Main Forums => Other Guitar Makers => Topic started by: lissandavegreen on February 23, 2009, 10:30:16 PM

Title: martin d-16gt new looking for some advice
Post by: lissandavegreen on February 23, 2009, 10:30:16 PM
just got a new martin d-16gt sounds great but always looking to make them sound there best. Any advice bone nut saddle pins etc thanks
Title: Re: martin d-16gt new looking for some advice
Post by: prof_stack on February 24, 2009, 12:01:13 AM
Don't change a thing (except the strings) for at least 6 months.  Play it daily and play it a lot.  Enjoy.
Title: Re: martin d-16gt new looking for some advice
Post by: Safricanplayer on February 24, 2009, 02:03:52 AM
I'd experiment with different strings and picks to dial in the sound you're really looking for. Lots of older threads with great suggestions in that regard. Most folks feel a bone saddle is a relatively inexpensive upgrade option & I agree. That said, strings (80/20's, PB's, coated or uncoated) can have a significant difference. Don't overlook experiementing with different gauge and material picks, ie., Clayton, Dunlop, Star picks etc. 

Good luck and enjoy :thumbsup

~ Ray ~
Title: Re: martin d-16gt new looking for some advice
Post by: lissandavegreen on February 24, 2009, 07:54:06 AM
thanks guys. I heard that it takes about 6months for it to start to open up. I have martin sp med gauge on it now. NEVER liked them before but they sound good on this guitar Always used med daddario going to try those or I heard a lot of folks talk about john pearce
Title: Re: martin d-16gt new looking for some advice
Post by: Larrivee4me on February 24, 2009, 04:18:58 PM
You say it's new as in, brand spankin new?  If it's never been set up by a qualified tech you really should have it done.  Checking the neck relief, nut slots, saddle and frets all affect play and tone.  You may be very surprised at the difference.  Find a quality oriented shop rather than the backroom at the GC or similar mega store.  Here's my favorite shop for setups. 
http://www.jthomasdavis.com/home.html  Go to "workshops"  and "A setup can make all the difference"
I'm sure someone here could recommend one in your neck of the woods
Title: Re: martin d-16gt new looking for some advice
Post by: jeremy3220 on February 24, 2009, 05:05:10 PM
I'd have it setup and the saddle replaced with bone as soon as possible. Then start experimenting with string brands(same gauge as what it was setup with though).
Title: Re: martin d-16gt new looking for some advice
Post by: lissandavegreen on February 24, 2009, 07:21:02 PM
yea its brand spanking new think I got the strings down to d addario pb med gauge. the good thing is that I have a martin repair man that lives close buy certified. going to drop it off friday thanks for your help