Martin D-15 thoughts

[highvibrational]

HI all,
For many years, I avoided the Martin 15 series, but yesterday, I bought a D-15M for its beautiful mellow tone, good looks and playability. It seems like a fragile guitar because of the satin finish and no binding. Does anyone have any thoughts on how to keep in good condition, idiosyncrasies and what strings sound best?

Another thing I wanted to ask is would you take your 15 outside when it's less than 45 degrees F? Thanks.

This is an iconic dreadnought that lives up to its name. I love it!

[Goat Mick]

I have three satin finish Martins. A 000x1AE, 000-15 and a 000-17. I feel like the satin finish I’d much more durable than a gloss finish because it doesn’t scratches and dings like a gloss finish does. I’ve come to prefer satin finish guitars.

[cyclistbrian]

Originally Posted by highvibrational

HI all,
For many years, I avoided the Martin 15 series, but yesterday, I bought a D-15 for the beautiful mellow tone, good looks and playability. It seems like a fragile guitar because of the satin finish and no binding. Does anyone have any thoughts on how to keep in good condition, idiosyncrasies and what strings sound best?

This is an iconic dreadnought that lives up to its name. I love it!

I had a 0015 and later a 00015M for several years until I traded for my OM21. The finish is not in anyway fragile. I don't abuse my guitars but I'm probably not as dainty with them as I'd like to think. The only signs of wear on mine as I recall were where the finish got polished from my arm or hands.

A friend has a D15 which I've played a few times. It's a gentle giant of a guitar. Its been a while since I've played it but I remember a guitar that had some good magic going on.

Enjoy your new guitar.

[emtsteve]

I don't see the 15's as fragile, in fact perhaps the opposite. But be aware there isn't any binding so edge nicks are easy to do. And, your arm and anywhere you rub against the guitar will take on a shine after a while. I don't mind that - to me it just looks like a guitar that's played a lot. Be sure to experiment with strings. Maybe more so than other guitars the 15's really change character with different strings. I like Martin Retro monels and Martin Authentic 2.0 PBs on my 000-15M.

Have fun and enjoy!

[FreDrummer]

Agree with above posts about it turning shiny over time at the typical wear spots.

Strings: I like the Martin Retros on my 000-15m. In fact, I just tried some 80/20’s on it the other day that aren’t doing it for me, so I plan to go back to the Retros.

The 15 series are very lightweight, but that doesn’t mean they are dainty or fragile.

[dennism]

I've had my D-15 for about 20 years now and it has survived, toddlers, drunk friends and hundreds of campfires. No worries about any structural fragility. Yes, the finish looks well played, but it's as solid as the day I bought it. Sounds great with Monel strings.

[PajamasMusic]

My D-15M is hands down the 1st or 2nd top player in the band, and to the extent that I have one, my 'daily driver'. Hadn't really given the finish a 2nd thought more so than other guitars, but come to think of it, it's received a nick or 2 over time, just because it comes up so often in the playing rotation.

And as others have mentioned, string-wise, Martin Retro Monels, all day long. The 15's love 'em.

[highvibrational]

Thanks all! I love the lightness in weight and won't see it as fragile as a result.

I love the term "gentle giant." Other words that come to mind: sweet bear, milk and honey, magical forest, perfect partner.

[emtsteve]

Originally Posted by highvibrational

Thanks all! I love the lightness in weight and won't see it as fragile as a result.

I love the term "gentle giant." Other words that come to mind: sweet bear, milk and honey, magical forest, perfect partner.

My wife calls the 000-15M my "choc-o-latte" guitar. It is sweet

[bufflehead]

The 15 series gets a lot of love here on the forum, where the shiny spot that your arm burnishes the finish is consisted testimony to a well-played instrument. I had originally worried that the lack of a binding would result in a nicked-up edge, but that hasn't happened to mine despite extensive play.

One more vote for Retros here. They complement the all-hog vibe in a unique way.

[highvibrational]

"Hog heaven" is another way to describe it.

One of my initial impressions of the the 15 series is that it reminded me too much of chocolate cake.

As for the shiny spots, I've started to use a sleeve for my right arm because the summer stick was too much for me. Now, I wear it all year 'round.

[StrumNSing]

I also recently got a 2020 D-15M - great minds think alike!

I had a warm sound in my head that I wanted to find in a guitar (dreadnought) which first led me to a rosewood back/sides instrument. After a while, however, I realized I did not prefer the intense overtones that came from that rosewood instrument; I also didn't prefer the scooped sound.

The D15M was the sound I had in my head.

The best way I can describe it: woody and warm! It's perfect for singing with because it doesn't overpower my voice and (for me) I find that the strong, woody, fundamental tone helps me when I'm singing.

Also: I love how light it is and I love the chocolate-vanilla-heavenly smell!

Mine (I'm assuming yours, too) came with Martin Lifespan PB Medium strings. I think the current strings sound good but I am looking forward to experimenting with other types of strings to see which ones I like the best.

[beatcomber]

I dealt with the arm wear spot by carefully buffing the entire guitar.

[kizz]

My d15M from 2010 is my favorite, sounds great and the guitar i allways end up playing over my expensive D28. Very stable in humidity/temperature changes. I use DR Veritas 12-54 on mine, but Lifespans are also great on it. It´s up to your taste with strings, cause allmost any string sounds great on this one. Happy playing

[bufflehead]

Originally Posted by beatcomber

I dealt with the arm wear spot by carefully buffing the entire guitar.

I read the original thread where you described your process with great interest. Has the original buff job held up to your expectations since then? You would do it again?