Martin HD-16R Adirondack - Rate and Review

Martin HD-16R Adirondack Reviews

Name: Rick Hoffman
Date: 5/28/2010
Review: Martin HD-16R Adirondack

Likes: Excellent appointments (Adirondack spruce top, Indian rosewood back and sides, ivoroid binding with fine herringbone top trim, modified V-shape neck with 1-3/4" nut, striped ebony fretboard with pearl diamond & square position inlays, full gloss body finish with aging toner on top) considering the street price is around $2000 for this guitar. The guitar plays easier than my Taylor 512. The sound is amazing. The guitar can be driven hard or played very softly.

Dislikes: Some people don't like the tuners, but for me, they work just fine. Others have upgraded to a bone nut and bridge; however, this guitar sounds so good out of the box, I really haven't consider doing that yet.

Additional Comments: Several years ago, I purchased a Martin 000-16SGT and I had to make several adjustments (added bone saddle and lowered height, replaced nut (which had a sharp edge) with a bone nut, and added a Greven pick guard. The HD-16R Adirondack didn't need any adjustments--it comes with a polished and beveled pick guard, too. That's a real nice touch. Bar chords can be played effortlessly. With the 1 3/4 nut, finger picking is a breeze. The action and setup were perfect out of the box on this guitar. Some have commented negatively about the Mortise Tenon joint but I can't hear any difference. In fact, several luthiers have commented that the hybrid scalloped X bracing on the 16 series guitars provide a brighter tone, due to the way the bracing connects to the M/T joint. The braces are actually more rigid. Anyway, I don't think you can go wrong with this guitar--it's one of the best models Martin has produced at the $2K price point.