Martin Special D16E vs D16

DrunkUncles · #1 04-17-2024, 07:55 AM

I'm currently trying to decide on either the Martin Special D16E or the D16E (both in rosewood)... I like both the Dread size and the 000 depth (I have a much older 000 mahogany Martin). I plan on hitting up two different local guitar shops (I cant seem to find both guitars in one shop) to play and listen.

That said I would like to hear from the owners of either? Your thoughts? Would you buy again? Any regrets (like spending the extra on an 18 or 28)?

I appreciate the any feedback.

tsmith28 · #2 04-17-2024, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrunkUncles

I'm currently trying to decide on either the Martin Special D16E or the D16E (both in rosewood)... I like both the Dread size and the 000 depth (I have a much older 000 mahogany Martin). I plan on hitting up two different local guitar shops (I cant seem to find both guitars in one shop) to play and listen.

That said I would like to hear from the owners of either? Your thoughts? Would you buy again? Any regrets (like spending the extra on an 18 or 28)?

I appreciate the any feedback.

I have owned multiple Special 16's, a D16E (with the 000 body depth), and even a pair of HD-28's. The Special 16 is easily my favorite of the bunch...yes, that comparison includes the HD-28's. Between the newer Special 16 and the older D16E, it's no comparison...the Special 16 sounds richer, warmer, and better overall. In fact, it plays & sounds identical (not similar...identical) to an HD-28. The only differences are that the Special 16 has a simpler aesthetic (closed gear tuners, no herringbone trim, satin back & sides), a simple dovetail neck joint, an added soundhole pickup, and a soft case.

I have owned around 60 acoustic guitars since the pandemic, and for my money the Special 16 is the best dreadnought you can buy for under $2000.

DrunkUncles · #3 04-17-2024, 10:10 AM

I appreciate that input, thank you. My plan is to do a Special 16 and D28 comparison at one of the guitar shops this weekend. And yes I know I'm looking at a poor man's D28, but at almost 1/2 the price...? My wife will be happy.

tsmith28 · #4 04-17-2024, 10:28 AM

I've never had much luck comparing guitars in a store since the dead strings, poor room acoustics, and background noise always get in the way. But you should check out my thread over at UMGF in which I did a blind audio comparison between my Special 16 and the HD-28 that I owned at the time. The majority of people agreed with me that the 16 sounds either the same or better than the 28.

https://umgf.com/special-16-vs-hd-28...n-t227268.html

...and be sure to check the private message I just sent you.

LAPlayer · #5 04-17-2024, 11:19 AM

The strings can make a good guitar sound ~ and a lesser guitar sound better. I would take two sets of identical strings with me and see if the shops will install new strings for you to compare the guitar with. When I've bought from GC, and certainly smaller private shops, I've never had anyone say no to putting on new strings for a trial.

lowrider · #6 04-17-2024, 12:35 PM

I agree with tsmith that the GC 16 Special Rosewood is the best bargain in the Martin line-up and the best dreadnought for under $2000.

I own a 16 Special and I've played the 000 depth D-16. The day I played it I compared it to a HD-28 and a D-18 and it was like ''where's the beef?'', and I went to the store wanting to like it.

I now compare the 16 Special to a 1979 D-35 and Custom Shop D-18 Adirondack.

The D-18 does have an edge over the other two, but I wouldn't say that the 35 is better than the 16. It's just different.

You most likely won't find a D-16 and a 16 Special in the same store to compare, but I'd guess that if you compare a 16 Special to an HD-28, a D-35, and a D-28, you'd be very likely to find the 16 to be your favorite. They will all be in the same conversation.

DrunkUncles · #7 04-18-2024, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsmith28

I've never had much luck comparing guitars in a store since the dead strings, poor room acoustics, and background noise always get in the way. But you should check out my thread over at UMGF in which I did a blind audio comparison between my Special 16 and the HD-28 that I owned at the time. The majority of people agreed with me that the 16 sounds either the same or better than the 28.

https://umgf.com/special-16-vs-hd-28...n-t227268.html

...and be sure to check the private message I just sent you.

WOW!!! Thank you. That may have sold me!

Any regrets or issues? Would you buy that guitar again?

mas30066 · #8 04-18-2024, 05:57 AM

Finally played one of the current 000 depth ones this week. Totally understand why it won’t appeal to folks seeking the classic Martin D tonality. But it was a *really * good guitar, full stop. If I were shopping in that range, it would be in the mix with an Iris OG and a Larrivee L05 as an ergonomic all’rounder.

tsmith28 · #9 04-18-2024, 06:15 AM

No regrets or issues whatsoever. I continue to be amazed by how good these guitars are. I have actually bought 5 different Special 16's (not at the same time) and they have all been very consistent...not a bad one in the bunch but each has definitely been subtly different. I currently own two of them, including the one that I used in that Special 16 vs HD-28 showdown thread on UMGF. I now realize that it's silly and redundant for me to own two of the same model, so I'm willing to part with one of them. If you decide that you want to go this route, please respond to the private message I sent you and I can offer you a good deal.

lowrider · #10 04-18-2024, 06:50 AM

Also no regrets here. I also really like the padded gig bag that it comes with. I use it for every guitar that I take out to play.

Also, you should be able to get 15% off of it as long as it's not on sale. Just ask. I got really lucky and caught my sales rep on a good day and I got 20% off, you just have to ask.

These are wonderful guitars and belong in any conversation about Martin Dreads!