Martin 00015M - Honduran Mahogony or Sipo?

Hodge87 · #1 06-22-2018, 11:34 PM

Would any of you wood experts out there be able to give your opinion on these three guitars? What's your view; Mahogony or Sipo?

I'm aware this subject has been raised before but I've not seen anything regarding recent models from 2018, so would appreciate some help.

#2 06-22-2018, 11:37 PM

It looks like mahogany to me, but I'm guessing that Martin could give you more accurate information than anyone here. FWIW, the recent sipo CEO-7 that I bought sounded magnificent; I sure wouldn't let it bother me one way or the other.

JTFoote · #3 06-22-2018, 11:43 PM

It looks like Mahogany to me, as well.

Here's a link that might help: Mahogany: Which one is the real thing?

... JT

TokyoNeko · #4 06-23-2018, 01:03 AM

For Martin guitars, the only way to be sure that the wood is of the genus "switenia" is to find the words "Genuine Mahogany" in the description on the spec sheet of the guitar. If it says "Mahogany" then it's all but certainly something else.

Hodge87 · #5 06-23-2018, 01:13 AM

Thanks for the feedback so far, I'm aware that what Martin refer to as Genuine Mahogony is reserved for the higher end models, but the 00015M has been made out of Honduran, Sepele, and Sipo. I suspect not Sepele anymore, but interested to know if there's a difference between Honduran and Sipo. These three guitars all look great but all look pretty different. Anyone on here that works for Martin by any chance?

madhat · #6 06-23-2018, 06:32 AM

Hard to say. They all look fine- and I bet they sound great too....

If I had to guess- I would say they are all Sipo. The back on #3 possibly Sapele.

madhat.

Athens · #7 06-23-2018, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TokyoNeko

For Martin guitars, the only way to be sure that the wood is of the genus "switenia" is to find the words "Genuine Mahogany" in the description on the spec sheet of the guitar. If it says "Mahogany" then it's all but certainly something else.

Marketing BS, IMHO. It borders on fraud.

Hodge87 · #8 06-23-2018, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Athens

Marketing BS, IMHO. It borders on fraud.

I do find it a little dishonest also. All online retailers specs state "Genuine Mohogony" which is incorrect, I'm sure there were previously models with this, but Martin haven't exactly been forthcoming with the fact that now its essentially pot luck as to what they're made out of?

DupleMeter · #9 06-23-2018, 06:56 AM

If I had to guess, I'm betting it is NOT Honduran Mahogany. I'm not seeing the definitive ribbon/banding that is typical of a true mahogany. Maybe the pictures aren't picking it up? I don't know.

I agree that it feels dishonest to not be very upfront about the wood species. I have higher expectations from a company like Martin.

Hodge87 · #10 06-23-2018, 07:03 AM

Ultimately it all comes down to what plays and feels best, and that will be the main factor when I buy my next guitar, that being said; a Honduran Mohogony 00015m and a Sapele or Sipo 00015M should not cost the same amount. That is a fact.

thomasinaz · #11 06-23-2018, 07:16 AM

Here's an older 000-15M, purchased new about 18 years ago. The inside label says "Mahogany Top". The grain doesn't have much character. I sold this a couple months ago to fund a Larrivee OM-40. Yes I do miss it sometimes, even though the Larrivee sounds so much better to me.

#12 06-23-2018, 09:05 AM

Sagebrush Tom · #13 06-23-2018, 09:59 AM

I bought my 000-15m last November as NOS from GC that was built in 2015 with a starting serial # 19654--. The wood on my guitar resembles both pictures #1 and is Sipo front, back and sides. I have played 000-15's that are made of Mahogany, and Sapele and i can't really tell any difference in tone from mine and I'm very pleased with the tone of my guitar. The wood on my 00-18 (2016) does not have streaks at all like Sipo or Sapele.

So does it make any difference what type of wood is used during construction? I've been casually looking lately for an used 000-15sm and if it 2014 or earlier, then it's probably Mahogany. Now if i find one made of Sipo, that isn't going to deter me at all. It's all good.

Tom

muscmp · #14 06-23-2018, 11:14 AM

other than the lighting, they all look like my 2009 0015m. contact martin.

play music!

pszy22 · #15 06-23-2018, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DupleMeter

I agree that it feels dishonest to not be very upfront about the wood species. I have higher expectations from a company like Martin.

I agree, minimally they should remove the M from the model number