Offered from 2000 to 2017, the D-16RGT was an accessible Nazareth, PA-made Martin that delivered the classic rosewood dreadnought sound. The D-16RGT is essentially a no frills 14-fret dreadnought with a Sitka Spruce top and East Indian Rosewood back and sides. While it may not have the high-end purfling, binding, and full-body gloss finishes of more expensive models, the D-16RGT features all solid wood construction, and it delivers excellent tone. Its voice is powerful with shimmering high end and impressive bass response.
This D-16RGT was made in 2012, and it has started to develop the nuanced, played-in sound of a proper used guitar. It has a K&K Pure Mini installed under the hood and a strap button on the neck heel. The saddle was recently upgraded to a hand-carved, unbleached compensated bone saddle, a substantial upgrade from the original synthetic nut. The setup is nice and playable with medium strings, and the intonation is right where it needs to be.
This guitar was played on tour professionally, so it shows some general wear and tear (see photos). Nevertheless, it has had no damages, repairs, or severe cosmetic issues. In many ways, this guitar is a testament to the D-16RGT's quality. This model was designed to be a workingman's rosewood dreadnought. This one has been put to work, and it still has so much left in the tank. At its core, a guitar is a tool that has to do its job, and here's a workhorse that will get the job done night after night.
This 2012 Martin D-16RGT includes its original case. Great hard-working dreadnought for a great price!