Because Martin has dominated the steel-string guitar market for nearly 100 years, it's easy to forget that—for the company's first 90 years—most Martin designs resemble what is today considered a "classical" guitar. While modern nylon-string Martins may be relatively rare, they are fine instruments, built with the honed precision and attention to detail of the 187-year Martin tradition.
The Martin 000C12-16E introduces modern innovations to the traditional classical guitar template. The result is a unique hybrid guitar that covers a vast sonic landscape. It is the ideal choice for any nuanced classical guitarist or curious steel-string player looking to expand their tonal palette.
The 000C12-16E starts with a 12-fret 000 body with a cutaway that allows unfettered access all the way up to the 20th fret. While most classical guitars have a wide 2" nut and a flat fingerboard, the 000C12-16E has an approachable 1-7/8" nut width and a radiused fingerboard that facilitates all sorts of playing styles. Thanks to the added tension of its 26.44" scale length and its lightweight "A-frame" bracing, its Sitka Spruce top produces plenty of volume and shimmering, crystal-clear trebles. Nevertheless, it is not lacking in bass content by any means—Mahogany back and sides add robust warmth to the tone. Equipped with Fishman Matrix VT Enhance NT1 electronics, the 000C-1216E is ready for the stage or the studio, but its inspiring tone and smooth playability will ensure it becomes the favorite in the living room, too.
- Body: 12-Fret 000 w/ Cutaway
- Construction: Simple Dovetail Neck Joint
- Top: Sitka Spruce
- Back & Sides: Mahogany
- Brace Pattern: "A-Frame" X-Brace System
- Brace Material: Sitka Spruce, 1/4"
- Scale Length: 26.44"
- Nut: Bone, 1-7/8"
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Fingerbard Radius: 18"
- Neck Shape: Low Profile
- Bridge: Ebony w/ Drop-in Saddle
- Saddle: White Tusq w/ 2-5/16" Stirng Spacing
- Electronics: Fishman Matrix VT Enhance NT1
The Martin 000C12-16E includes a deluxe soft-shell road case.