Which is your favorite Martin 15 series guitar?

[ataylor]

I love the 15 series guitars. I'll buy one as soon as Martin updates the neck/spacing on these guitars (speaking primarily about the 14-fret models).

It makes zero sense to me that, as far as I can tell, all the other non-Authentic-series guitars — whether cheaper or more expensive, whether made in Mexico or Pennsylvania — have been updated to 1.75"/2-5/32" with the PA neck carve. The 15 series guitars are a clear outlier as they continue to be made with a neck that is narrower both at the nut and the bridge.

It can't be because they're meant to appeal to younger or less-experienced buyers if the Mexican-made Martins have the same neck dimensions as the standard series Martins. And I'm not sure this is a functional choice given the fact that these all-mahogany guitars shine when played in styles that would typically benefit from a little more room at both the nut and bridge.

It also baffles me that the 00/000 are made with a long scale — they should be Martin's 24.9" short scale. Okay, fine, leave the 000 in the 25.4" but call it an OM-15.

Speaking of which, let's drop the whole 'M' thing — originally used to denote a return to mahogany from sapele in the series — since Martin has been using sipo on these guitars for some time.

[Gomers]

Had 3 x 15s so far, 00-15m which was fab, UK exclusive 0-15m which was fab but has just been traded for a new 000-15m which is also fab, albeit a tad crispy sounding at present due to its newness but has the promise.

So, I voted 000-15m in deference to one of my favourite artists, Jason Lytle from Grandaddy who’s been using the previous 000-15 for years.

[Steve DeRosa]

D-15S and 000-15SM...

[bufflehead]

Originally Posted by sinistral

Ooh, that’s the next poll—what’s your favorite smelling Martin series? The 15 series would sweep that one.

My 000-15m smelled great when new, but my Custom D smelled even better. Unfortunately, as the guitars open up tonally, they tend to close down odiferously.

I saw it suggested on a different recent thread that the great smell of these Martins is a function of the satin finish. It would be great to know if that's true.

Back to the OP, my fave 15 is the 000-15m. And I LOVE the 1 11/16" nut.

[mr. beaumont]

Originally Posted by Gomers

Had 3 x 15s so far, 00-15m which was fab, UK exclusive 0-15m which was fab but has just been traded for a new 000-15m which is also fab, albeit a tad crispy sounding at present due to its newness but has the promise.

So, I voted 000-15m in deference to one of my favourite artists, Jason Lytle from Grandaddy who’s been using the previous 000-15 for years.

I had no idea Jason played a 000-15m... always liked Grandaddy, even saw them live on the "Sophtware" tour.

I voted 000-15m, as it's the one I have, and perfect for me. But I'd be happy with a 00...or a 000sm...or...

[Goat Mick]

I'm partial to the 000-15m Streetmaster. I too like the look and they just sound different from the standard 000-15m. They seem to be a bit lighter for some reason but it just works. I think I would have bonded with it a bit more if it was a short scale. My 000-17 is just so easy to play.

[Gomers]

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

I had no idea Jason played a 000-15m... always liked Grandaddy, even saw them live on the "Sophtware" tour.

I voted 000-15m, as it's the one I have, and perfect for me. But I'd be happy with a 00...or a 000sm...or...

From what I can tell, he’s had it coming up for 20yrs. I love his playing style, very simple, effortless with nice little flourishes interspersed within the songs. Don’t think he’s a particularly avid gear head, seen him with a Gibson J40 and a K Yairi triple 0.

Only seen them once on the Last Place tour shortly before Kevin sadly passed away, seeing them in the UK in April this year.

[rollypolly]

Originally Posted by ataylor

I love the 15 series guitars. I'll buy one as soon as Martin updates the neck/spacing on these guitars (speaking primarily about the 14-fret models).

It makes zero sense to me that, as far as I can tell, all the other non-Authentic-series guitars — whether cheaper or more expensive, whether made in Mexico or Pennsylvania — have been updated to 1.75"/2-5/32" with the PA neck carve. The 15 series guitars are a clear outlier as they continue to be made with a neck that is narrower both at the nut and the bridge.

It can't be because they're meant to appeal to younger or less-experienced buyers if the Mexican-made Martins have the same neck dimensions as the standard series Martins. And I'm not sure this is a functional choice given the fact that these all-mahogany guitars shine when played in styles that would typically benefit from a little more room at both the nut and bridge.

It also baffles me that the 00/000 are made with a long scale — they should be Martin's 24.9" short scale. Okay, fine, leave the 000 in the 25.4" but call it an OM-15.

Speaking of which, let's drop the whole 'M' thing — originally used to denote a return to mahogany from sapele in the series — since Martin has been using sipo on these guitars for some time.

I agree, it's frustrating that they don't offer a short scale with wide nut. Given the 15 series popularity, I can't help but suspect that they might keep it that way to drive players towards the standard 000s. But maybe it's purely a manufacturing process issue?

In any case, I believe a short scale wide nut 000-15s and 00-15s slot head guitars are available through LA Guitars. I am waiting to see if a used one pops up as the new prices are close to standard series.

[BluesKing777]

Not a 15 series, but the origin of the species.....my 1944 Martin 0-17!


Unfortunately, my newer 15 series with 1 3/4" nut will not probably sound like this for approx....75 years? And I don't think it will be me playing.....

1 11/16" nut, scalloped braces, nice and comfy neck (rounded V?) and ...sound, sound, sound:







My (8 month old) Martin OMC-15ME with 1 3/4" nut:



And a similar type of guitar, but very different - my Maton EBW808 deep body all Australian blackwood - nut is approx halfway between 1 11/16" and 1 3/4"...great pickup too!





BluesKing777.

[dreamingOM]

For the longest time, my simple dream is just owning a 000-15m. That guitar looks beautiful in all it’s simplicity.

Beautiful warm and focused sound too! My tastes have changed and it’s no longer my dream acoustic, but I still my favorite 15-series

[Cool555]

Originally Posted by dreamingOM

For the longest time, my simple dream is just owning a 000-15m. That guitar looks beautiful in all it’s simplicity.

Beautiful warm and focused sound too! My tastes have changed and it’s no longer my dream acoustic, but I still my favorite 15-series

I like your signature! Quite true and funny too.

Did you finally get the 000-15m? Or did that dream pass...

[raysachs]

I’ve had both a 000-15M and a 000-15SM. Liked both, but LOVED the 12-fret SM. Between the deep, warm sound of the 12-fret body, the wider nut, and 2 1/4” string spacing at the saddle, it was just better to me on every level. Didn’t like the MLO neck on either, though. Sold the 000-15SM when I got a CEO-7 with a mod-v neck and realized pretty quickly if those two guitars were side by side, I’d almost never pick up the 000-15SM because the feel of the neck on the CEO-7 was so sublimely comfortable and playable. I’ve since added an 000-28EC which also has a mod-v (chunkier than the CEO-7, but also sublime). I love both of my current acoustics, but nonetheless miss the 000-15SM - if I’d been more comfortable with that guitar’s neck, it would have likely been a lifer… It had a sound I consider the equal of any acoustic I’ve owned (in its own way). Maybe someday I’ll see if I can get a custom shop version with a mod-v?

-Ray

[Gomers]

Originally Posted by BluesKing777

Not a 15 series, but the origin of the species.....my 1944 Martin 0-17!


Unfortunately, my newer 15 series with 1 3/4" nut will not probably sound like this for approx....75 years? And I don't think it will be me playing.....

1 11/16" nut, scalloped braces, nice and comfy neck (rounded V?) and ...sound, sound, sound:










BluesKing777.

LOVE that 0-17, think something of that vintage is my grail !

[BluesKing777]

Originally Posted by Gomers

LOVE that 0-17, think something of that vintage is my grail !

Yep, sorry 15 series people, but while I DO like my new 15.....I did previously have an early 15 - the 000c-15e and after I bought the 44 0-17 about 2015 approx, I played both to the Judge. (The fearless Better Half).

I said “Which sounds best?”...... the old 0-17! (though I didn’t really have to ask, did I?)

So the old 000c-15e got traded toward other guitarly delights.....

But I did miss it and recently bought the OMC-15ME, which from the distance looks like a ringer for the 000c-15e.


BluesKing777.

[Cool555]

Thanks to all who voted and commented!

Which series came out earlier? 0-15 or 0-17? If I remember reading correctly in past threads, in the 1930's, the 0-15 costs $15, the 0-17 costs $17 and 0-18 costs $18, any truth in that? Or someone just made it up? TIA.