Martin 00L-16 Blue Denim Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The Martin 00L-16E Blue Denim is part of the revamped Series 16 and takes the concept of a compact Martin acoustic guitar in a much bolder aesthetic. Its 14-fret Sloped Shoulder 00 body offers a balanced and intimate response, with clear midrange and treble definition and surprisingly strong projection for its size.

Constructed with a solid spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides, combined with 1/4" scalloped X-bracing. The short 24.9" scale length and the Modified Low Oval profile with High-Performance Taper provide a comfortable and manageable feel. It features L.R. Baggs Element electronics for live performance or recording, and comes with a Softshell gig bag.

• Electro-acoustic guitar from the Series 16
• Body: 14-fret Sloped Shoulder 00
• Neck construction: Simple Dovetail Neck Joint
• Top: Solid spruce
• Top finish: Gloss
• Color: Blue Denim
• Back and sides: Solid mahogany
• Back and sides finish: Satin
• Bracing: 1/4" scalloped X-brace in spruce
• Neck: Selected hardwood
• Neck profile: Modified Low Oval
• High-Performance Taper
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Inlays: 1955 Style 18 in mother-of-pearl
• Scale length: 24.9" (632.5 mm)
• Nut width: 1 3/4" (44.5 mm)
• Number of frets: 20
• Bridge: Ebony
• Saddle: TUSQ
• Saddle radius: 16"
• Nut: Bone
• Tuners: Nickel Open Gear with Butterbean buttons
• Pickguard: Faux Tortoise
• Binding: Antique White
• Electronics: L.R. Baggs Element
• Includes Softshell gig bag
• Made in the USA

Series 16

The renewed Martin Series 16 combines the brand’s traditional craftsmanship with a more modern and versatile approach. Handmade in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, all guitars in this series feature fully solid wood construction and are designed for both acoustic playing and stage performance.

The lineup includes various body shapes, from the compact 00L to Dreadnought Sloped Shoulder, Jumbo, Grand Performance, and 12-string Grand Jumbo models. Depending on the model, Martin pairs solid spruce tops with mahogany or Indian rosewood back and sides, offering different tonal responses within the same family.

One of the main updates in this new generation is its aesthetic focus, with finishes such as 1935 Burst, Black Smoke, Blue Denim, Cherry Cola, or Cream, along with more traditional options. The entire series features L.R. Baggs Element electronics, catering to musicians who need a stage-ready instrument without sacrificing the classic acoustic character of Martin.

Our Opinion

The Blue Denim is arguably one of the 00L-16s that most diverges visually from the traditional Martin image. And that’s part of its appeal: it retains the feel and personality of a compact acoustic from the brand, but with a much more contemporary presence.

It’s especially interesting for players who often perform at home, compose, or need a comfortable instrument for long sessions, without sacrificing enough character for recording or live gigs. Compared to the 1935 Burst or Black Smoke, there’s no technical reason to choose one over the other; the decision is mainly aesthetic, and the Blue Denim is clearly the most distinctive of the three.