Martin 000-15M and preaching to the choir

Muffinhead · #1 05-16-2015, 10:05 PM

The other day I found that I had some free time on my hands, so I went to my local Guitar Center to play around a little. I have been having GAS for a while now, especially when I thought I would be coming into a little money and I would be able to buy my first Martin. Well, the money did not come and I was disappointed that a new CEO-7 or an OM-21 would not be in my future. I had been thinking that a less expensive model might get the OK from my wife though.

I picked up a 000-15M and did not really expect much, but was I ever surprised! The sound was amazing. How can that be? I mean, the sticker was way under $1500. The highs were shimmery and the bass was clear and well defined. I was blown away to say the least. Now this was not the first Martin that I have auditioned. I have played D-28s and an OM-21 and the same day that I played the 000-15M I played a 000-28EC, and none of them blew me away like the 000-15M did.

To be honest, I hate the looks of the 000-15M, but I can get over that for the sound that it produced.

I know that I am preaching to the choir, and I am probably rambling, but I loved that guitar. I have got to have one.

AZLiberty · #2 05-16-2015, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muffinhead

To be honest, I hate the looks of the 000-15M, but I can get over that for the sound that it produced.

I know that I am preaching to the choir, and I am probably rambling, but I loved that guitar. I have got to have one.

Consider buying one of Ted's custom versions (LA Guitar Sales) he has some with tort. binding instead of the standard unbound version.

jdinco · #3 05-16-2015, 10:26 PM

You're preaching to the choir.

I love the look... not my best guitar, but my favorite.

sbpark · #4 05-16-2015, 10:28 PM

Many have commented on not liking the guitar aesthetically, but I actually prefer it. I love a no frills, understated, bare bones guitar that still is sort of 'high end'. Yes the 000-15M is pretty plain, but it does have some nice details. The open back tuners are just a perfect match for this guitar, and the diamonds and squares inlays are just super classy. And it really is just a very sweet sounding guitar all around. The one I have now is my second 000-15M. The first one looked just as nice, but was not as balanced and nice sounding as the one I have now. It really blew me away when I first heard it.

brencat · #5 05-16-2015, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZLiberty

Consider buying one of Ted's custom versions (LA Guitar Sales) he has some with tort. binding instead of the standard unbound version.

Yes, definitely consider the LA Guitar Sales custom 15s... not only for the body binding but also for the bigger neck and 1 3/4 nut with 2 1/4" string spacing.

I have Ted's OM-15... going on nearly 3 years now. Fantastic guitar! And it's still here, while a GPCPA4, OM-35, and HD-28 are not.

Martin00028EC · #6 05-16-2015, 10:59 PM

I played one today for the first time. I was amazed. I handed it to my son and he fell in love with it too. Even my wife, who doesn't play, loved it.

I have to play it again. I only hope it doesn't re-open the GAS wound...

TBman · #7 05-16-2015, 11:03 PM

Those are nice. I like the sparce look of them. I can't buy anything without selling something, but I might be able to get a Sigma/Kindred copy of a Martin 000-15sm under the radar.

Jerry D · #8 05-16-2015, 11:11 PM

Perusing them at Sweetwater, I like the "burst" version. Handsome instrument. Would be interested to see that one with tortoise binding. Ted? Pics?

AZLiberty · #9 05-16-2015, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry D

Perusing them at Sweetwater, I like the "burst" version. Handsome instrument. Would be interested to see that one with tortoise binding. Ted? Pics?

http://www.laguitarsales.com/index.p...5-1747324.html

Jeffe26 · #10 05-17-2015, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muffinhead

To be honest, I hate the looks of the 000-15M, but I can get over that for the sound that it produced.

Wha?!?! I know it's missing all the bling and frills, but that is exactly what makes it sexy IMO. The dark stain and vintage look is a knockout.
I totally get what you mean about it holding its own against higher end stuff. I sat in a room with several $3k plus Martin's and none of them sounded as good as the 15 to me.

+1 on Ted's custom OM-15's. The tortoise binding and wider nut make it a dream.

Mr. Scott · #11 05-17-2015, 02:13 AM

I have to go along with everything said on this thread. I was in a similar situation and tried several other Martins over the days before my purchase, but nothing seemed to come near.
I bought a 000 15 SM which has the 1 3/4" nut already and it will possibly see me out.

Kerbie · #12 05-17-2015, 02:50 AM

For the money, I think the 15 Series can't be beat. I'm sorry you hate the looks of it. I love the simplicity of the 15s. Looks just like the old 17s that Martin made in the '30s and '40s... and sounds just like them too. Great guitars.

geoawelch · #13 05-17-2015, 02:58 AM

Have played these many times in the past - have wanted to like them, but never have had your experience, though. Congratulations on finding one that spoke to you.

Muffinhead · #14 05-17-2015, 08:27 AM

It is the brown top and satin finish that I really don't like. The lack of bindings and inlays doesn't bother me at all. But in the long run, it is the way it sounds that counts. Now the 1 3/4" nut on the LA Guitars custom OM-15 is very appealing to me.

Taylorcrazy · #15 05-17-2015, 08:40 AM

I haven't owned on the Martin 15 series but I have played several and most were outstanding. I will add to what has been said that Ted offers the 15 series with the wider nut and even has models with a gloss finish if you want that too. I have purchased guitars from Ted and Helene and they are great to deal with as well.