Full-size dreadnought projection meets modern stage utility in the Guitar Center Exclusive Martin Special D-16E rosewood dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar. Part of Martin's refreshed 16 Series, it combines a spruce top, solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, scalloped X-bracing and a 25.4" scale with an ebony fingerboard. The D-14 Fret body provides a full-size acoustic platform for strummers and singer-songwriters, while Martin E1 electronics with a built-in tuner and discreet soundhole controls make the transition to amplified performance straightforward. For players moving between songwriting, rehearsal and live sets, this exclusive D-16E brings traditional Martin construction into a versatile acoustic-electric setup.
Dreadnought Dimensions With Solid Rosewood Construction
The square-shoulder D-14 Fret body pairs a spruce soundboard with solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, a combination that supports a full-bodied acoustic voice. Scalloped spruce X-bracing allows the soundboard to respond freely, while a gloss top and satin-finished back and sides provide contrasting finishes. Faux tortoise binding and pickguard, a custom multi-stripe rosette and black-stripe purfling complete the traditional 16 Series presentation.
Martin E1 Electronics With Tone Shaping and Silent Tuning
Martin E1 electronics bring practical amplified control to the 16 Series with discreet soundhole-mounted volume, tone and phase controls. Players can adjust output and shape their sound for an acoustic amplifier or PA, while the phase switch provides an option for managing feedback in live settings. A built-in chromatic tuner operates without an instrument cable and automatically mutes the output when engaged, allowing silent tuning between songs when connected to an amplifier or PA. Together, these features give performing guitarists flexible control over their amplified sound, whether rehearsing, recording or playing live.
Modified Low Oval Neck With Ebony Fingerboard
Martin pairs a select hardwood neck with a simple dovetail joint at the 14th fret. The Modified Low Oval profile and High Performance Taper balance comfortable chord grips with room for melodic runs, while a 25.4" scale, 1-3/4" bone nut and 20-fret ebony fingerboard establish familiar Martin playing dimensions. Mother-of-pearl Style 28 inlays complete the fingerboard with a traditional visual detail.
Ebony Bridge and Traditional Martin Hardware
An ebony modern belly bridge carries a drop-in bone saddle and black TUSQ bridge pins with mother-of-pearl dots. Nickel open-gear tuners with butterbean buttons complement the East Indian rosewood headplate and old-style script logo. Plek processing helps establish consistent fretwork and playability, while an included softshell case provides protection during transport and storage. Martin recommends Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 medium strings for this dreadnought.
A Full-Size Dreadnought for Working Musicians
The Special D-16E combines the familiar projection of a square-shoulder dreadnought with discreet onboard electronics for amplified performance. Its solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, scalloped bracing and included softshell case make it a versatile choice for regular playing and travel. Bring the Guitar Center Exclusive Martin Special D-16E rosewood dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar to songwriting sessions, band rehearsals and live performances that call for the presence of a full-size dreadnought.