Martin DSS-16E Cherry Cola

While the slope-shoulder dreadnought design may be common for other builders, it is relatively uncommon for C.F. Martin & Co. Unlike traditional square shoulder designs, rounded shoulders diffuse the dreadnought's sometimes overwhelming bass response, which adds clarity and balance, and it also subtly increases the dynamic range. Part of the all-new 16 Series, the DSS-16E is the latest iteration of Martin's slope-shoulder dreadnought. 24.9" scale length, Spruce Top, Mahogany back and sides, and scalloped forward-shifted bracing under the hood combine for a warm, punchy tone. With a Cherry Cola top finish, this DSS-16E looks the part, too. We love the way the red pops with the contrasting Ivoroid pickguard, and the glossy finish is translucent so you can see the Spruce grain underneath.  The DSS-16E is built with a 1 3/4" nut width and a Modified Low Oval neck profile for a smooth playing experience. The shorter scale and generous nut width give the guitar an easy, comfortable feel, while the High-Performance Taper keeps the neck feeling familiar and manageable farther up the fingerboard. Each new 16 Series guitar also comes with factory-installed LR Baggs Element electronics and a strap button on the heel, so this DSS-16E is ready to roll. With its slope-shoulder body and shorter scale, the DSS-16E occupies an interesting spot in the Martin lineup. The body size packs the projection and low-end authority expected from a dreadnought, but the rounded shoulders and forward-shifted scalloped bracing give it a more balanced response that works well for strumming, flatpicking, and players who want a little more control over a dreadnought's natural power. A Martin design approached from a slightly different angle, and the Cherry Cola finish provides plenty of personality to match the sound. Body Size: Sloped Shoulder D 14-Fret Top Material: Spruce Top Color: Cherry Cola Top Finish: Gloss Back & Sides: Mahogany Back & Sides Finish: Satin Back & Sides Color: Dark Mahogany Bracing: Forward Shifted X, Scalloped Neck Material: Select Hardwood Neck Shape: Modified Low Oval Neck Taper: High-Performance Taper Scale Length: 24.9" Fingerboard Material: Ebony Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 3/4" Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/8" Fingerboard Inlay: 1955 Style 18, Mother of Pearl Neck Joint: Simple Dovetail Bridge Material: Ebony Bridge Style: Modern Straightline, Drop-in Saddle Bridge String Spacing: 2 5/32" Saddle: TUSQ, 16" Radius  Bridge Pins: Black Polymer with Abalone Dots Pickguard: Grained Ivoroid Rosette: Custom Multi-Stripe Binding: Antique White Headplate: East Indian Rosewood Tuning Machines: Nickel Open Gear, Butterbean Knobs Nut: Bone Scale Length: 24.9" Electronics: L.R. Baggs Element