Description

The Martin GPC-16E acoustic-electric guitar blends the projection of a Grand Performance body with the comfort and balance players expect from Martin’s 16 Series. Handcrafted in Martin’s Nazareth, Pennsylvania factory, this acoustic-electric features a resonant satin spruce top paired with your choice of East Indian rosewood or mahogany back and sides. The rosewood option emphasizes deep bass and rich harmonic overtones, while mahogany delivers a focused voice with clear midrange presence. A High Performance neck profile and ebony fingerboard support smooth playability across the 25.4" scale, while Martin E1 electronics provide straightforward amplified control. Built for stage, studio and songwriting sessions alike, the GPC-16E offers the clarity, responsiveness and comfort modern acoustic players demand.

Grand Performance Body With Solid Spruce Top

The GPC-16E features Martin’s Grand Performance body shape, which combines strong projection with a balanced tonal response across the frequency spectrum. A solid spruce top provides clear articulation and dynamic responsiveness, allowing both strumming and fingerstyle passages to translate with definition. Paired with East Indian rosewood back and sides, the guitar produces deep lows and shimmering overtones. The mahogany option offers a slightly drier, more focused tone with pronounced midrange clarity. A Venetian cutaway completes the design, giving players easier access to upper frets for melodic lines and lead passages.

High Performance Neck For Smooth Playability

Designed for modern players, the High Performance neck profile delivers a comfortable feel that supports both rhythm work and intricate lead playing. The ebony fingerboard provides a smooth fretting surface with consistent response across the neck, while dot inlays offer clear visual reference points. Combined with the 25.4" scale length, the neck design balances string tension and playability, making the GPC-16E equally suited to fingerstyle techniques, flatpicking and expressive chord work.

Martin E1 Electronics for Natural Amplified Tone

The GPC-16E is equipped with Martin’s E1 electronics system for reliable stage and studio performance. Simple onboard controls for volume, tone and phase allow players to shape their amplified sound while helping manage feedback in live environments. The integrated chromatic tuner makes it easy to check tuning quickly, even without plugging into an amplifier or PA. When the tuner is engaged, the output signal is muted for silent tuning between songs.

A Versatile Martin Built for Modern Acoustic Players

With its comfortable Grand Performance body, responsive spruce top and dependable onboard electronics, the GPC-16E is designed to perform across a wide range of musical settings. Whether used for solo songwriting, ensemble playing or amplified stage work, the guitar offers the balanced tone and familiar feel players expect from Martin craftsmanship. Handcrafted in Nazareth as part of the 16 Series, the Martin GPC-16E acoustic-electric guitar delivers the clarity, playability and reliability that today’s acoustic musicians require.

Open Box Martin GPC-16E 16 Series Rosewood Grand Performance Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Level 2 Natural 197881551216
Open Box Martin GPC-16E 16 Series Rosewood Grand Performance Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Level 2 Natural 197881551216
Open Box Martin GPC-16E 16 Series Rosewood Grand Performance Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Level 2 Natural 197881551216

Features

  • Grand Performance acoustic-electric with balanced tone and comfortable feel
  • Solid spruce top delivers clear articulation and responsive dynamics
  • East Indian rosewood or mahogany back and sides shape distinct tonal character
  • Grand Performance body projects with clarity and strong low-end presence
  • High Performance neck profile supports smooth fretting and modern playability
  • Ebony fingerboard provides a fast, durable surface for precise technique
  • Venetian cutaway allows easy access to upper frets for lead passages
  • Martin E1 electronics deliver natural amplified acoustic tone
  • Onboard volume, tone and phase controls help shape sound and manage feedback
  • Built-in chromatic tuner enables quick, silent tuning on stage or at home
  • Padded gig bag included for transport

Specs

General
  • Product type: Acoustic-electric guitar
  • Series: 16 Series
Body
  • Body size: Grand Performance 14-fret cutaway (000 depth)
  • Top wood: Sitka spruce
  • Top finish: Satin
  • Bracing pattern: Forward-shifted X
  • Brace material: Sitka spruce
  • Brace shape: Scalloped
  • Back and sides wood: East Indian rosewood
  • Back and sides finish: Satin
  • Binding: Antique white
  • Rosette: Bold herringbone with multi-stripe
Neck
  • Neck wood: Select hardwood
  • Neck shape: Modified Low Oval
  • Neck taper: High Performance Taper
  • Neck finish: Satin
  • Neck color: Dark mahogany
  • Scale length: 25.4"
  • Nut width: 1.75"
  • Nut material: Bone
  • Neck joint: Simple dovetail
Fingerboard
  • Material: Ebony
  • Inlays: Mother-of-pearl
  • Number of frets: 20
  • Side dots: White
Electronics
  • Pickup and preamp: Martin E1
Hardware
  • Bridge material: Ebony
  • Bridge style: Modern belly with drop-in saddle
  • Saddle: Compensated white TUSQ
  • Bridge pins: Black TUSQ with mother-of-pearl dots
  • Tuning machines: Nickel open-gear
  • Pickguard: Faux tortoise
Other
  • Strings: 6
  • Case: Gig bag
  • Orientation: Right handed
  • Country of origin: USA

Featured Articles

Reviews

5

3 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Jamming3
  2. Practicing3
  3. Recording3
  4. Small Venues3
  5. Rock Concerts2
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced2
  2. Novice1
Pros
  1. Consistent3
  2. Fun To Play3
  3. Good Audio3
  4. Good Feel3
  5. Stays In Tune3
  • Great guitar that makes you want to play it

    5

    submitted3 months ago

    bySergey

    fromBellevue Wa

    I am not the most skillful player by any stretch of imagination but every time I pick up this guitar I want to play it. I had a Yamaha FG830 prior to this, and I have cross shopped it with several Taylor guitars, however as soon as it went into my hands, I knew it had to be the one I get. Would strongly recommend this to anyone who wants to maintain the deep Martin tone and a strong midrange while getting something comfortable to hold. Suggest replacing the pins though, can't believe they're going with plastic pins out of the box!

  • Best guitar I've owned

    5

    submitted9 months ago

    byChris

    fromIowa

    I love my GPC-16E is bought straight from Martin. It has a vibrant, rich tone, is a breeze to play and punches far above it weight as a quality made guitar. So the GPC-16E has a bright tone, but still has a good amount of punchy bass. With the added electronics this guitar can sound fuller like dreadnaught. Its just a vibrant colorful sound coming from it. The playability of the GPC-16E is phenomenal! Anywhere from the open cowboy chords to clear up to the 14th fret and at the cutout. With a fresh set of strings, there is not a dead spot anywhere on the neck. The martin m1 electronics are a decent value as well. It has clear faithful reproduction of the GPC-16E tone. The on-board tuner with its placement in the sound hole is awesome too. The Martin GPC-16E has totally opened up a new level and chapter in my acoustic guitar playing. Its phenomenal quality for its price point. I love that Martin keeps it simple with quality guitars made with quality materials that could stand up to any boutique guitar. Its just an awesome guitar at an awesome value.

  • Martin GPC16E amber

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byEmmitt

    fromWaco, Texas

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Bought this GPC16E as a road worthy gigging guitar for lead guitar as it has a smooth cutaway and the fishman pickup is very responsive. Surprisingly, it has the classic Martin tone of a D28, nice, rich bass but never muddy, and ever present treble highs. I Highly recommend the GPC16E for beginner, intermediate or advanced player.

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