not have a simple answer.

The D-16GT, which has the full depth, was discontinued in 2018. I’m not sure beyond that.

TBman · #6 10-01-2022, 08:14 AM

I have a 2003. If you love the Martin sound it's a good way to get it.

sjm1580 · #7 10-01-2022, 09:13 AM

Thank you for information, greatly appreciated !

davidd · #8 10-01-2022, 09:39 AM

The best D16 guitars were the ones from the late eighties and early nineties. Basically a poor man's D18V. Here is my 1990 D16M.

sjm1580 · #9 10-01-2022, 09:42 AM

Has anyone replaced the tuners? If so, what did you go with?

baw3 · #10 10-01-2022, 02:32 PM

I have owned both the rosewood and the hog version of the Martin D-16 series, both with the original depth in the bodies, IMO they are great guitars. Not just for the money, but just great sounding guitars. I actually have preffered them over some of their standard series guitars. I put Grovers on the ones I owned. They fit perfect. I used Grover 102N. They have them at Sweetwater for 54 bucks.

sjm1580 · #11 10-01-2022, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baw3

I have owned both the rosewood and the hog version of the Martin D-16 series, both with the original depth in the bodies, IMO they are great guitars. Not just for the money, but just great sounding guitars. I actually have preffered them over some of their standard series guitars. I put Grovers on the ones I owned. They fit perfect.

Quick question, were the Grovers drop in replacements or did you have to enlarge the holes?

Thanks you!

Fretboard Phil · #12 10-01-2022, 03:04 PM

I have a 2001 D16GT - Mahogany and spruce. Have had it since 2008, enjoyed every minute of my time with it.

baw3 · #13 10-01-2022, 03:31 PM

They drop right in the holes. No drilling at all.

davenumber2 · #14 10-01-2022, 03:52 PM

This is just my opinion but the only reason to change the tuners would be to change them to open back trying to get a more vintage look. Putting Rotomatics on is just a lateral move, swapping one closed tuner for another. The originals are perfectly serviceable.

sjm1580 · #15 10-01-2022, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davenumber2

This is just my opinion but the only reason to change the tuners would be to change them to open back trying to get a more vintage look. Putting Rotomatics on is just a lateral move, swapping one closed tuner for another. The originals are perfectly serviceable.

Sorry, I should have been clearer, I do want to switch to open back Grovers.