Martin 000-16 upgrade?

WebertRLZ · #1 06-17-2021, 10:05 AM

Hey folks,

I have recently bought a second hand Martin 000-16GT. My first Martin, got a sweet deal on it, I am very happy. It's actually my first solid-body guitar ever.

I noticed it comes with a Graphtech Tusq saddle, my question would be: is it worth it to install a bone saddle in this thing?

My impressions with this guitar are:
- playability is amazing
- it's very well tuned
- tone is beautiful
- has enough volume for me
- doesn't have strong bass, but it's present
- sound EQ is well balanced with open strings or up high on the neck

nothing that blows your mind, it is just very nice. Due to that I only played laminated body guitars before, this one for me is the nicest upgrade I had so far.

Lillis · #2 06-17-2021, 10:16 AM

That should be a great guitar,congratulations. IMO a bone saddle is certainly worth a try. Worst case scenario you will have a spare saddle. Saddles are easy to shape/fit yourself ( if I can do it you can). I’ve had very good experiences with Macnichol saddles and they’re $15 shipped. Enjoy that guitar.

WebertRLZ · #3 06-17-2021, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lillis

That should be a great guitar,congratulations. ... I’ve had very good experiences with Macnichol saddles and they’re $15 shipped. Enjoy that guitar.

Thank you! Yes I am very thrilled with this guitar, it is perfect in many ways.

And thanks for the recommendation, that would actually be my other question that I forgot: where to buy saddles (especially something that can ship to Germany)

rollypolly · #4 06-17-2021, 02:54 PM

congrats on the guitar! I also recently picked up a new small bodied Martin, a SWOMGT. Only had it a few days but I'm digging it. The 000-16 was on my list but it was just a matter of what was available.
What amazes me about mine is that it has a surprisingly big sound and presence despite it being small. It's definitely quieter than a dread but it's still got a lot of boomy tone. I imagine your 16 series being similar.

I've purchased a few bone saddles on Amazon. They're super cheap and seem to be good quality. Not sure about availability in Europe though. My other Martins, both 15 series, came with tusq saddles and I think they sound great. Not sure bone will change a lot of the tone but could be worth a try.

Br1ck · #5 06-17-2021, 04:37 PM

Tusq is a very good saddle and nut material. I'd not be so quick to change it. Bone can have non uniform density to it.

bufflehead · #6 06-17-2021, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Br1ck

Tusq is a very good saddle and nut material. I'd not be so quick to change it. Bone can have non uniform density to it.

Agreed. I'm not sure the switch would really be an upgrade.

Kyle215 · #7 06-17-2021, 11:28 PM

I had a 000-16GT for years. Great little guitar. I got a bone saddle from Maury’s and found it to be a significant upgrade… your mileage may vary, but it’s a cheap experiment.

Neil K Walk · #8 06-18-2021, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyle215

I had a 000-16GT for years. Great little guitar. I got a bone saddle from Maury’s and found it to be a significant upgrade… your mileage may vary, but it’s a cheap experiment.

I agree. It could be the best cheap upgrade you can make - apart from finding the right strings and the right pick. I won't include bridge pins. YMMV.