Singer-songwriters and rhythm players who like the familiar push of a dreadnought but want a more relaxed short-scale feel get a distinctive combination in the refreshed DSS-16E. The Martin DSS-16E Dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar pairs a sloped-shoulder body and 24.9" scale with a gloss spruce top, satin solid mahogany back and sides and Baggs Element electronics. Forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing, a modified low oval neck and ebony fingerboard complete a warm, focused voice offered in 1935 Burst, Cherry Cola and Black Smoke finishes.

Sloped-Shoulder Dreadnought Keeps the Voice Woody and Focused

The DSS body reshapes the dreadnought around sloped shoulders, giving the guitar a woody, intimate character while retaining the size and presence expected from a full acoustic rhythm instrument. Martin pairs the spruce top with solid mahogany back and sides for punchy midrange, strong treble response and a focused low end that can sit comfortably in a mix. That balance makes the DSS-16E especially useful for accompaniment, where warmth matters but excess low-frequency spread can get in the way of vocals and other instruments.

Baggs Element Makes the DSS-16E Stage Ready

Baggs Element electronics make the DSS-16E practical beyond its unplugged role, giving performers a direct way to carry the guitar into stage and recording systems. That matters for a model whose core strengths—focused mahogany tone, short-scale feel and responsive bracing—are equally useful for solo sets, full-band accompaniment and tracked rhythm parts. Instead of requiring a separate stage-oriented acoustic, the DSS-16E keeps those jobs within the same instrument.

Forward-Shifted Scalloped X-Bracing Builds Bass and Resonance

Forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing is one of the DSS-16E's defining construction choices. Martin uses the layout to enhance resonance and bass response, giving the sloped-shoulder body more openness beneath its focused mahogany voice. The result is a dreadnought that can support full strumming and sustained chords while keeping enough articulation for songwriting, dynamic rhythm work and more controlled accompaniment.

24.9" Scale Gives the Dreadnought a Relaxed Feel

The 24.9" scale is a notable change for this sloped-shoulder dreadnought format, bringing a more relaxed feel to the DSS-16E without changing its full-size acoustic role. A modified low oval neck and 1.75" nut width provide familiar Martin proportions, while the ebony fingerboard carries 20 frets with 1955 Style 18 inlays. An ebony bridge, TUSQ saddle and nickel open-gear tuners complete a straightforward playing setup centered on comfort and traditional acoustic hardware.

Three Finishes Pair With Two Pickguard Treatments

1935 Burst uses a faux tortoise pickguard, while Cherry Cola and Black Smoke pair with grained ivoroid for a sharper contrast against their gloss tops. Across all three finishes, 1955 Style 18 fingerboard inlays, nickel open-gear tuners, ebony components and satin solid mahogany back and sides keep the core identity consistent, and a softshell case is included. For players who want sloped-shoulder dreadnought character with a shorter 24.9" scale, focused mahogany tone and modern amplified utility, the Martin DSS-16E Dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar offers a distinctive take on the 16 Series.