Martin HD-16R vs. Special Style 16 Rosewood: Run-off

[Troubador]

This is rather urgent or I wouldn't do it, so I hope the mods/members will bear with me as I post one more thread. In my thread where I asked members to voice opinions and cast votes on five guitars, the Martin HD-16R and Martin GC Special 16 Style Rosewood dreadnought were the top two vote getters.

Now I'm asking members to vote in a run-off between these two, with the following criteria: a used HD-16R, and a brand new Special 16 Style Rosewood. As I said, this is kind of urgent, or I wouldn't do it. So, many thanks in advance to all who participate.

[rollypolly]

Just looked up the specs on the HD-16R. Looks like a nice guitar indeed. Not sure what makes it different than an D-28 or HD-28, though. For about same the price I'd probably just get a 28 of some variation.

[llew]

I had the HD-16R and sold it to a friend a while back. Nice guitar and it's opened up nicely but I think I'd still rather have a 28. Just my 2 cents...

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by rollypolly

Just looked up the specs on the HD-16R. Looks like a nice guitar indeed. Not sure what makes it different than an D-28 or HD-28, though. For about same the price I'd probably just get a 28 of some variation.

There are two versions of it, the Adirondack, and the Large Sound Hole. on both, the braces are scalloped but not forward shifted. So, that's one thing that's different from the D/HD 28. The ADi top is another. And the bracing pattern is different, too. Plus, the neck joint.

But I still don't see why these used guitars are priced so high.

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by llew

I had the HD-16R and sold it to a friend a while back. Nice guitar and it's opened up nicely but I think I'd still rather have a 28. Just my 2 cents...

Ask your friend if he wants to sell it to me. BTW, was it the Adi or the LSH?

[lowrider]

It would be a good idea to say with your choice, whether or not you've played either of these guitars.

I voted for the 16 Special, I've played one and I was able to compare it to a D-35. I think it gives you all of the tone you'd expect from a Standard Series guitar. I've never played an HD-16R but if they do cost about the same as a D-28, I really wouldn't have any interest in looking for one.

[llew]

Originally Posted by Troubador

Ask your friend if he wants to sell it to me. BTW, was it the Adi or the LSH?

Standard Adi top...

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by llew

Standard Adi top...

Thanks............

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by lowrider

It would be a good idea to say with your choice, whether or not you've played either of these guitars.

I voted for the 16 Special and I think it gives you all of the tone you'd expect from a Standard Series guitar. I've never played an HD-16R but if they do cast about the same as a D-28, I really wouldn't have any interest in looking for one.

The ones I saw in the last few months were in the low-mid $2000s: that is, from $2000 - 2500, including the Adi and the LSH Sitka. And I even saw one listed for $3000 -- and that one was used of course! I know they're different, but I still don't understand asking that.

[Troubador]

It would help me a lot if responders would say why you chose one over the other. I'd appreciate it.

[tsmith28]

Originally Posted by lowrider

I voted for the 16 Special, I've played one and I was able to compare it to a D-35. I think it gives you all of the tone you'd expect from a Standard Series guitar.

I agree. I also voted for the Special 16 Style Rosewood because I have owned one for a couple months now and it's an outstanding guitar... difficult to beat under $2k. I compared it to an HD-28 in the store and happily walked away with the Special 16. It's extremely versatile since it's equally well-suited for fingerstyle or strumming and also has a pickup (which I have no use for).

The only reason why these guitars aren't more popular is because they're new and exclusive to MF / GC.

[j38guitar]

Before I vote... Are prices the same? or close?

[jacot23]

I'd choose the GC Special because:

1)It's New
a. Warranty(not worth a lot, but it's something).
b. I get to put all the dings in it myself.
2)A used HD-16 is more than likely priced too high due to availability.

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by j38guitar

Before I vote... Are prices the same? or close?

The HD-16R is a couple hundred more.

[j38guitar]

Originally Posted by Troubador

The HD-16R is a couple hundred more.

Vote goes to Martin GC Special 16 Style Rosewood. Less money and brand new. Specs seem close to me.