Martin DSS-16E 'Black Smoke' Sloped Shoulder Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar

The Martin DSS-16E Black Smoke is a boldly distinctive new addition to the refreshed 16 Series, a slope-shoulder dreadnought that combines a striking gloss Black Smoke top finish with warm, vintage-inspired mahogany tone in a body format and scale length combination that Martin has not previously offered in this configuration. The slope-shoulder dreadnought body produces a woody, intimate acoustic character that differs meaningfully from the squared-shoulder dreadnought format, warmer in the midrange, more focused in the low end, and with a slightly softer, more rounded tonal presentation that suits singer-songwriters and players who want something distinct from the typical Martin dreadnought voice. Paired for the first time with a 24.9" short scale length, the DSS-16E delivers a relaxed, comfortable playing feel that complements the mahogany body's natural warmth and makes this one of the most approachable and player-friendly dreadnoughts Martin has introduced in recent years.

The gloss Black Smoke spruce top is the visual statement that immediately distinguishes this guitar from everything else in the 16 Series: dark, dramatic, and commanding, offset by the grained ivoroid pickguard and antique white binding for a visual contrast that is genuinely striking. Forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing enhances resonance and bass response, while the Modified Low Oval neck with high-performance taper, ebony fingerboard with 1955 Style 18 mother-of-pearl inlays, bone nut, TUSQ saddle, ebony bridge with abalone-dotted black polymer bridge pins, nickel open-gear butterbean tuners, and East Indian rosewood headplate with script old-style overlay complete a 16 Series specification of considerable refinement. L.R. Baggs Element electronics make the DSS-16E stage-ready from the moment it leaves the waterproof softshell case.

Features

• Gloss spruce top in Black Smoke finish with satin solid mahogany back and sides delivers punchy midrange, strong treble response, and a focused, woody low end, a dark, dramatic visual statement that commands attention before a note is played.
• Slope-shoulder dreadnought body paired for the first time with a 24.9" short scale length produces a warm, intimate, and focused dreadnought voice with a relaxed, comfortable playing feel that makes this one of the most approachable Martin dreadnoughts available.
• Forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing enhances resonance and bass response, contributing to the DSS-16E's characteristic open, warm, and projecting acoustic voice.
• Modified Low Oval neck with high-performance taper, ebony fingerboard with 1955 Style 18 mother-of-pearl inlays, and bone nut deliver the comfortable, familiar Martin playing experience with a modern taper that suits a wide range of hand sizes and playing styles.
• L.R. Baggs Element electronics provide natural, transparent amplified acoustic tone suitable for live performance and recording, completing a stage-ready specification straight from the factory.

• Body: Sloped Shoulder Dreadnought, 14-fret
• Top: Spruce, gloss, Black Smoke
• Top inlay: Black stripe
• Back & sides: Solid mahogany, satin, Dark Mahogany
• Back inlay: Black stripe
• Bracing: Forward-shifted scalloped X-brace, spruce, 5/16"
• Construction: Simple dovetail neck joint
• Binding: Antique white
• Rosette: Custom multi-stripe
• Pickguard: Grained ivoroid
• Neck: Select hardwood, Modified Low Oval, high-performance taper
• Neck finish: Satin, Dark Mahogany
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Fingerboard inlays: 1955 Style 18, mother of pearl
• Fingerboard width at nut: 1-3/4"
• Fingerboard width at 12th fret: 2-1/8"
• Side dots: White
• Scale length: 24.9"
• Total frets: 20
• Neck joins body at: 14th fret
• Nut: Bone
• Saddle: TUSQ, 16" radius
• Bridge: Ebony, Modern Straightline drop-in saddle, 2-5/32" string spacing
• Bridge pins: Black polymer with abalone dots
• Heelcap: Antique white
• Headstock: Solid with square taper
• Headplate: East Indian rosewood, script old-style overlay
• Tuners: Nickel open gear with butterbean knobs
• Electronics: L.R. Baggs Element
• Strings: Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 Phosphor Bronze Light
• Includes: Waterproof softshell case with backpack straps
• Made in: USA (Nazareth, Pennsylvania)
• New for: 2026