Martin 16 series

[teh]

Martin has introduced several upgraded 16 series models that include a gloss finish top and satin back and sides in a variety of finishes. Some have a short 24.9" scale and others have a 25.4" scale, come in a gig bag, have an L.R. Baggs pickup and they've also been Pleked at the factory. It looks like a lot of companies have been upping their game on quality and features. I haven't played a 14 fret neck with a 24.9" scale but I'd like to give one a try. In the meantime, I'll keep enjoying my 12 fret satin finished Larrivees.

[William2]

It looks like Martin is trying to keep up with Gibson and their Century series. I think it makes Martin look pathetic. I've owned a couple of Martin DSS-17 instruments. They were replaced by the Larrivee D-40. And now a short scale DSS-16E (DSS-17), it won't sound as good as the long scale instrument. Love how Martin is trying to keep up with Gibson. And I think it speaks to what Martin is all about.

[John in Charm City]

While the 16 series isn't for me there is a lot to be said for a 14 fret short scale.  disregarding bracing it's a OOO in Martin vernacular or a custom order in Larrivee land.  Big fan of short scale.

John

[William2]

While the 16 series isn't for me there is a lot to be said for a 14 fret short scale.  disregarding bracing it's a OOO in Martin vernacular or a custom order in Larrivee land.  Big fan of short scale.

John

I wouldn't mind a short scale instrument myself. And I would like it attached to a large body like a J-45. Does Martin really think they can compete with a J-45 LOL? Or I still might get an all-hog instrument like the Martin 000-17 which is short scale and all hog instrument. But my guitar stand only holds 5 instruments and I'm there now so something would have to go. And that's the problem.

[BlueBowman]

It looks like Martin is trying to keep up with Gibson and their Century series. I think it makes Martin look pathetic. I've owned a couple of Martin DSS-17 instruments. They were replaced by the Larrivee D-40. And now a short scale DSS-16E (DSS-17), it won't sound as good as the long scale instrument. Love how Martin is trying to keep up with Gibson. And I think it speaks to what Martin is all about.

And Gibson, IMO, was pushed to build the Century line due to the success of smaller brands like Iris. Lightweight, responsive, powerful guitars priced around the $2K range. Tonally-speaking, they're not for everyone, but that's a lot of guitar at that price, and Gibson doesn't wanna miss out.

As for Martin, they've been trying to cater to every type of guitar player in the world for several decades now.   

[William2]

And Gibson, IMO, was pushed to build the Century line due to the success of smaller brands like Iris. Lightweight, responsive, powerful guitars priced around the $2K range. Tonally-speaking, they're not for everyone, but that's a lot of guitar at that price, and Gibson doesn't wanna miss out.

As for Martin, they've been trying to cater to every type of guitar player in the world for several decades now.   

Good point about Gibson and Iris. Let's not forget Waterloo either. I even get excited about the Gibson
Century series. I've never seen such an agreement of positives about a series of AGF as these instruments. And Gibson is underpricing Iris. I still think I'd go with a J-45 or J-35 faded instrument if I got a Gibson. I really prefer the J-35 sound. And I read that when the J-35 was released, it was called 35 because it only cost $35 LOL.

[BlueBowman]

Good point about Gibson and Iris. Let's not forget Waterloo either. I even get excited about the Gibson
Century series. I've never seen such an agreement of positives about a series of AGF as these instruments. And Gibson is underpricing Iris. I still think I'd go with a J-45 or J-35 faded instrument if I got a Gibson. I really prefer the J-35 sound. And I read that when the J-35 was resleased, it was called 35 because it only cost $35 LOL.

The same was originally true for the D-18 and D-28, costing $18 and $28, respectively.

[DaveyO]

Darn ,those new guitars are a little pricey,especially when you may have a binding problem.
Have they fixed that yet?
as a matter of fact Taylor's are getting rediculusly expensive as well.
2 grand for a laminate 2 series?

[BlueBowman]

Darn ,those new guitars are a little pricey,especially when you may have a binding problem.
Have they fixed that yet?
as a matter of fact Taylor's are getting rediculusly expensive as well.
2 grand for a laminate 2 series?

Time will tell. The last two Martin's I owned, both from the Vintage Series (and really good guitars), had the dreaded binding issue, but both were also built during the prime binding-issue years. Some fans say it's now fixed, but I don't know. Time will tell.

The Modern Deluxe guitars come with wood bindings. A major step in the right direction, IMO!

[William2]

I watched a video on Alamo Music of the new 16 series.  I commented on the DSS asking if it was just the DSS-17 with a short scale mensural. Someone responded stating that the DSS-17 had scalloped mid-scale bracing with standard scale and the bDSS-16E had forward shifted GE bracing and a short scale.