I just strummed one at GC and all I can say is WOWWWEWW!!! in the last year and a half been looking for that perfect dreadnought guitar and this one is IT. It blew me away. The volume, sustain, bell tones, clarity. OMG. Played it side by side HD28 and this sounded better. Go buy one NOW
Very informative video. If you have not already completed the retrofitting, please do a video on how to retrofit the LR Baggs system. It would be an interesting tutorial for those of us who'd like to upgrade to a better pick up system. Because of your awesome review, I am picking one soon. Thank you!
I did do the retrofit already and should have made a video. I can make one with me talking through it. I do not have that guitar anymore but it is really easy to do.
@@matthewesquivel6998 what happened to your guitar? it's okay about the the retrofitting video. I researched the process and like you said, it's not that complicated. Before I rush out to buy this guitar I'm curious as to why you no longer have it tho?
Yes you would save a ton of money and get a guitar that is very similar in tone and appearance. However the standard D28 has non scalloped forward shifted bracing and the Special 16 Rosewood has Scalloped forward shifted bracing which makes it more close to a HD-28 than a standard D-28. Just FYI. They are both great guitars just gotta decide what you want.
Yes I read that it was closer to the HD 28 because of the scalloped bracing, but I was looking at the D 28 as an option because it was 200 dollars less than the HD28
Nice video man! I just recently purchased a used Martin MMV, and I am likewise stunned. It’s crazy to me that Martin is making these guitars at a fraction of the price (especially if you find them used) compared to their standard series equivalents. Basically getting the specs of a D-28 without breaking the bank. I also plan to use my MMV for worship, so I recently installed an LR Baggs M1 Active. Gotta love it!
Great video Matthew, thanks. I have a 16e rosewood (2019)with the shallower body and have noticed some variation in the the appointments of 16 series… for example, mine has open gear Grover tuners and herringbone inlay for the soundhole
Great review! ! Do you still have this guitar and is the honey moon over or does it still sound great. Found one used in good shape but kind of hanging on the limb undecided yet . You compared it to a hd-28 sound wise yet . Thanks for your review. Jeffery Clark from Rockdale Texas.
Great review. Thanks. I ordered a D16E on 12/29/21 and they won’t deliver till this November so I’m considering dropping by GC tomorrow and switching my order to a Special 16 cause GC does have it in stock. Going to test one out at the very least.
D16E is a thin body and the Special 16 has normal deep body so most likely will sound deeper, bassier. The Special 16 sounds incredible. Better than the HD28nnext to it. I highly recommend it
I had one and it sounded dead I was ready to return it for a 00015M but I was lucky to find one (Special 16) new in the box at a local store and the tone was completely different much fuller and brighter. I also had an MMV and loved the looks of it but the sound was really lacking.
Hello - Love your review of the Martin Special 16. I am looking to buy either the Martin Special 16 Rosewood or the Martin D-16E Rosewood. Just curious - have you also tried the Martin D-16E Rosewood? Which of these do you think sounds nicer? I am told the 16E sounds more basy and maybe softer, due to the more shallow depth. What do you think?
The ooo body width on the D16e will definitely be noticeably different than the full width D. The full size is going to be more powerful in the whole spectrum. If it wasn’t for the shallow body I’d buy one. I buy from zzounds because of their awesome payment plans but unfortunately they don’t sell the special 16 with the full width D body. So far I just haven’t been able to hit the buy button on the special D and pay it all at once. I want to but it’s very hard lol The 16 special is going to sound just like a HD28 though. It IS a HD28 without the gloss finish and herringbone trim. The wood and bracing is all exactly the same. The 16 special has a cheaper satin finish and has closed turners instead of open back tuners. Other than that it’s the same guitar. Actually the satin finish may sound even more powerful than HD28 with the thicker glossy finish. The top may vibrate more
I would say the Special 16 is in a league of its own like an HD28. The D16E is a thin body so it will sound thinner. Also it's a low end cheap model. The Special 16 is built with high end specs but meant to be an affordable exclusive to GC and MF. No comparison.
Hey Mathew, great video. Is this guitar all solid wood (solid spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides) and are the fretboard and bridge real ebony? Thanks
You will not have near as much resale value as an actual HD-28 but you will still be able to sell it. There is a market for these guitars especially when people are not able to step up the the real thing at the time they are looking. Hopefully that makes sense.
@@matthewesquivel6998 thanks a lot for your reply I'm planning on buying it from abroad so I will not be able to hear it properly unfortunately From what I've read it seems like this one offers a lot for guitar under 2000$ How do you think it compares with the D16e model ?
@@YossiR I think it is a safe bet to purchase it and yes it is a lot of value for the money. I did not like the D16e. The difference of body depth to me makes a big difference in the sound.
@@matthewesquivel6998 just wanted to update I bought this guitar, mainly thanks to this video and I love it. the action was way too high when I got it but after a simple setup it sounded amazing. already had so much fun with it in the last four months
@@matthewesquivel6998 Having owned D18-V and standard 18 ...... I absolutely disagree. Also played 'reimagined ' d18 the day I bought the 16 Special. My 18's and the newer all suffer from a lack of tone. Yes, they can be LOUD and Bright, and strong bottom .... but .... that's all, No overtones, just loudness followed by an empty decay.
@@treecounting that has not been my experience at all with the Reimagined standard series. Interesting to hear your opinion. The Reimagined standard series is great with the new specs and forward shifted bracing.
@@matthewesquivel6998 I wish I could see the inside of yours and what it says. I got one today and when I enter the serial numbers online it doesn't really seem to identify itself as a special 16. Although I can tell it's a legit Martin and has the X bracing and looks and sounds great. It doesn't have the typical information right behind the hole like most do. It's more up towards the neck, it says special and has a number.
A little bit misleading on that neck joint. The special 16 Rosewood has a mortise and tenon neck joint. That is NOT a “simple dovetail joint”. It is a MORTICE & TENON JOINT. They are very,very different.
“Simple Dovetail Joint” is how Martin describes it on their spec sheet and that is why I said that. I am not misleading anyone, just reading what the spec sheet says.
@@matthewesquivel6998 Well Matthew, if you were to read ALL of the description, you will notice that in the further description of this guitar on both the Guitar Centre and the Musicians Friend sites that it describes that joint as “a simple dovetail” and in the further description it states that the joint is indeed a mortise and tenon joint. So, yes, it is a bit misleading and it appears that Martin did eventually describe it correctly, you, however did not.
@@jamescomeaux3620 The spec sheet I received from Martin via email stated it was a simple dove tail joint. Thats why I said. Again no misleading being done by me. I did not get my specs from guitar center or musicians friend. I called Martin and asked for the spec sheet on this guitar. They email it to me.
Thats an interesting question. I like both guitars for different reasons but if I could only have one guitar I would probably go with the Martin just because the Spruce top for me is more versatile than the Mahogany top but only by a little bit.
Hey how did u go about getting the spec sheet?? I just bought one yesterday.. I'm blown away by it and mine said east Indian rosewood back and sides so I'm guessing it's all solid 😉
I bought one of these from a Guitar Center in Sept. 2020. The Martin Special 16 Rosewood. I contacted Martin to get all the spec sheets from Martin just like you did, lol! And I fell for it. It's my first Martin. Ive played an Ibanez Artwood & a Baby Taylor for the 10 years and 6 years..... I like the Fishman VT Enhance, I find the enhance to pick up quite well for prc. Fingerstyle, but I do also run it through a sick acoustic amp with added acoustic pedals when i run for strongr effects sometimes...Its a great guitar and i couldnt have hoped for a better entry into the Martin world. Ill get another Martin, probably a 00-15, or something like that some day but my 16 and I are gonna ride for a while....
Glad you are enjoying your Special 16 Rosewood! Fishman system is a quality system just not my favorite. Glad you are having good results with it. And yes the Special 16 is a great guitar to start off with from Martin. Enjoy the guitar!
@@matthewesquivel6998 Man, I'm jus' happy to see there are others out there who have discovered the Martin Special 16. Everytime you look it up on youtube you get a lot of D16e stuff pop up. And there IS a slight difference.
Just traded a Taylor for this thinking it was a D16e. Just realized it’s not a D16e like they said. Slightly pissed off. Why would they do that? Label it a D16e when it’s not?
In my opinion you got a better guitar than the D-16e. This guitar is a guitar center exclusive. This guitar is NOT in Martins official lineup. The do not label them as D-16e. Now if you traded privately, the the person probably did not know what he had. If you traded at guitar center then the person you dealt with at guitar center did not have good product knowledge. That is a common problem with guitar center employees for sure.
I just strummed one at GC and all I can say is WOWWWEWW!!! in the last year and a half been looking for that perfect dreadnought guitar and this one is IT. It blew me away. The volume, sustain, bell tones, clarity. OMG. Played it side by side HD28 and this sounded better. Go buy one NOW
Thanks Matthew. I just picked up this guitar from my Guitar Center yesterday.
I learned the song that you opened up with by the way. Thanks!
I like this guy. A genuine person
That guitar sounds amazing
Very informative video. If you have not already completed the retrofitting, please do a video on how to retrofit the LR Baggs system. It would be an interesting tutorial for those of us who'd like to upgrade to a better pick up system. Because of your awesome review, I am picking one soon. Thank you!
I did do the retrofit already and should have made a video. I can make one with me talking through it. I do not have that guitar anymore but it is really easy to do.
@@matthewesquivel6998 what happened to your guitar? it's okay about the the retrofitting video. I researched the process and like you said, it's not that complicated. Before I rush out to buy this guitar I'm curious as to why you no longer have it tho?
Part of the way I can do these videos is buy trading and selling guitars. So I loved the Martin but traded it so I could review another guitar.
Very cool guitar, love the sound, and your thorough review.👍
Thank You! I try to give as much information as possible but also want to give everyone good sound samples. Glad you enjoyed the review.
Ordered mine last week! Super excited 🤘🏻
That is awesome! Glad you got one!
@@matthewesquivel6998 dude I just got the confirmation that it’s arriving tomorrow 🔥🔥🔥
Thanks for the help Matthew. Was considering a D28, but considering the the $1200 difference in price, this guitar seems like the way to go.
Yes you would save a ton of money and get a guitar that is very similar in tone and appearance. However the standard D28 has non scalloped forward shifted bracing and the Special 16 Rosewood has Scalloped forward shifted bracing which makes it more close to a HD-28 than a standard D-28. Just FYI. They are both great guitars just gotta decide what you want.
Yes I read that it was closer to the HD 28 because of the scalloped bracing, but I was looking at the D 28 as an option because it was 200 dollars less than the HD28
Nice video man! I just recently purchased a used Martin MMV, and I am likewise stunned. It’s crazy to me that Martin is making these guitars at a fraction of the price (especially if you find them used) compared to their standard series equivalents. Basically getting the specs of a D-28 without breaking the bank.
I also plan to use my MMV for worship, so I recently installed an LR Baggs M1 Active. Gotta love it!
Those MMV’s are awesome guitars! Yes it is crazy that they offer very similar specs as the standard line at a fraction of the cost. I am glad they do!
What a steal.
Did you put the Martin red pack 92/8 strings or the 80/20 pack? I would really like to know. Cause I have one. Thank you.
Great video Matthew, thanks. I have a 16e rosewood (2019)with the shallower body and have noticed some variation in the the appointments of 16 series… for example, mine has open gear Grover tuners and herringbone inlay for the soundhole
Did you ever put the Baggs Anthem in? I was concerned with the end pin "box". I hate the Fishman. Debating whether I should keep.
Great review! ! Do you still have this guitar and is the honey moon over or does it still sound great. Found one used in good shape but kind of hanging on the limb undecided yet . You compared it to a hd-28 sound wise yet . Thanks for your review. Jeffery Clark from Rockdale Texas.
Great review. Thanks. I ordered a D16E on 12/29/21 and they won’t deliver till this November so I’m considering dropping by GC tomorrow and switching my order to a Special 16 cause GC does have it in stock. Going to test one out at the very least.
D16E is a thin body and the Special 16 has normal deep body so most likely will sound deeper, bassier. The Special 16 sounds incredible. Better than the HD28nnext to it. I highly recommend it
I had one and it sounded dead I was ready to return it for a 00015M but I was lucky to find one (Special 16) new in the box at a local store and the tone was completely different much fuller and brighter. I also had an MMV and loved the looks of it but the sound was really lacking.
Hello - Love your review of the Martin Special 16. I am looking to buy either the Martin Special 16 Rosewood or the Martin D-16E Rosewood. Just curious - have you also tried the Martin D-16E Rosewood? Which of these do you think sounds nicer? I am told the 16E sounds more basy and maybe softer, due to the more shallow depth. What do you think?
The ooo body width on the D16e will definitely be noticeably different than the full width D. The full size is going to be more powerful in the whole spectrum. If it wasn’t for the shallow body I’d buy one. I buy from zzounds because of their awesome payment plans but unfortunately they don’t sell the special 16 with the full width D body. So far I just haven’t been able to hit the buy button on the special D and pay it all at once. I want to but it’s very hard lol
The 16 special is going to sound just like a HD28 though. It IS a HD28 without the gloss finish and herringbone trim. The wood and bracing is all exactly the same. The 16 special has a cheaper satin finish and has closed turners instead of open back tuners. Other than that it’s the same guitar. Actually the satin finish may sound even more powerful than HD28 with the thicker glossy finish. The top may vibrate more
I would say the Special 16 is in a league of its own like an HD28. The D16E is a thin body so it will sound thinner. Also it's a low end cheap model. The Special 16 is built with high end specs but meant to be an affordable exclusive to GC and MF. No comparison.
Great video...luv dis guitar sounds 👌
Hey Mathew, great video. Is this guitar all solid wood (solid spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides) and are the fretboard and bridge real ebony? Thanks
Yes this is an all solid wood guitar. Ebony is solid as well.
@@matthewesquivel6998 wow that was fast! Thanks. You just got a new subscriber
Like a piano!
I just bought one of these a few months ago and I LOVE it. Such a warm tone
did u get the rosewood or the mahogany? I'm trying to decide between the two purely based on online vids.
@@musicbyhiran I got the rosewood! Sounds great! Really warm
Amazing guitar. It’s an HD28 with a different name and much lower price. Incredible value.
and a different neck joint.. definitely not an HD28 but if close enough for someone, great.
Wrong it has a different x bracing inside.
Really considering ordering one
Do you think the fact it's a Martin made for guitar center lower it's resale value?
You will not have near as much resale value as an actual HD-28 but you will still be able to sell it. There is a market for these guitars especially when people are not able to step up the the real thing at the time they are looking. Hopefully that makes sense.
But do not let resale value be the reason not to buy one of these. If it sounds and feels good to you then buy it.
@@matthewesquivel6998 thanks a lot for your reply
I'm planning on buying it from abroad so I will not be able to hear it properly unfortunately
From what I've read it seems like this one offers a lot for guitar under 2000$
How do you think it compares with the D16e model ?
@@YossiR I think it is a safe bet to purchase it and yes it is a lot of value for the money. I did not like the D16e. The difference of body depth to me makes a big difference in the sound.
@@matthewesquivel6998 just wanted to update
I bought this guitar, mainly thanks to this video and I love it.
the action was way too high when I got it but after a simple setup it sounded amazing.
already had so much fun with it in the last four months
Matthew. Love the video. Do you prefer the D16 special edition or the D18?
D-18 hands down
@@matthewesquivel6998 Having owned D18-V and standard 18 ...... I absolutely disagree. Also played 'reimagined ' d18 the day I bought the 16 Special. My 18's and the newer all suffer from a lack of tone. Yes, they can be LOUD and Bright, and strong bottom .... but .... that's all, No overtones, just loudness followed by an empty decay.
@@treecounting that has not been my experience at all with the Reimagined standard series. Interesting to hear your opinion. The Reimagined standard series is great with the new specs and forward shifted bracing.
Do the electronics it comes with include a tuner?
No they do not
@@matthewesquivel6998 I wish I could see the inside of yours and what it says. I got one today and when I enter the serial numbers online it doesn't really seem to identify itself as a special 16. Although I can tell it's a legit Martin and has the X bracing and looks and sounds great. It doesn't have the typical information right behind the hole like most do. It's more up towards the neck, it says special and has a number.
A little bit misleading on that neck joint. The special 16 Rosewood has a mortise and tenon neck joint. That is NOT a “simple dovetail joint”. It is a MORTICE & TENON JOINT. They are very,very different.
“Simple Dovetail Joint” is how Martin describes it on their spec sheet and that is why I said that. I am not misleading anyone, just reading what the spec sheet says.
@@matthewesquivel6998 Well Matthew, if you were to read ALL of the description, you will notice that in the further description of this guitar on both the Guitar Centre and the Musicians Friend sites that it describes that joint as “a simple dovetail” and in the further description it states that the joint is indeed a mortise and tenon joint. So, yes, it is a bit misleading and it appears that Martin did eventually describe it correctly, you, however did not.
@@jamescomeaux3620 The spec sheet I received from Martin via email stated it was a simple dove tail joint. Thats why I said. Again no misleading being done by me. I did not get my specs from guitar center or musicians friend. I called Martin and asked for the spec sheet on this guitar. They email it to me.
@@jamescomeaux3620 I can email you the spec sheet if you would like to see it.
@@jamescomeaux3620 Lol! perfect.
One more question Matthew.What is the bridge made of?
Ebony, as is the fretboard
Which guitar do you like better? Guild d-20 or this special 16?
Thats an interesting question. I like both guitars for different reasons but if I could only have one guitar I would probably go with the Martin just because the Spruce top for me is more versatile than the Mahogany top but only by a little bit.
Sounds Great! Could you possibly share that spec sheet from Martin?
Thank you! Let me see if I can find a way to upload it.
I can’t seem to find a way to upload the file. I can send it to you by email if you would like?
Just sent to your email.
Hey how did u go about getting the spec sheet?? I just bought one yesterday.. I'm blown away by it and mine said east Indian rosewood back and sides so I'm guessing it's all solid 😉
I bought one of these from a Guitar Center in Sept. 2020. The Martin Special 16 Rosewood. I contacted Martin to get all the spec sheets from Martin just like you did, lol! And I fell for it. It's my first Martin. Ive played an Ibanez Artwood & a Baby Taylor for the 10 years and 6 years..... I like the Fishman VT Enhance, I find the enhance to pick up quite well for prc. Fingerstyle, but I do also run it through a sick acoustic amp with added acoustic pedals when i run for strongr effects sometimes...Its a great guitar and i couldnt have hoped for a better entry into the Martin world. Ill get another Martin, probably a 00-15, or something like that some day but my 16 and I are gonna ride for a while....
Glad you are enjoying your Special 16 Rosewood! Fishman system is a quality system just not my favorite. Glad you are having good results with it. And yes the Special 16 is a great guitar to start off with from Martin. Enjoy the guitar!
@@matthewesquivel6998 Man, I'm jus' happy to see there are others out there who have discovered the Martin Special 16. Everytime you look it up on youtube you get a lot of D16e stuff pop up. And there IS a slight difference.
Looks like you swapped out/upgraded your Tuners?
Tuners were stock
Hello from the UK 🇬🇧 how could I purchase this model can anybody help me
Guitar sounds great. Could you tell me if the nut and saddle are bone?
Nut is bone and saddle is tusq from the factory
Its a Martin D 16 R GT is all it is. It has
This is same as D16 RGT?
Hello, could you indicate a link where all the technical specifications of this model are shown?
Hi, if you would like I can email them to you. They are not listed anywhere. I had to get them from Martin.
@@matthewesquivel6998 marley_x6@hotmail.com
@@matthewesquivel6998 if you could email me the same specs please I would greatly appreciate it. jcminter94@yahoo.com
Thank you!
Just traded a Taylor for this thinking it was a D16e. Just realized it’s not a D16e like they said. Slightly pissed off. Why would they do that? Label it a D16e when it’s not?
In my opinion you got a better guitar than the D-16e. This guitar is a guitar center exclusive. This guitar is NOT in Martins official lineup. The do not label them as D-16e. Now if you traded privately, the the person probably did not know what he had. If you traded at guitar center then the person you dealt with at guitar center did not have good product knowledge. That is a common problem with guitar center employees for sure.
@@matthewesquivel6998 agreed. The d16e has a shallow body whereas the special 16 is full size
Matthew can u email me the spec sheet on this guitar? Thanks
It’s Martin special 16 solid rosewood Sitka spruce front scalloped bracing $1,750 before tax.
He’ll give u a call, hang on 👍🏼