Martin DSS-16E Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Solid Spruce/Mahogany, w/Gigbag

Martin DSS-16E Sloped Shoulder Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Black Smoke

The Martin DSS-16E is a sloped-shoulder 14-fret dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar from Martin's refreshed 16 Series. It has a gloss spruce top, satin solid mahogany back and sides, forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing, a 24.9 inch scale length, a Modified Low Oval neck with High-Performance Taper, and L.R. Baggs Element electronics. Martin describes the tone as warm and vintage-inspired, with a woody, intimate voice. A softshell case is included.

Key Features

• Sloped Shoulder D 14-Fret body with a woody, intimate tone
• Gloss spruce top with satin solid mahogany back and sides
• Forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing for resonance and bass response
• Short 24.9 inch scale length for a relaxed feel
• Modified Low Oval neck with High-Performance Taper
• 1-3/4 inch fingerboard width at the nut
• Grained ivoroid pickguard and Black Smoke top color
• L.R. Baggs Element electronics
• Softshell case included
• Left-handed version available

Technical Specifications

• Brand: Martin
• Series: 16 Series
• Model: DSS-16E
• Body Size: Sloped Shoulder D 14-Fret
• Color: Black Smoke
• Top Material: Spruce
• Top Finish: Gloss
• Top Inlay: Black stripe
• Binding: Antique white
• Rosette: Custom multi-stripe
• Pickguard: Grained ivoroid
• Back Material: Mahogany
• Side Material: Mahogany
• Back and Side Finish: Satin
• Back and Sides Color: Dark mahogany
• Back Inlay: Black stripe
• Neck Joint: Simple dovetail
• Neck Joint Position: 14th fret
• Bracing Pattern: Forward-shifted X brace
• Brace Shape: Scalloped
• Brace Material: Spruce
• Brace Size: 5/16 in
• Neck Shape: Modified Low Oval
• Neck Taper: High-Performance Taper
• Neck Material: Select hardwood
• Neck Color: Dark mahogany
• Neck Finish: Satin
• Scale Length: 24.9 in
• Number of Frets: 20
• Heelcap: Antique white
• Fingerboard Material: Ebony
• Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1-3/4 in
• Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2-1/8 in
• Fingerboard Inlay Style: 1955 Style 18
• Fingerboard Inlay Material: Mother of pearl
• Side Dots: White
• Bridge Material: Ebony
• Bridge Style: Modern Straightline, drop-in saddle
• Bridge String Spacing: 2-5/32 in
• Bridge Pin Material: Black polymer
• Bridge Pin Dots: Abalone
• Saddle: TUSQ
• Saddle Radius: 16 in
• Headstock Shape: Solid with square taper
• Headplate Material: East Indian rosewood
• Headplate Logo Style: Script Old Style overlay
• Tuning Machines: Nickel open gear
• Tuning Machine Knobs: Butterbean
• Nut Material: Bone
• Electronics: L.R. Baggs Element
• Case Included: Softshell
• Left-Handed Availability: Yes
• Plek'd: Yes

Design Details

Body and bracing

The sloped-shoulder dreadnought body is paired with forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing, which Martin says enhances resonance and bass response. The top is gloss and the back and sides are satin.

Tone

Martin describes the guitar's voice as punchy in the midrange, strong in the treble, and focused in the low end. The short 24.9 inch scale length gives a relaxed feel.

Electronics

The DSS-16E has L.R. Baggs Element electronics for plugging in on stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What body shape is the DSS-16E?

Sloped Shoulder D 14-Fret, a slope-shoulder dreadnought with the neck joined at the 14th fret.

What is the scale length?

24.9 inches, which is shorter than a standard dreadnought and gives a more relaxed feel.

What woods is it made from?

The top is spruce. The back and sides are mahogany. The neck is a select hardwood, and the fingerboard and bridge are ebony.

What electronics does it have?

L.R. Baggs Element.

How wide is the neck?

The fingerboard is 1-3/4 inches wide at the nut and 2-1/8 inches wide at the 12th fret. The neck has a Modified Low Oval shape with High-Performance Taper.

Does it come with a case?

Yes, a softshell case.

Is a left-handed version available?

Yes, for order.