Martin D-16e Special Review - Under $1850!!!
Рет қаралды 13,176
Күн бұрын#martinguitar #acousticguitar
Please like, share and subscribe to my channel if you enjoy this video.
Intro - 0:00
Amazing price! - 2:22
Strumming and fingerpicking - 4:59
Compared to a HDC-28e - 8:15
The electronics - 11:31
Who is it for? - 16:48
Outro playing - 18:52
If you would like to support my channel please use www.buymeacoffee.com/aaronsho...
Get YOUR 'Sound Hole Sniffer' Tee here: teespring.com/stores/aaronshor...
Disclosure: The links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Amazon USA - www.amazon.com/b?_encoding=UT...
Sweetwater (USA) - imp.i114863.net/J7752
Thomann (EU) - www.thomannmusic.com/?partner...
Reverb (Worldwide) - reverb.grsm.io/aaronshort5045
Gear/links mentioned in this video:
Martin Special 16 Style Rosewood Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural - www.guitarcenter.com/Martin/S...
Martin D-16E Rosewood Acoustic-electric Guitar (000 depth) - imp.i114863.net/BXrEmq
Equipment that I use to make my videos:
Apple MacBook Pro M1 Max 14” - amzn.to/3o4zbfa
Digital Mixer - amzn.to/3zZqCXz
UA Apollo Twin X - amzn.to/3tsuDBF
Shure SE535 IEM’s- amzn.to/3tHdhkJ
Sony A7C DSLR Camera - amzn.to/39a4JJH
Sony 20mm f/1.8 Lens - amzn.to/3tsuVbJ
Lighting - amzn.to/2YzyPUC
Elgato Stream Deck Mk 2 - amzn.to/3CZFCGE
Sennheiser MKH 416 Microphone - amzn.to/2X52SQz
Neumann U87 Ai Microphone (for singing) - amzn.to/35evsRu
Neumann KM 184 MT Stereo Set Condenser Microphone (for instruments and amps) - amzn.to/348RXWM
Mogami Cables (XLR & 1/4") - amzn.to/34fQ9LN
The Session-Pro Double-Stack Mobile Guitar Case Rack - amzn.to/3rWM1w0
Software that I use to make my videos:
Ecamm Live - www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?...
Restream - restream.io/join/DonQA
Social Media:
aaronshortmusic
aaronshortmusic
aaronshortmusic
www.aaronshortmusic.com
@mpatmas 10 ай бұрын
I bought one yesterday and I love it.
@aaronshortmusic 10 ай бұрын
Congrats!
@gredmer Жыл бұрын
Very nice review Aaron.
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
Thanks Greg!
@slpc30 Ай бұрын
Thank you for this awesome video
@aaronshortmusic Ай бұрын
You’re welcome!
@slooptribe 4 ай бұрын
Absolutely love my Martins! Moved and graded my way up from other solid guitars through the years and I’m now I have my Martins and I absolutely love 16 it gives the best combination between the dreadnought and the 000.
@staleyexplores Жыл бұрын
I've actually played a few d10e's that I liked for like $850...so like you said it just depends on the particular guitar. this one sounds pretty nice to my ears.
@staleyexplores Жыл бұрын
so cool!
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
You should try one of these next time you are at GC.
@DerekPaulGuitar Жыл бұрын
Nice review my friend! That’s a beauty and they have 15% off at the moment too!
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
Yes. Get one while they have the discount and you’re laughing!
@pgrove Жыл бұрын
I love mine, very few differences from a super expensive standard series and it sounds just as good. I played d28s and hd28s and the 18 series and other things when I was purchasing this guitar and it sounded as good or better than most of them. It's definitely the best Martin guitar for the price, that's almost impossible to argue against.
@davidbelcher2805 Жыл бұрын
Good review Aaron. These are nice guitars for the money. I like mine quite a bit. I knew I wouldn't play a dread style enough to warrant an HD28 and this was a good alternative. I changed out the pins and saddle to bone (I don't play it plugged in), I can honestly say I don't hear a big difference from the stock Tusq pins and saddle, but everybody hears things differently.
@multipipi1234 4 ай бұрын
For the money. Is like that old song ..nice face shame about the legs.
@chazbetters7350 Жыл бұрын
Aaron, thanks for a very balanced review. I like hearing both the good and the bad....call it like you see it. P.S. Black Friday sale at GC, 15% off like you said,....it now has a permanent home at my house.😀
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
Congrats! It was a great time to buy one.
@jefferyclark351 Жыл бұрын
Super great review ! I’ve found a used one in great shape at e real bargain. I’ve got a new hd 28 but would like this one for gigs at some of these Texas honky tonk bars. You still think the sound is close to a hd28 . You know hands on in a life situation sounds different than listening through electronics. Thanks again! Enjoy all your videos. Jeff Clark from Rockdale Texas . YEP ! Proud to be a Texan
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
Hey there! I do not think it can replace an HD-28 BUT I do think it would make a great stage/backup guitar.
@valueofnothing2487 5 ай бұрын
I was going to complain that it doesn't have hand shaped scalloped bracing, but neither does the D-28! Thanks for playing the plain chords.
@aaronshortmusic 5 ай бұрын
You’re welcome!
@rickpaul4216 5 ай бұрын
Fantastic Review. I had a 2000's vintage DC16RGTE. It was a rosewood 16 series with a cutaway. It was destroyed in 2020 in an out of control party. Someone actually smashed the guitar over his head. It was devastating. Anyway, I replaced it with a Takamine. While it was a beautiful guitar, I was NEVER able to get used to it. I bit the bullet and traded it in at Guitar Center. I went there to buy a D-28 and I walked out with this. I like the brighter sound of the 16 and wanted a pickup. It didn't hurt that it was $1,000 cheaper!. I took it home and played it with my kids in the room. My oldest son was over for a football game and said "This may sound cheesy, but that sounds familiar. it sounds right." Wow. The sound is inspiring me to play more. Having the Tak made me lose interest.
@aaronshortmusic 5 ай бұрын
That's great, thanks for sharing!
@mutley6722 Жыл бұрын
This would be a great guitar with the 15% off. For someone who wants to get their first Martin I do t think you can go wrong with this. Nice video Aaron👏
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
Thanks I agree. It would be a great deal when they have 15% off!
@snazzyvaka4152 5 ай бұрын
Just picked up one from GC a few days ago, after owning a few martins (older d-16RGT, 92 HD28) this one by far has the best sound and feel.
@aaronshortmusic 5 ай бұрын
Congrats!
@joshs8475 Жыл бұрын
Just purchased this guitar upgrading from an x series and can’t wait to play it.
@joshs8475 Жыл бұрын
Finally got this in my hands and love the sound, haven’t plugged it in yet but wow , to me it had more depth than the 16e which was had too much high end when I played it . Thank you for the great review and information.
@JM-vu2tt 9 ай бұрын
The x series is basically a laminated guitar, basically sh1t for a guitar
@bobbycompton3828 7 ай бұрын
I gig 8 to 12 times a month Solo acoustic vocalist and this is an amazing playing guitar. I do run it through an LR BAGGS Venue and it sounds AWESOME. Lots of compliments.
@aaronshortmusic 7 ай бұрын
Congrats!
@jimsweeney7672 Жыл бұрын
Aaron, great review. I’ve played a couple of these at GC and liked them a lot. I just ordered one with 20% off and I think I got a steal!
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
I think you did!!!
@easonliu9281 Жыл бұрын
Jim, how can get 20% off? Thanks.
@Jeffrey.T Жыл бұрын
I just bought one also. Showed up yesterday. The first one a few weeks ago showed up and the top was separated. It didn’t look right and within hours the separation showed itself. I returned it to the store it came from. Ordered another one 2 days later and they shipped me the same guitar with separated top. Then I placed another order which GC messed up and never shipped and finally my 4th order showed up. So far it’s fantastic. It’s opening up as I play it and is definitely more base heavy than the guitar in Aaron’s review. Even after all the hassle and screwups, the best price they would offer was %15 off. I think that’s a real bargain for this model, but I am curious how you got that price. Enjoy your new guitar.
@jimsweeney7672 Жыл бұрын
@@Jeffrey.T I paid $1479 for it. Pretty much, I just got really lucky and got the best possible price on one of the last new in the box 16 Specials. I love the guitar. It's a bargain at any price!
@Jeffrey.T Жыл бұрын
@@jimsweeney7672 that’s outstanding!!!
@Whitty43 Жыл бұрын
That was quick Aaron! Impressed you are reviewing this already after talking about it on your chat last week. Great channel
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
You guys got me interested. It’s your fault lol!
@Whitty43 Жыл бұрын
@@aaronshortmusic lol, living the dream my man!
@jefferyclark351 Жыл бұрын
Concerning the d16 style guitar center exclusive. After playing it for a month ! Comparing to my hd28 at 3 different jams every one says it so close to the hd28 . Like you said better in some ways. The secret is putting a set of DR Rare medium’s on it. I believe if I remove the electronics out this thing it will have even a better tone. This is a great deal for the price especially if you find a bargain. Like you said it a diamond that just needs a different polish
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
It’s great but I would still take the standard series if I had the choice. Also I don’t think it has the best electronics but I also don’t think they are affecting the unplugged tone and they are as good as many aftermarket systems.
@DavidEidelberg Жыл бұрын
I think it sounds excellent acoustically. I'll wait to comment on the pickup.
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
I think it holds up well to the standard series!
@Anthony-qh1xv 4 ай бұрын
I had a D16 special, and I really loved it! I kept it for like 18 days, the reason I got rid of it, was the fact that I just didn’t have enough bass and it seems too bright. I noticed the exact same thing that you did, and it sounded sort of more like a Taylor to me, which I don’t like. It’s still sounded fantastic but you know what I mean So I sold it, and got it D-18! And this thing blows me away. Super warm, it’s lighter, it feels much nicer. The D-18 is such a great guitar
@aaronshortmusic 4 ай бұрын
Actually I think the reason you prefer the new guitar is that your D-18 has scalloped bracing.
@michaelhayes9773 Жыл бұрын
It's amazing how different these guitars sound when if you go by the specs the only build difference is the neck joint.
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
Yes but who knows how the woods and build may vary from the standard series…
@rickthomas9278 Жыл бұрын
I bought the D-16e Special. Then got the D-15m...gonna sell the 16. Thanks for your Honest review!
@jaime4022 Жыл бұрын
I recently bought man alleged D16E on reverb, but when I looked inside, it doesn’t say d16e but rather Martin Special 2405424. It looks exactly like this one. Can anyone tell me if this sounds familiar to anyone?
@rickthomas9278 Жыл бұрын
@@jaime4022 you got this guitar. also known as a poor man's D-28.
@jaime4022 Жыл бұрын
@@rickthomas9278 thanks. By the way, I just got a D15m as well, and to tell you the truth, the d16 special has been relegated to second place.
@toms7225 Жыл бұрын
It's funny...I had the opposite reaction. I previously owned both a D15M and a Special 16...the D15M is a nice guitar, but I sold it because I always found myself reaching for the 16 instead. To each his own
@slpc30 Ай бұрын
Just subscribed
@aaronshortmusic Ай бұрын
Thank you so much.
@Jeffrey.T Жыл бұрын
I just bought one and found your video while trying to find info on the pickup system. There isn’t a lot of info on either the pickup or this guitar model. It may be helpful to viewers to change your title to the correct model - Martin Special 16 Style Rosewood. The D-16e Special does not exist. There is a lot of confusion, even in the reviews on GC and MF website, between this and the D-16e. This guitar is one heck of a value and plays very nice. Right now, the only guitars available are in store displays, but they are getting a new shipment end of May. My first one showed up last month with a separated top from improper storage at the store that it came from. It had a beautiful grain, but separated top is not acceptable. The replacement arrived yesterday. It’s already opening up and to my ears, has a better base response than the guitar in this video, but that could be strings or just the way the audio comes through. These have a bone nut and Tusq saddle. I think a bone saddle would be a nice upgrade down the road. Based on the tone alone, it leaves my Alvarez MD60EBG in the dust. Much warmer tone, deeper base, and the playability is slightly better. The Special 16 style Rosewood and D-15m are both incredible values for a first Martin, depending on your needs.
@Jeffrey.T Жыл бұрын
I forgot to say, great review Aaron.
@musicteacher33bdx Жыл бұрын
I wish we had that model here in Europe. A great Martin at a great price. The Hdc28e is great of course but here it's like 5000€ 😮🤑
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
I understand but the standard series is a lot better and worth the extra money in my opinion.
@gregwright2988 3 ай бұрын
I played this today at GC and loved it, but I don’t necessarily need to plug in. Is there something else that’s comparable to the Special 16 that doesn’t have electronics - without having to step up to the D18 (which is of course amazing)? I’d love the special 16 without pick up for a little less but doesn’t seem like that’s an option. Great review.
@aaronshortmusic 3 ай бұрын
Thank you. Sadly it is not an option on this model. I would suggest saving a little more and looking at the D-18.
@twowheelssixstrings6094 Жыл бұрын
I bought one of these in Dec of '21, back then they retailed for $1700. I traded a Mexican Martin for it and got an additional 10% off. For the price I paid I think it was a steal. I play it almost every day and have loved every moment of it. I think you nailed who this guitar is for. If you're looking for a US made Martin under $2k and you want to be able to plug in then look no further. I've played it out at some open mic nights and the guitar got a lot of compliments from other players, and I think the pickup sounds pretty great with the enhance feature. Overall you're getting a lot of bang for your buck with this guitar especially if you can get it on sale.
@jerryjin3427 Жыл бұрын
16 but traditional thickness? Wow, very interesting! Do they offer a mahogany B&S version, or is the “special” only offered in Rosewood?
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
Rosewood only afaik.
@JohnnyRebKy Жыл бұрын
Do you know if it came with lights from the factory? I think the 16E does because of the ooo body but not sure about the special. Reason I ask is I put mediums on my special 16 and now it feels really stiff and choked up. Action to high at the nut. I’m starting to think it was setup for lights at the factory and the mediums don’t fit the nut slots right. D28s come with mediums from the factory. But I’m starting to suspect the 16 came with lights because something isn’t right with the mediums on it now Edit: never mind I found out it in fact did come with lights from the factory because it’s a 16 series. So that explains it. The nut slots aren’t opened up enough for the mediums. I’ll leave comment here in case others have the same question. Guess I’ll go back to lights until I can get it to my guitar tech 👍🏻
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
Most Martin guitars with pickups come with 12’s.
@toddjohnson271 Жыл бұрын
The OM body doesn't ring out like the HD-28 but I get the comparisons.
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
I prefer the focused sound of the OM but it’s all subjective.
@douglasboyd8475 Жыл бұрын
Aaron how does it compare to the Gibson Hummingbird studio?
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
I haven’t tried that one. I would always try to get a standard series if possible.
@tyt2lynnin1 2 ай бұрын
what martin would you recommend if we dont gig? just want to have a alternate tone similar to this one but mainly sound amazing unpluged. Thanks!
@aaronshortmusic 2 ай бұрын
I would look at a standard series - D-18, OM-28, HD-28.
@83yngwie 15 күн бұрын
The D16e actually sounds darker and fuller to my ear.
@aaronshortmusic 15 күн бұрын
These things often sound different in the room.
@tullyliddell Жыл бұрын
i' m a little confused with the model number here. gc and mf both offer a Martin Special 16 Style Rosewood Dreadnought separate from the D16e model which has a 000 bout, where the Special 16 has a full size dread bout. i suppose there have been multiple models offered. to be more clear, a quick peek at the label would help. Was there a Martin D-16e Special offered? and according to martin's website, the Martin D-16e has been discontinued.
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
The ‘standard’ D-16 has the thinner body. This was a Guitar Center special edition.
@jonberry2021 Жыл бұрын
Nice guitar but that pickup doesn’t sound great…but then again neither does almost any stock Martin pickup. When you add the enhance in, it makes it brighter and more crackly sounding. Not something I would like, the the guitar by itself is a good value and a nice alternative to the 28.
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
Thanks Jon. I agree!
@Anthony-qh1xv 5 ай бұрын
I had this guitar, LOVED it, sold it for a D18. I think the D18 is better. Better feeling neck, lighter, more bass, but that might be about it. I don't know if the quality is improved, I think a little bit, but not significantly. But this one for the money, is SO good!! maybe should not have sold it.
@aaronshortmusic 4 ай бұрын
The D-18 is mahogany so it is quite different. Having said that it is also a standard series instrument and would be my choice (it is also more $$$).
@sisco0304 Жыл бұрын
is that a solid top ? it’s says it’s gloss top i want a martin acustic electric
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
Yes it’s solid.
@sisco0304 Жыл бұрын
good 👍🏻 price i would like to play some corridos with i like johnny cash and his style of playing he adapted and martin is the all around good guitar but i think i would need a cut away to hit the requintos all the way down by the 12 and 15 frets
@bobaldo2339 Жыл бұрын
Just want to point out that whether the strings are 12's or 13's actually matters less than whether they are coated or not. The coated Martin strings are D. O. A.
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
I never find the Martin strings dead out of the box but after a few days of playing they start to wear out. I am using Elixir strings lately. It’s a shame because I like the feel and sound of the Martin strings but they don’t last long enough for me.
@60secmusic96 7 ай бұрын
i think it sounds better than the guitar with the cutaway.
@aaronshortmusic 7 ай бұрын
Which guitar with cutaway?
@60secmusic96 7 ай бұрын
@@aaronshortmusic hd28, the expensive one
@NicholasANappiNick 10 ай бұрын
16 series uses the simple dove tail🎉🎉🎉 I 🎉❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
@aaronshortmusic 10 ай бұрын
Yes.
@icarocosta4302 Жыл бұрын
Is The same of D16GT? Same quality?
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
I haven’t played that one but based on the model number it should be similar. It looks like it is Mahogany and not Rosewood.
@icarocosta4302 Жыл бұрын
@@aaronshortmusic do you have any experience with d16gt, my friend? Like it?
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
@@icarocosta4302 I haven’t played it.
@toms7225 Жыл бұрын
In my experience, the Special 16 is a higher quality guitar than the D16GT. I have owned a Special 16, a D16GT, and a D15M (at the same time) and the Special 16 is easily my favorite of the bunch. The D16GT and D15M are nice guitars, but they trail behind the Special 16 in terms of tone (assuming you like rosewood overtones) as well as fit & finish. The Special 16 just sounds so alive and resonant...the D16GT and D15M sound mellow / muted in comparison. The only reason these guitars aren't insanely popular is because they're GC/MF exclusives.
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
@@toms7225 Maybe it is because of the deeper body on the Special?
@SuperCedricks 5 ай бұрын
It’s over priced here’s in Toronto. This almost Cad$3000. And you can get used D28.
@aaronshortmusic 5 ай бұрын
I would rather get a used D28 if the price is the same.
@briangisler1981 Жыл бұрын
Thank you for this video... Again, nothing sounds as good as a Martin.. NOTHING!! My opinion, a D-45 is the Cadillac of all Martin’s guitar’s. You just have to be a millionaire to own one..
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
A D-45 is great but so is a D-42 and an HD-28 isn’t bad either.
@briangisler1981 Жыл бұрын
@@aaronshortmusic I agree with you Aaron.. Nothing sounds as good as a Martin.. You can buy a $500 Martin and it will still sound incredible.. I played a handful of different ones, but the D-45 just stoled my heart.. in your video, I’m not a big fan of electric/acoustics. I have two identical Takamine Acoustics. One is just an acoustic the other is acoustic/Electric.. and the one that is just acoustic sounds a lot better than the other not plugged in (Just acoustically).. I think, the added electronics, battery compartment, pick up, switches and wires etc changes the straight out acoustic sound of the guitar. This is just my opinion.. My Martin would be straight up acoustic.. nothing wrong with just putting a mic in front of it.. to me, that’s the true sound of the guitar, not plugging it in..
@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241 10 ай бұрын
Sweetwater sucks.
@aaronshortmusic 10 ай бұрын
Sorry to hear that. I’ve had a good experience over the past ten years and if there has been an issue they always made it right.
@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241 10 ай бұрын
@@aaronshortmusic I purchased a few guitars from them and they all had issues. they banned me from buying guitars, but I can buy anything else I want. They really do suck and it’s funny that they called themselves sales engineers. My salesman does not have an engineering degree.
@aaronshortmusic 10 ай бұрын
@@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241 Sorry to hear that.
@HughGard-rc7cc 7 ай бұрын
Martins are not worth the money...you can get a guitar for half the money that sounds and plays just as good ..plus : a gig bag for a $2000 guitar says it all.
@aaronshortmusic 7 ай бұрын
I agree there are lots of options out there now but some still like to buy a branded guitar and a gig bag is fine if you are gigging. Hard shell cases are not always better quality than gig bags and do take up a lot of storage space. As long as it’s a good quality gig bag.
@HughGard-rc7cc 7 ай бұрын
@@aaronshortmusic dude..stop. If Martin didn't even think enough of this model to throw in a hardshell..you shouldn't be talking up a gig bag ! You know you or I would NEVER put even a $750 axe in a bag...I've been playing hard 2 to 3 hours every day..for 58 years and I've owned a few extremely well made guitars. Guild j-55 concert size..an (A)ugustine Loprenzi..a D-28..by far Martin came in 3rd..They're great guitars but there are greater guitars for less money and equivalent builds for half the cost.
@aaronshortmusic 7 ай бұрын
@@HughGard-rc7cc I use a gig bag every day. Granted it cost me $350 for the bag but it’s way more practical than a hard shell case for my needs.
@jacobmoore2846 7 ай бұрын
I want what you’re smoking
@HughGard-rc7cc 7 ай бұрын
@@jacobmoore2846 you want to sell martins..I've set up Martin guitars from under the bed and straight from the factory..Guilds too. They're simply over priced ..if you're looking for an equally great guitar you can find it for much less money and they will NOT send a $2000 guitar to you in a soft gig bag.
@user-fs9lx9ii6x 6 ай бұрын
I like it. What martin string will b best to sensitive finger without loosing the great sound please ligt,xtre ligt standar
@aaronshortmusic 6 ай бұрын
I would say .11's but it is very subjective - amzn.to/3O21BEi
@jaime4022 Жыл бұрын
I recently bought an alleged D16E on reverb, but when I looked inside, it doesn’t say d16e but rather Martin Special 2405424. It looks exactly like this one. Can anyone tell me if this sounds familiar to anyone?
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
I believe the guitar center guitars do say ‘Special’ inside but I can’t remember for certain if this one did.
@Jeffrey.T Жыл бұрын
You have the Martin Special 16 series Rosewood. A lot of folks confuse these with the D-16e, just like the title of this video would indicate. I just bought one. Excellent value in my opinion.
@coreyoffman8739 Жыл бұрын
Do you still have that Martin acoustic? Does it plug in And do you have Instagram
@aaronshortmusic Жыл бұрын
I returned it as I didn’t have a need for it but it did impress me. It does plug in, the pickup wasn’t my favorite but it’s usable. My Instagram handle is the same as KZfaq.
Alamo Music Center
Рет қаралды 106 М.
Alamo Music Center
Рет қаралды 12 М.
Dj Jack SpaRRow
Рет қаралды 1,8 МЛН