Martin 000-15M vs 000-18

[CT77]

I ended up keeping an OMC-15ME over a 000-18e retro. It's not a very even comparison - the differences stack up pretty quickly and the biggest factor in the end was that I could get almost twice as much for the 000-18e Retro. Though I love my OMC-15ME, I still wonder at times if I made the right choice.

To me, there is a noticeable qualitative difference right away. While the 15 series instruments are nice and have the typically high quality fit and finish one would expect from an American made Martin, the 18 series a clearly a notch above. The ebony, full gloss, and Tortoise all add to the look. The 18's are also much tougher. Where the binding-less 15's almost dent if you look at the them funny, the 18's can take the usual bumps and scrapes without any lasting evidence.

The "genuine" mahogany back and sides tend to have a rich, smooth grain that the Sipo/Sepele mahogany stand-ins on the 15's lack. They are also stained a different, redder color that has a pleasing contrast with the light yellow spruce top. Visually, this pops compared to the all-brown 15's which I think are more of an aquired taste aesthetically

The 18's have 1/4 inch scalloped bracing vs. the 15's 5/16ths non-scalloped bracing and this is apparent in how quickly the tops respond. The 18's are more responsive.

I'm my case, the OM based 15 shares the 1 and 3/4's inch nut, but not the shorter scale. At the time I compared the two, I didn't know much about scale. I've learned since then that I actually really like the 24.9 inch shorter scale as it ads both comfort and some richness to both the highs and lows, and sacrifices little (maybe some volume).

In the end, the reason to go with a 15 over an 18 is the sound. The martin Hog sound is its own thing, and though they share a "woody/dry" focus, the hog top is darker and warmer, if less quick to respond or coax singing highs from.

I suspect also that the 18's will open up more slowly, but also more fully over time relative to the 15's.

Although I've tried to promise myself that I won't buy the same guitar twice, if there is an exception it may be for the 000-18.

[opencee]

The OM-28V, 000-18, and 000-15 are like three completely different tonal vegetables in a Martin Guitar soup. Celery, carrot, and potato?

I don't own an OM-28V, but am very familiar with it. I don't have a 000-18, but I do have a custom 00-18 (GE specs.) that easily compares to it. I also have a 000-15 (genuine mahogany) that I bought in 2003.

Neither the 15 or 18 are going to sound like your 28, OR EACH OTHER. I like my 15, and it has its place, but it is not nearly as articulate and versatile as my 18. The 15 cannot match the response, dynamic range, and variety of tone colors of an 18 or 28.

If you figure out what it is that makes an 18/28 cost more than a 15, it still doesn't tell the story of how different they are to the ears and fingers.

I wouldn't buy without being exposed to the differences.


opencee

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[DHart]

Lots of good input here, folks, thank you!

[Trawlerman]

I owned the 000-15 at one time, but sold it. I just was not a fan of the tone.

Strictly on sound, the 18 over the 15 all day and every day....but that is just me.

[Ed-in-Ohio]

I'll give a dissenting viewpoint...I own a 2009 000-15 (all Honduran if that matters), that is a fantastic guitar, that I would never trade for a 000-18. My 000-15 has a lush, woody, warm tone that works beautifully with my singing voice. So, all-mahogany works for me. For others, the 000-18 is the tool.

Different strokes.

[rickwaugh]

You have to play them side by side and listen and feel. Nothing else about them matters; the fit and finish on the 15 is not as beautiful, but there's nothing wrong with the workmanship. It's just a simpler guitar. Doesn't mean it doesn't play and sound well. That being said, if the extras are important to you, they're important to you.

I'm not really a Martin guy. But my favourites are the 15s. I played an OM15 with a cutaway years ago, that was used, and if it didn't already have a sold sticker on it, I would have bought it. I've played both the OOO-15 and 18, and I'll take the 15. The 15s have a very soft, sweet tone to them.

So it's really going to come down to preference, and cost.