Martin Guitars Jc-16re Aura

[spuds]

Hi,
Has anyone tried one of these before?

I was actually in the market for a taylor 814ce. I stumbled across this at GC and it was quite a refreshing change, since I already have a Taylor 412.

I can't seem to find many reviews on this on the net (only 1 on HC), so just wondering if anyone knows about these?

I'm very keen to pick one up second hand, but I can't find a single one.

[devilrob1979]

I tried one yesterday. Coulda been bad strings but the D-35 I tried just afterwards killed it which is a shame because I wanted to like it. When I have cash in hand I think I'll request to try one out of the box to hear what it sounds like. I played an 000-16RGTE Aura, D-35, HD-28V, a couple of Gibson songwriter series guitars, and some others and the D-35 was my favorite. It was my wife's favorite too.

[karmadave]

I recently acquired one of these used, from Dave's Guitar. It was in absolutely perfect condition and the price was nice. I played several Martin's before settling on the JC-16RE Aura. Reasons?:

- Wanted a Rosewood Jumbo and would have to jump to the 814CE for considerably more $.
- I already owned a Taylor (314CE) and wanted to try a Martin.
- Liked the electronics better than the Expression System.
- Really liked the way this guitar projects. Especially bass. I like to strum and finger pick and this guitar works nicely for both.
- Price. I mentioned this already.

The Jumbo body is the same depth as a Dreadnought, so it's got a deep base response and the Rosewood is a bit darker than Mahogany. I would definitely suggest you play several guitars so you can better decide. That's my $.02...

-KD

[spuds]

I recently acquired one of these used, from Dave's Guitar. It was in absolutely perfect condition and the price was nice. I played several Martin's before settling on the JC-16RE Aura. Reasons?:

- Wanted a Rosewood Jumbo and would have to jump to the 814CE for considerably more $.
- I already owned a Taylor (314CE) and wanted to try a Martin.
- Liked the electronics better than the Expression System.
- Really liked the way this guitar projects. Especially bass. I like to strum and finger pick and this guitar works nicely for both.
- Price. I mentioned this already.

The Jumbo body is the same depth as a Dreadnought, so it's got a deep base response and the Rosewood is a bit darker than Mahogany. I would definitely suggest you play several guitars so you can better decide. That's my $.02...

-KD

How much did you get it for?
Seems that I'm in a pretty similar situation!!

I spent 2 hours in GC today playing a few taylors and martins. This was the martin that stood out for me - but I don't really know much about martins so I didn't know where in stood in their range of guitars.

[spuds]

I tried one yesterday. Coulda been bad strings but the D-35 I tried just afterwards killed it which is a shame because I wanted to like it. When I have cash in hand I think I'll request to try one out of the box to hear what it sounds like. I played an 000-16RGTE Aura, D-35, HD-28V, a couple of Gibson songwriter series guitars, and some others and the D-35 was my favorite. It was my wife's favorite too.

They didn't have a D-35 at that branch, but I'll look into it. I'm after something with a cutaway and pickup though. Thanks!

[devilrob1979]

I was after something with a cutaway and pickup which is why I wanted to like the JC-16 so much but that D-35 was just amazing. Like I said, the jumbo had pretty corroded strings so I don't think it really got a fair shake. I wasn't going to ask for new strings or an in-box guitar without cash in hand though. I won't be able to buy for a couple of months.

[karmadave]

spuds. Check your PM...