Martin 00L-16E Blue Denim: I Finally Got the Guitar for Acoustic Guitar Lovers
Yes, I matched my guitar. No, I'm not sorry. I'm Canadian, and denim on denim is our national formal wear. This is the Martin 00L-16E in Blue Denim: a small, slope shoulder 00 body with a solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, a short 24.9" scale, and LR Baggs Element electronics. I'm a Tele guy, so the real question is whether my right hand can move over to a small mahogany acoustic and still sound like me.
The Canadian Tuxedo
I had just come back from a wedding, so the denim was already on. When I saw a Martin in Blue Denim, it was over. If you know this channel, you know I love blue guitars. When I saw this one, it blew my mind. That is the best joke I could come up with on the spot.
Martin sent me this guitar, but they did not get to see the video before you did. The opinions are mine. They told me to say that, so take that.
What Is the Martin 00L-16E?
The 00L-16E is part of Martin's refreshed 16 Series. It uses a slope shoulder 00 body, which is smaller and more comfortable than a dreadnought, with solid tonewoods throughout and onboard electronics for playing live or recording direct. The Blue Denim version adds a gloss blue top that you will not find on most acoustics at this level.
Martin 00L-16E Blue Denim Specs
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Series | Martin 16 Series |
| Body Shape | 00, slope shoulder |
| Top | Solid spruce, gloss Blue Denim finish |
| Back and Sides | Solid mahogany |
| Bracing | Scalloped X bracing |
| Neck | Select hardwood, modified low oval, satin finish |
| Scale Length | 24.9" |
| Fingerboard | Ebony, 16" radius, dot inlays, 20 frets |
| Nut Width | 1.75", bone nut |
| Bridge and Saddle | Ebony bridge, bone saddle |
| Tuners | Nickel open gear |
| Electronics | LR Baggs Element VTC |
| Strings | Martin Legacy, .013 to .056 |
| Case | Blue softshell gig bag with backpack straps |
| Price | $2,499.99 USD at the time of writing |
Can a Tele Player Go Acoustic?
I am a Tele player through and through, so I wanted to know if I could bring my right hand to a small mahogany acoustic and still sound like me. Then I remembered I actually started on acoustic guitar, so I am not sure why I asked.
The 24.9" scale is the surprise here. It makes bends easier than you would expect on an acoustic, which helps when your hands are used to electric. Also, The Bends was Radiohead's second album, and I am a big fan, so I just wanted to say that.
The wide 1.75" nut and the modified low oval neck give your fingers room for fingerpicking and open chords, while the smaller body keeps it comfortable sitting down.
The Projection Test
Of all the acoustic demo videos that I do not watch on YouTube, most skip this part. Martin says the 00L-16E has surprising projection for its size, so I tested it. Is it really loud? How do I know? Do you have ears?
What did the test prove? Mostly that you are watching this video on YouTube. Projection is something you really hear in the room, so if you can try one in a store, do that. For a small body guitar, it holds its own.
"Is it really loud? How do I know? Do you have ears?"
Mic vs LR Baggs Element
To hear both sides of the guitar, I compared a microphone with the onboard LR Baggs Element. The mic was a Royer ribbon mic, and it captured the acoustic sound of the guitar in the room.
The Element is an under saddle pickup, so it will not sound like the mic, and it is not supposed to. It is there so you can plug into a PA or interface and get a clean, usable acoustic sound with no feedback worries. For playing live, it does the job. For recording at home, a good mic will always capture more of the guitar.
| Microphone | LR Baggs Element | |
|---|---|---|
| Sound | Natural, open, the guitar in the room | Direct, focused under saddle sound |
| Best For | Home recording | Live playing and quick direct recording |
| Feedback | Can be an issue at volume | Much easier to control |
| Setup | Mic, stand, interface, quiet room | One cable |
The Gig Bag
It comes in a blue softshell case with backpack straps, so you can actually wear it and take it places. I know people are going to say in the comments that it does not come with a hardshell case. That's right. It has a softshell case. That is why I showed it.
Who Is It For?
This is for people who like guitars. People who like blue guitars. People who like Martin. Everybody, really. More seriously, it is a great fit for players who want a smaller, comfortable acoustic with real solid wood tone, electric players who want an acoustic that feels easier to play, and anyone who wants a Martin that does not look like every other Martin.
What I'd Keep and What I'd Change
- The Blue Denim finish
- Short 24.9" scale for easier bends
- Comfortable small 00 body
- Solid spruce and solid mahogany
- LR Baggs Element for live use
- Gig bag with backpack straps
- More blues, please: a light blue and a darker blue next to the Denim
Final Verdict
I have always played acoustic guitar, but I used to think they were all basically the same. Getting into the acoustic world more has shown me otherwise. The Martin 00L-16E Blue Denim is comfortable, easy to play for an electric player, sounds full for its size, and looks like nothing else on the wall.
Thanks to Martin for sending it over and for supporting the channel. And yes, the other Martin behind me is the Road Series DE Retro Plus. It is not the focus of this video, and it does not match the outfit at all.
Where to Get It
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#landonbaileyyt · martin · martin guitar · 00L-16E · blue denim · acoustic guitar · acoustic electric · lr baggs
Affiliate Disclosure: Martin sent this guitar for review. Links to Sweetwater, Guitar Center, Musician's Friend, Zzounds, and Thomann may be affiliate links. Landon Bailey receives compensation from affiliate programs of which he is a partner. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support the channel and this site. Thank you!
