1976 MARTIN 0-16NY

Martin 0-16NY from 1976, in excellent original and preserved condition.

Introduced in 1961, the 0-16NY was designed as a guitar for both steel or nylon strings playing. Indeed, it harks back to the Martin guitar as it was manufactured up to 1929, a turning point for the Nazareth-based manufacturer, as it began the definitive transformation of its guitars into instruments designed purely for playing with steel strings (the introduction of the OM orchestral models is proof of this). The 0-16NY brings us back to Martin’s earlier line of guitars, and to this end, several distinctive features are evident in its construction: a reduced body shape, a neck with 12 frets clear the body, a slotted headstock, an increased width at the nut, a refined decoration with a satin finish, and a bracing that is lighter than standard steel-string Martins, giving it a particularly open and surprisingly powerful sound considering the instrument’s size. The 1970s catalog refers to this model as a Folk Guitar, confirming that the intended target audience was fans of the American folk revival movement of the 1960s, following the popularity of artists like Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, and Bob Dylan—all fans of models in the style of the old.

This 0-16NY is one of 112 identical instruments shipped in 1976, the last year this model was produced in relatively large quantities before Martin began phasing it out. Despite its minimalist design (no pickguard, minimal body edge binding, and a very thin finish), a very fine selection of woods was used in the construction of this instrument: a superb spruce top with wide growth rings; the body is constructed of quarter-sawn mahogany to reveal an elegant grain; the fingerboard and original bridge are made of rosewood, an exotic species traditionally used in the crafting of these pieces. The original Waverley tuners are also present. The guitar is exceptionally free of cracks, breaks, or other damage, and shows very little wear almost 50 years after its construction. We have taken special care to optimise this guitar’s playability and comfort, with complete fret levelling and polishing, adjustment of the nut and saddle, to be able to set the action as low as possible without causing buzzing or muffled notes, and to achieve accurate intonation across the entire neck.

Sold in its original Martin hardshell case.