C. F. Martin & Co. debuts new models for their newly refreshed 16 Series
Designed for the professional concert stage, with L. R. Baggs electronics
Back in July, Martin CEO, Thomas Ripsam, stopped by the hotel at Martinfest, with a stack of pizzas and some very cool guitars from the new, improved 16 Series, which were scheduled for release, well, today. These very well may be the best 16s since the old dovetail neck joint models from the early 1990s.
They are very fun to play and to look at, and the focus on body shapes created after 1970, yet inspired by vintage instruments from other guitar makers, helps set the 16 Series apart from other series built in Nazareth, PA.
Now, at long last, the press embargo has been lifted, and I can post about these new 16 Series guitars. Here is today’s official press release.
Martin Guitar Unveils the Refreshed 16 Series
Featuring expressive new colors, fresh body shapes, all-solid-wood construction, and premium electronics
NAZARETH, PA – September 15, 2026 – C. F. Martin & Co.® today announced the launch of the refreshed Martin 16 Series, a bold new lineup of all-solid-wood acoustic-electric guitars handcrafted in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.
Designed for players who want unmistakable Martin tone with a look that reflects their individual style, the refreshed 16 Series pairs expressive gloss-top finishes with distinctive body shapes and stage-ready electronics.
Made to stand out visually, sonically, and creatively, the refreshed 16 Series gives players more ways to express their sound, style, and personality. The lineup ranges from intimate, responsive 00Ls and warm, punchy sloped-shoulder Dreadnoughts to powerful Jumbos, a balanced Grand Performance cutaway, and a room-filling Grand Jumbo 12-string.
Across the series, players will find bold gloss-top finish options including Blue Denim, Cherry Cola, Cream, Black Smoke, and 1935 Burst, along with more traditional natural tops with a vintage tint on the GPC and Grand J 12-string.
Bold New Looks, Distinctive New Voices
The refreshed 16 Series expands what players can expect from a Nazareth-made Martin, offering a wide range of body shapes, tones, and visual personalities. A major highlight is the DSS-16E, marking the first time Martin is offering a short-scale sloped-shoulder Dreadnought. With its 24.9″ scale length and slope-shoulder body, it delivers a relaxed feel with a warm, woody, and punchy voice.
The compact 00L models bring surprising projection and a focused, intimate tone, while the Jumbo models deliver bold volume, deep bass, and commanding stage presence. The GPC offers balanced tone and comfort with a Grand Performance body and 000 depth, while the Grand J 12-string delivers lush shimmer, rich overtones, and room-filling sound to the lineup.
Stage-Ready Electronics, All-Solid-Wood Tone
Every refreshed 16 Series model is built with all-solid wood construction. Select models pair solid spruce tops with satin solid mahogany back and sides for punchy midrange, strong treble response, and controlled lows, while others feature satin solid East Indian rosewood back and sides for deep bass, rich overtones, and articulate highs.
Premium L.R. Baggs® Element™ electronics come standard across the lineup, giving players a natural amplified sound that’s ready for the stage.
To complement the launch, Martin is also introducing a small run of accessories and lifestyle merchandise inspired by the refreshed 16 Series, including Blue Denim and Cherry Cola steins, a Cherry Cola ringer T-shirt, a Blue Denim corduroy hat, and a Blue Fade leather strap—giving players and fans new ways to connect with the bold visual style behind the series.
Availability
The refreshed Martin 16 Series and accompanying accessories and lifestyle merchandise are available beginning September 15, 2026.
For more information, visit martinguitar.com.
Press contact: Kate Richardson – kate@richlynngroup.com