Martin Grand J-16 Black Smoke A/E

The Martin J-16E Black Smoke belongs to the redesigned Series 16 and features a Jumbo body to deliver a big, deep sound with plenty of presence. Its response is designed to fill space easily, with broad bass, good projection, and an especially immersive sound experience in chords and accompaniment.

Constructed with a solid spruce top and solid Indian rosewood back and sides, this classic combination provides harmonic richness and a wide tonal range. The Modified Low Oval neck with High-Performance Taper offers a comfortable feel despite the larger body size, while the L.R. Baggs Element electronics allow for direct stage performance. The Black Smoke finish gives it a modern, understated look compared to the 1935 Burst version.

• Electro-acoustic Jumbo guitar from Series 16
• Body: J shape with 14 frets
• Neck construction: Simple Dovetail Neck Joint
• Top: Solid spruce
• Finish on top: Glossy
• Color: Black Smoke
• Back and sides: Solid Indian rosewood
• Finish on back and sides: Satin
• Bracing: Scalloped X-Brace made of spruce
• Neck: Selected hardwood
• Neck profile: Modified Low Oval
• High-Performance Taper
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Scale length: 25.4" (645 mm)
• Nut width: 1 3/4" (44.5 mm)
• Number of frets: 20
• Bridge: Ebony
• Nut: Bone
• Tuning machines: Nickel Open Gear with Butterbean buttons
• Electronics: L.R. Baggs Element
• Includes Softshell gig bag
• Made in the USA

Redesigned Series 16

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

The range includes various body styles, from compact 00L models to Dreadnought Sloped Shoulder, Jumbo, Grand Performance, and 12-string Grand Jumbo. 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.

A key update in this new generation is its aesthetic focus, with finishes such as 1935 Burst, Black Smoke, Blue Denim, Cherry Cola, or Cream, alongside more traditional options. The entire series features L.R. Baggs Element electronics, emphasizing its appeal to musicians needing a stage-ready instrument without sacrificing the acoustic character that defines Martin.

Our Opinion

This J-16E is one of those guitars that makes sense when you want the acoustic to truly fill the space. It doesn't aim for the intimate response of a 00 or the more contained feel of a Dreadnought: the appeal here is in that large, enveloping sensation that makes open chords and strumming sound especially full.

The Black Smoke finish also makes it the most understated and contemporary version of the J-16. If you like the Jumbo concept but prefer a less traditional aesthetic, this is probably the most balanced option. Compared to the 1935 Burst, the choice is mainly visual; the character and design of the instrument are essentially the same.