Martin refreshes the 16 Series with new body shapes, bold finishes and stage-ready electronics
The Nazareth-built acoustic-electric range now spans compact 00L models, a short-scale slope-shoulder dreadnought, jumbos, a Grand Performance cutaway and a 12-string.
Sep 28, 2026
Credit: C. F. Martin & Co. (via source)
Martin has rebuilt its 16 Series around a wider set of stage-focused acoustic-electric formats. The September 15 launch adds compact 00L bodies, the company's first short-scale slope-shoulder dreadnought in the DSS-16E, jumbo models, a Grand Performance cutaway and a Grand J 12-string.
Every model uses all-solid woods and L.R. Baggs Element electronics. Finish choices move beyond the traditional natural look with Blue Denim, Cherry Cola, Cream, Black Smoke and 1935 Burst options, while the series remains handcrafted in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. The refreshed range became available on September 15.
Credit: YouTube
Why it matters
This is a broad redesign of one of Martin's most accessible U.S.-made families, adding genuinely different body formats rather than a cosmetic-only update.
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