Full-sized jumbo boasts reduced body thickness, high-performance taper neck profile for easy playability
In the mood for some big – and we mean big – acoustic guitar news?
Well then, feast your eyes on Martin’s new and “exceptional” full-bodied jumbo 12-string acoustic, the Grand J-16E.
“What’s that?,” asks Guitar World Tech Editor Paul Riario. “A jumbo 12-string from Martin? Well, yes, it’s true.”
Indeed it is. But as Paul says, “Keep in mind, while jumbo 12-string guitars can feel unwieldy, Martin’s Grand J body style is a full-sized jumbo with a body thickness reduced to Martin’s 000 depth for added comfort, making it super easy to play.”
Other standout features on the Grand J-16E?
(Image credit: Martin)
How about a Sitka spruce top with East Indian rosewood back and sides, an ebony fingerboard and bridge, a dovetail neck joint, a high-performance taper neck profile and scalloped X-bracing?
There's also a bold herringbone with multi-stripe rosette, antique white binding, a tortoise pattern pickguard, a 25.4-inch scale length, bone nut, gloss top finish, chrome enclosed gear tuners, Fishman Matrix VT Enhance NT2 electronics and much more.
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“Even with its relaxed dimensions, the Martin Grand J-16E 12-string doesn’t compromise any of its rich tone or resonant volume, offering a jumbo 12-string jangle that’s warmly crisp and loud,” Paul says.
“Even better, I find it’s one of the finest neck carves for effortless playability on a 12-string. Definitely check it out.”
Rich is the co-author of the best-selling Nöthin' But a Good Time: The Uncensored History of the '80s Hard Rock Explosion. He is also a recording and performing musician, and a former editor of Guitar World magazine and executive editor of Guitar Aficionado magazine. He has authored several additional books, among them Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck, the companion to the documentary of the same name.
