The J-16E is the big one in Martin’s revamped 16 Series, and it definitely sounds like it. The jumbo body gives this one a lot of air to work with, with a deep low end, plenty of volume, and the kind of rich overtones you expect from a spruce and rosewood Martin.
The Modified Low Oval neck and 1.75" nutkeep it feeling pretty familiar despite the size of the body. The ebony fingerboard has a 16" radius, and the 25.4" scale gives it that standard Martin feel. It’s a big guitar, but it doesn’t feel awkward once it’s in your hands.
The Cream finish is a cool change from the usual Natural look, with the gloss top and satin body giving it a little extra personality. The ebony bridge, open-gear nickel tuners, bone nut and saddle, and Style 28-style dot inlays keep the rest of the guitar pretty classic.
There’s also an LR Baggs Element onboard for plugging in, so it’s just as comfortable on stage as it is sitting around the house.
