The 16 Series represents Martin's top-end modern series of guitars (the Standard and Vintage Series both cost more and have higher appointments, but they are based on Martin's traditional and vintage designs). Guitars in the 16 Series are constructed out of all solid woods and use Martin's Hybrid X bracing system. Several models have been produced under the 16 Series and they continue to be very popular.
There are some models that have 16 in their name that won't appear in the 16 Series. When Martin split their entire line into specific series in 1996, the 16 Series took on a new role. Previously, a few 16 models were offered, but their specifications varied between model and the Style 16 never really represented a full line like the Style 18 or Style 28, for instance. For models produced before 1996 that are of the 16 nature, refer to their respective section in the Standard categories. In mid-2009, Martin began using black Richlite for many of their bridges and fingerboards in the 16 Series that replaced black Micarta versions.