Grand Performance comfort meets modern stage versatility in the Guitar Center Exclusive Martin Special GPC-16E rosewood Grand Performance cutaway acoustic-electric guitar. Part of Martin's refreshed 16 Series, it pairs a spruce top and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides with scalloped X-bracing, a 25.4" scale and an ebony fingerboard. Its shallower 000-depth body and cutaway provide a comfortable playing experience with easier access to upper frets, while Martin E1 electronics with a built-in tuner and discreet soundhole controls make the transition to amplified performance straightforward. For singer-songwriters and gigging guitarists moving between fingerstyle passages, strumming and stage work, the GPC-16E offers a versatile alternative to a full-depth dreadnought.
Grand Performance Cutaway With Solid Rosewood Back and Sides
The GP-14 Fret cutaway combines Grand Performance proportions with a shallower 000 body depth, offering a different playing experience from the full-size D-16E dreadnought. A spruce soundboard and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides work with scalloped spruce X-bracing to support a responsive acoustic voice. A gloss top contrasts with satin-finished back and sides, while faux tortoise binding and pickguard, black-stripe purfling and a custom multi-stripe rosette 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 light strings for this Grand Performance model.
Cutaway Access for Acoustic and Amplified Sets
The Special GPC-16E combines the comfortable proportions and upper-fret access of a 000-depth Grand Performance cutaway 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 GPC-16E rosewood Grand Performance cutaway acoustic-electric guitar to songwriting sessions, band rehearsals and live performances that benefit from a shallower body and easier upper-fret access.