The Martin Grand J-16E 12-string brings a big, shimmering 12-string voice into a Grand Jumbo design with a more comfortable 000-style depth. Solid spruce and East Indian rosewood give the guitar a balanced, resonant acoustic character, while the 12-string-specific neck profile and 16-inch-radius ebony fingerboard provide a comfortable platform for playing.
For players who want the rich harmonic spread of a 12-string for songwriting, recording, accompaniment, or live performance, the Grand J-16E combines substantial projection with a body depth designed to make the instrument easier to manage.
The Grand J-16E uses Martin's Grand Jumbo body shape, measuring 17 inches across, but pairs that broad footprint with a depth based on Martin's 000 design. The result is a 12-string with plenty of acoustic presence without the deeper body associated with some traditional jumbo guitars.
That combination makes sense for players who want the projection and visual presence of a large-body 12-string while spending long sessions writing, rehearsing, recording, or performing.
The solid spruce top provides clarity, articulation, and projection, while the East Indian rosewood back and sides add richness through the midrange and low end. The pairing gives the Grand J-16E a broad tonal palette that works particularly well when you want a 12-string to fill out an arrangement.
Martin uses non-scalloped spruce X-bracing to support clear note separation and string-to-string balance, helping the doubled courses remain defined when you're strumming full chords or recording layered acoustic parts.
The neck uses Martin's Modified Low Oval profile and is shaped specifically for the 12-string format. A 1.81-inch bone nut and 16-inch-radius ebony fingerboard provide a substantial but manageable playing surface, while the 25.4-inch scale maintains a familiar standard-scale feel.
The ebony fingerboard is finished with traditional dot inlays, and the open-gear nickel tuners provide a classic look that fits naturally with the guitar's vintage-inspired appointments.
When it is time to plug in, the Grand J-16E is equipped with an LR Baggs Element VTC pickup and preamp system. The under-saddle Element pickup is paired with an onboard volume and tone control, giving you practical control over the amplified sound without cluttering the guitar's appearance.
That makes the Grand J-16E a natural choice for players who need a 12-string that can move comfortably between acoustic playing, stage work, recording, and amplified rehearsal.
A 12-string can completely change the role an acoustic guitar plays in a song. The doubled strings create natural shimmer and width, making a single guitar part capable of adding substantial texture to a band or recording.
The Grand J-16E is especially useful when you want that 12-string character without committing to an especially deep-bodied instrument. Its broad Grand Jumbo shape provides projection, while the reduced body depth and purpose-shaped neck help keep the guitar comfortable during extended playing.
Roxy Music has been family-owned since 1939, and our staff includes real musicians who understand that an acoustic guitar needs to work for the way you actually play. With a 12-string, details such as neck feel, body depth, response, and amplified sound can make a real difference.
We keep a curated inventory and focus on long-term customer relationships rather than treating guitars like boxes on a warehouse shelf. If you're deciding between a 6-string and 12-string, comparing body styles, or looking for an acoustic that can handle both stage and studio work, we're happy to help.
The Martin Grand J-16E 12-string is built for players who want the unmistakable width and shimmer of a 12-string with a thoughtful body design, solid tonewoods, comfortable playability, and dependable amplified performance.
Questions? Call 219-362-2340 or contact us. Real musicians, no pressure.
