Martin 000-16 StreetMaster: 16 Series Auditorium Acoustic Guitar

Martin offering an Adirondack VTS top with beautiful rosewood back and sides for under 2k is the deal of a lifetime. You will not regret buying this guitar and I've honestly had trouble putting it down. I have a 00015m, a D18, the SC-13 special burst.. they're all great but this is the first review I've written if that tells you something.

This is what an acoustic guitar should be!It has a beautiful weathered look, complete with antique looking tuning keys. But it's the sound that makes it special. Clear and warm, with plenty of power. Plus, because there are no electronics, it weighs next to nothing. Great guitar!

This is my third Martin 000. I have a 000-18 and a 000 Custom Shop with VTS Sitka and Sinker Mahogany. I have wanted an Adirondack topped guitar so I asked my Sweetwater rep, Joe Schafer. He informed me there was a demo model available. He had it in my hands a few days later. The action out of the box was much higher than my 000-18 or Custom build. Otherwise, it arrived in fantastic condition. The VTS adi top responds so differently than the Sitka and is so inspiring to play. It's much louder than my other two 000s and begs to be played with a pick. Finger picking is also rewarding. Notes are very clear and bell like. I like that there is no pickguard and wish I would have gone without on my Custom Shop. I did replace the tuners with Waverly's and the bridge pins ... MoreThis is my third Martin 000. I have a 000-18 and a 000 Custom Shop with VTS Sitka and Sinker Mahogany. I have wanted an Adirondack topped guitar so I asked my Sweetwater rep, Joe Schafer. He informed me there was a demo model available. He had it in my hands a few days later. The action out of the box was much higher than my 000-18 or Custom build. Otherwise, it arrived in fantastic condition. The VTS adi top responds so differently than the Sitka and is so inspiring to play. It's much louder than my other two 000s and begs to be played with a pick. Finger picking is also rewarding. Notes are very clear and bell like. I like that there is no pickguard and wish I would have gone without on my Custom Shop. I did replace the tuners with Waverly's and the bridge pins with Martin Liquid Metal bridge pins. Both upgrades I would recommend. The stock tuners aren't great. Not a huge fan of the "Streetmaster" printed finish, but it's not horrendous in person. I do like the satin finish on the body though. The rosewood bridge and fretboard don't feel like a sacrifice over Ebony. This guitar feels just as good to play. Overall, the VTS Adi Top and rosewood combo alone is worth the price tag. After a setup and new tuners, I love it as dearly as both of my other guitars and I think it sounds every bit as good. I give it a 4.5 because this guitar should have nicer tuners and a hard shell case at this price point and with these features.