Martin 0-16NY

We love this model so much, they are so hard to find, and are such lovely and unique guitars. In the early 1960s, this was Martin’s answer to the fact that they had only one model of 19th-century-style 12-fret guitar, the 00-21, and there was a terrific market for a less expensive version, hence the 0-16NY. It was a tiny bit smaller than the 00 but with the same 1-7/8” wide neck, and with mahogany back and sides and a satin finish to keep the cost down. Same terrific hand-built Martin quality, same hand-shaped Martin neck, same top quality Martin woods. The “NY” was added to the model name to capture the imagination of folks who had played early New York Martins of the 1800s but couldn’t find one intact, not to mention the fact that those earlier ones could not accept steel strings. This particular one is in original condition with the addition of a pair of thin, clear, pickguards and a strap button near the neck, and has never had issues of any kind. We’ve gone over it thoroughly here in our own shop and set it up with .012-.052 standard light gauge bronze strings, which are perfect for it in every way. It’s still got its original genuine ivory nut and saddle, with Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, bridge, and peghead veneer; the tuning machines are its original Waverlys. Also has an original hard shell case, extremely rare for Martins of this size from this period. A lovelier companion cannot be found. $2395 w/hsc