September 29, 2026

Tag: GPC-16E

Acoustic Guitars

Martin 16 Series Refreshed and Remarkable

one manby one man0

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

 

Reader Questions

Why Does Martin Warranty Card Show a Different Model?

one manby one man0

A Reader Asks Why His Martin “GPC-16E Special” Warranty Card Shows A Different “Model”

Mark from Iowa writes –

I purchased a Martin guitar and when I registered it the warranty card said the style was CMGCGT0083. Is that explainable? It was sold as GPC-16E Special.

Spoon Replies:

Hi Mark and thanks for your query,

As far as I can tell, these hieroglyphs say that your guitar was made for Guitar Center/Musician’s Friend, with a long history of Martins designed exclusively for them. So, it is not technically a GPC-16E because Martin either wasn’t making them at this time for the regular catalog, or the ones they were making had some different specs.

For instance, 16 Series GPCs weren’t offered in rosewood for some time. Also, GPCs in the 16 Series are built with a 000 side depth rather than the actual, deeper GP depth, with less bass boom for anti-feedback reasons. That includes the new 2020 GPC-16E Rosewood.

Your guitar being rosewood, from a time when Martin wasn’t offering that, and possibly having true GP depth, are the probable reasons it was “special.”

Also, your guitar was likely marketed by GC/MF before Martin cracked down on dealers saying things like “Custom D-18” or “GPC-16E Special” in their marketing copy, when Martin wasn’t actually naming specific models that way. Today, Martin dealers are required to say something like “Custom GPC with 16 Series styling and onboard electronics.”

Personally, I feel it would be better for Martin if they said, “So long as it has the same neck joint and bracing as the standardized model and the same cosmetic styling, regardless of the wood species, neck shape, etc., the neck block stamp should read:

GPC-16E
CUSTOM

But they never listen to me.

Hope that helps!

Stay safe, keep well,

Spoon, out