Martin 000-15sm or OM-15 custom?

Ziggy3643 · #1 07-02-2016, 02:50 PM

I'm sure this has been discussed before but any thoughts on the Martin 000-15sm vs. OM-15 custom (1 3/4 inch nut & binding). I bought a new Takamine EF340SBG 15 months ago and I love it but my shoulder immediately started to hurt and has gotten worse. I love the smaller body hogs and the Martins look pretty sweet. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks

jdinco · #2 07-02-2016, 03:05 PM

I've owned both, the differences are the 12 fret neck on the SM and the OM has a 1 11/16th nut width if that makes any difference to you. I like them both a great deal but if I had to choose, I'd take the 000-15sm because of the 12 fret and the nut width. A very sweet sound...I'd like to see one with the black binding and gloss top like the OM customs have. Good Luck, tough choice.

madhat · #3 07-02-2016, 03:16 PM

Like jdinco- I have owned both. Agree both great- but I would choose the OM.

There you have it

Welcome to the forum Ziggy!

madhat.

ridethewind · #4 07-02-2016, 03:19 PM

The 000. Comfortable to play, beautiful sound.

Blunote · #5 07-02-2016, 03:53 PM

Maybe I'm wrong, but isn't the 000 model a short scale, and the OM a longer 25.5"?

For me, I tend to prefer the shorter scale. They're more comfortable to play.

Ed-in-Ohio · #6 07-02-2016, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blunote

Maybe I'm wrong, but isn't the 000 model a short scale, and the OM a longer 25.5"?
...snip...

Usually yes, but the 000-15SM is long scale (one of the reasons I love it).

OP, I'd choose the 000-15SM for the added oomph the 000-12 body brings to the low-E and A strings compared to a 000/OM-14 body. Good luck. Let us know what you decide on.

Ziggy3643 · #7 07-02-2016, 04:37 PM

Scale length appears to be the same. Too bad they don't stock a custom 000-15sm with the binding. I guess that would be a special order and about 6 months. I've played the 000-15m and really liked it. The 11/16 neck was too narrow, though. My Tak is 1 3/4 and about perfect. Can't find the 15sm anywhere local, though.

Thanks for the feedback

Ziggy3643 · #8 07-02-2016, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed-in-Ohio

Usually yes, but the 000-15SM is long scale (one of the reasons I love it).

OP, I'd choose the 000-15SM for the added oomph the 000-12 body brings to the low-E and A strings compared to a 000/OM-14 body. Good luck. Let us know what you decide on.

Thanks. Powerful bass response has always been attractive to me.

Ted @ LA Guitar Sales · #9 07-02-2016, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdinco

I've owned both, the differences are the 12 fret neck on the SM and the OM has a 1 11/16th nut width if that makes any difference to you...

Since Ziggy mentioned 1-3/4: nut, and binding, I'm pretty sure we are talking about our OM-15 Custom, which is also available in gloss, BTW.

As to the difference, Ziggy, the main difference will be the 14-fret OM body which will have better balance, vs the -fret "peanut" shape body of the 000-5SM which will favor the bass response. Obviously if you like to play up the neck, the 000-15SM could limit you somewhat, but I'm sure you've given that some thought already.

madstone · #10 07-02-2016, 06:22 PM

I have the 00015sm. I also have an OM18v with hog back and sides, spruce top. Two different birds I know. The 15 does have a more satisfying thunk on the E and A. Great finger picker. BTW the OM has a more balanced and warm tone, but I just gravitate more to the feel of the 15 vibrating
like a cicada against my gut.

#11 07-02-2016, 07:33 PM

I've played both. Bought the 00015M, sold it for a 12-fret D15SM dread. Sold it and bought a CEO7, which I would happily trade for a short-scale 12-fret mahogany top, if they only made it.

Ziggy3643 · #12 07-02-2016, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ted @ LA Guitar Sales

Since Ziggy mentioned 1-3/4: nut, and binding, I'm pretty sure we are talking about our OM-15 Custom, which is also available in gloss, BTW.

As to the difference, Ziggy, the main difference will be the 14-fret OM body which will have better balance, vs the -fret "peanut" shape body of the 000-5SM which will favor the bass response. Obviously if you like to play up the neck, the 000-15SM could limit you somewhat, but I'm sure you've given that some thought already.

I'm curious if there is much of a tone difference between the OM custom and the standard 000-15m? How much does the nut width affect tone? Your custom looks pretty tempting. I appreciate the input.

AZLiberty · #13 07-03-2016, 08:38 PM

Having played Ted's -15 customs in person, I would have a very hard time buying an unbound -15 unless I got a ridiculously good deal on one.

Binding isn't just for looks (although the tort binding looks incredible against the -15's mahogany), it also protects the edges of the back and soundboard.

Mark

llew · #14 07-03-2016, 08:54 PM

I understand your reasoning. I've owned several of Ted's OM-15's and while they never made it long term they were great guitars. Time for something different. Not that Ted's OM-15 wasn't a great guitar? But I've been on a 12 fret kick lately so the 000-15SM will be inbound as soon as Jon (MFG) can get one. Even Martin takes a holiday over July 4th...go figure?