Martin D-16 vs D-16GT

[Gabriel_GR]

I wanted to search about them both but D-16 returned no results. What are the differences of the two guitars and is the price difference between them justified? Any owners of the D-16GT? I am in the market for a dreadnought and I found the D-16GT around 1k euros which is pretty much as much as I can spend and the D-16 at 1550... Thank's in advance for your replies.

[DonK]

The D-16GT has a gloss finish only on the top, whereas the D-16 has a gloss finish throughout - back, sides and top. Also, the D-16GT is listed as having mahogany back and sides, while the D-16 is listed as having sapele (which is much like mahogany). Those are the main differences, the others are mostly cosmetic. I'm a bit surprised at the mahogany/sapele, as sapele is often used as a supposedly "cheaper" alternative to mahogany (I think Taylor started the trend) rather than the other way around. There are some other, minor, cosmetic differences. You can compare them here:

 

http://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/choosing/guitars.php?p=z&g=h&m=D-16GT

 

http://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/choosing/guitars.php?p=z&g=h&m=D-16

 

I've owned several Martin 15 series guitars. The first was mahogany, the latter two were sapele. I couldn't tell the difference cosmetically or otherwise. Maybe someone more knowledgeable about tonewoods - perhaps Jasmine Tea or Freeman Keller - can offer more info on the differences. I would note that the Martin site currently shows the 15 series guitars as being either "solid genuine mahogany or solid sapele", as if they were interchangeable, though in fact they are different woods.

[Gabriel_GR]

Hmm. So the two have the same bracing?

[Gabriel_GR]

bump.

[Gabriel_GR]

No love for Gabe?

[nip]

I'm so happy with my D-16GT. It's a bargain for

[DonK]

 

No love for Gabe?

 

 

Gabe, if you click on the links I provided you can read the details on both guitars, but yes, same bracing.

[JasmineTea]

Gabe, man, I love you.

 

I have a D-16GT and I like it a lot. It's a great all-purpose dread, sounds like what you'd expect a "dread" to sound like. Of course you'll find that two of the same model will have differences. Best thing would be to play a few of each model. In the long run, if you end up spending the extra 500, it'll be worth it.

 

If you can't try them out and have to order online, make sure and order from a reputable place with a good return policy. I believe Elderly Instruments has a no-questions-asked return policy.

 

Yes, they have the same bracing.

[Gabriel_GR]

Gabe, man, I love you. I have a D-16GT and I like it a lot. It's a great all-purpose dread, sounds like what you'd expect a "dread" to sound like. Of course you'll find that two of the same model will have differences. Best thing would be to play a few of each model. In the long run, if you end up spending the extra 500, it'll be worth it. If you can't try them out and have to order online, make sure and order from a reputable place with a good return policy. I believe Elderly Instruments has a no-questions-asked return policy. Yes, they have the same bracing.

 

I will try to play with the guitar. But I am not sure how many I will find in the shops. I have played the D-16 which was amazing but more than I can spend and I was hoping the D-16GT is close.

 

Thank's for you responses gentlemen you made my day

[valleyguy]

The D16 has an abony fretboard, the GT has a micarta fretboard(some say this affects sound). The D16 has a two piece back, the GT a one piece back (some say this affects sound).

 

Several years ago I compared the rosewood versions of these two guitars, the D16RGT and the D16R. I played them side by side and though they were very close in sound, I thought the D16R sounded slightly better, so I bought it, though it was slightly more expensive. I also liked the full gloss look.

 

That said, I don't think you can go wrong with any of these. The D16gt is a mighty fine sounding guitar for the price.