Martin D-15 thoughts

[highvibrational]

Originally Posted by 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.

Yes, I feel the same way. It's just enough for my voice too. Happy playing!

[TK LP]

Originally Posted by beatcomber

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

I kind of did the same thing with a D15 I bought used this weekend. I wet sanded it before compounding and polishing. I need to work on the top some more, but a full gloss is doable. These are iPad photos in bad light, but will give you the idea.

[jschmitz54]

I wanted an all hog OM but wanted a 1 3/4” nut. Found that LA Guitars orders custom 15 models in OM an D sizes. These come with binding and an option for gloss finish which was my selection. Nice guitar imo.

[highvibrational]

Originally Posted by jschmitz54

I wanted an all hog OM but wanted a 1 3/4” nut. Found that LA Guitars orders custom 15 models in OM an D sizes. These come with binding and an option for gloss finish which was my selection. Nice guitar imo.

Very nice! Do you think the finish has any impact on the tone?

[DC2]

A 000-15 has been my main player for the past 16 years. I know all about the shiny spot. I am currently using Daddario EJ16s i think. (Blue pack) 12-53. They sound great. I have used elixers and lifespans 92/8s in the past. I found the elixers to bright and ended up tuning down a half step.

[jschmitz54]

Originally Posted by highvibrational

Very nice! Do you think the finish has any impact on the tone?

You’d have to have better ears than mine to hear the difference. I liked the look of gloss and wrong or right think it’s more durable.

[beatcomber]

Originally Posted by bufflehead

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?

Oh, for sure. There has been no negative effect whatsoever, it still looks the same way it did after I did the buffing.

Just don't over-do it and rub through to the bare wood, and take care to do it evenly.

[highvibrational]

I like to play outside. How cold is too cold for a 15?
Thanks.

[PajamasMusic]

Originally Posted by highvibrational

I like to play outside. How cold is too cold for a 15?
Thanks.

I suspect you would succumb to the prevailing elements before it did. But if challenged to quantify, I would say no lower than 40-45 degrees, but certainly the same as any other guitar.

[UncleJesse]

Originally Posted by highvibrational

I like to play outside. How cold is too cold for a 15?
Thanks.

With a satin-finished guitar as long as the tuning was stable I'd think it's fine. When you can't keep it in tune it may be too cold.

[whvick]

My grandson has my D-15 now. Great sound but I did have to have a neck reset. But that just seems to be a Martin problem. I like a 1 -3/4 nut and he is happy with 1 11/16, so now I am looking for a 12 fret. And I am not a bling
Kind of guy, so the satin brown paper wrapper look was great.

[Keith G50]

Originally Posted by whvick

My grandson has my D-15 now. Great sound but I did have to have a neck reset. But that just seems to be a Martin problem. I like a 1 -3/4 nut and he is happy with 1 11/16, so now I am looking for a 12 fret. And I am not a bling
Kind of guy, so the satin brown paper wrapper look was great.

Sounds like need to run out and get a 000-15SM. 😁

[SalFromChatham]

I have owned two dozen guitars in the last 15 years... Expensive Martins have come and gone... the only two Martins that remain are a 2009 D15 and a new 2020 00-15.

The D15 is just awesome. Mellow. Great for singing. Great for recording... Enjoy yours!

One word of caution... it is lightly built, and is particularly vulnerable to the dreaded "keys in your pocket" side crack. I fixed mine with a little glue and (guitar forum friends - don't read further if you are squeamish).... and ... a sticker.

[highvibrational]

Originally Posted by SalFromChatham

I have owned two dozen guitars in the last 15 years... Expensive Martins have come and gone... the only two Martins that remain are a 2009 D15 and a new 2020 00-15.

The D15 is just awesome. Mellow. Great for singing. Great for recording... Enjoy yours!

One word of caution... it is lightly built, and is particularly vulnerable to the dreaded "keys in your pocket" side crack. I fixed mine with a little glue and (guitar forum friends - don't read further if you are squeamish).... and ... a sticker.

It's funny that you say that about expensive Martins. I just played my D-15 against my D-28 and thought it sounded better. Do you think a 00015 would be redundant?

[SalFromChatham]

Man... I tried to like an 000-15. I prefer the 00-15. I wish you could try both. Normally the bigger the guitar, the more I like the sound... But in the 15s I think the 00-15 wins. I tend to fingerpick the 00-15 though.

Here is the 00-15m:



And here is the D-15: