Martin 00-15

OOO "Auditorium Model" patented body style which C.F. Martin developed in the 1930'S and has sense been the choice of artist from Roy Rodgers to Eric Clapton to John Mayer. Smaller than the Dreadnought body style, but larger than the OO, many players think OOO finds the perfect balance, deep enough to strum, but bright and small enough to fingerstyle. Of this OOO models, the OOO-15 is the entry level. Mine was built in 2008, Made in the USA. Tuners are Martin brand Scale length is 25.4". 20-fret, 14-accessible.

Body is 100% solid wood (Sapele or Mahogany) top, back and sides. No electronics. Came packaged from the C.F. Martin factory in it's included hardshell case (Martin 330) which is a three-ply case manufactured by SKB exclusively for C.F. Martin.

Take a look at this category carefully, note the exceptional high rating the OOO-15 receives (at the time of my review a perfect 10 from 5 reviews). For about $200 More you could have a Martin OOO-16GT with a solid spruce top, so why even bother with dark OOO-15? The answer is tone! Amazing tone and build quality.

The word dark has been assoicated with Mahogany solid tops, with the OOO sized guitar dark is not the proper word. The tone is soft but also pleasantly ringy, but not dark. in a way it's bell-like, but it's a beautiful unique tone that makes the OOO-15 an exceptional quality guitar that's not trying to compete with anything else. This is the reason many people (including C.F. Martin's current owner) feel the OOO-15 is the best value of all their guitars.

Action, setup and finish were amazing as they have been on the other Martin's I have purchased (D-28 and DXK2). Martin claims from their least expensive guitar up their their best models the quality is consistent and that's true to a large degree.

However the back of the neck on my $400 DXK2 doesn't really match this guitar or my D-28.

Slammed it into a wall first night by accident and a little of the sheet rock dust was on the top (I was scared the guitar had been damaged) I blew off the dust and not so much as a scratch was on my Martin (this is one reason why solid wood is important)

They answered all my question over the phone quickly. A++ customer support compared to other high end guitar vendors.

Love this guitar for what it is... It's got a haunting beautiful tone that can only be had here or on a vintage Guild M20 (not worth the $3000+ they command).

Regarding the 15 series, in the early 1960's Martin discontinued the O-15 which was an all Mahogany solid wood guitar in the O size played by Woody Guthrie and others, Nick Drake made the M20'S sound popular, but the OOO-15 has it's own character.

I'll keep it brief. Martin's website provides very detailed info.

Purchased new in spring of 2005. I've owned it for 6 months now.

Lightweight(but durable), simple design.

I like the low-geared Martin tuners. 18-to-1 ratio on mine.

I removed the pickguard the first day I had it. Got it when it was 'young' and it pealed right off. Replaced with a thin .005" clear version I made. Material avalable from Stewart MacDonald. Used the old guard for the pattern.

I kinda wish the side-marker dots were a little larger. Though bright, they are VERY small diameter.

This is the main reason for the purchase...it's sound.

My Dodge Stratus was hit by a Peterbilt semi on the way to work. Car was totalled but I had others. The $5,600 insurance check arrived a couple weeks later and I decided I'd purchase my 'dream' accoustic guitar. The Fender Custom Shop had already built my dream electic(a Tele!).:)

For around 3 weeks I toured stores throughout most of Minnesota and parts of South Dakota & western Wisconsin. I played several dozen and thought about having one custom built instead. One day I was at a Martin dealer with a woman that'd studied music somewhere on the East Coast(Deleware?). She said, "Those dark-brown guitars look so ugly." I said, "Yeah, it sorta matches feces.", and laughed. It was this 00-15. .

I took it down off the hanger and began picking "Whiskey Lullaby". It was the sweetest sound I'd ever heard. My friend thought the same thing. The sound is so perfectly balanced. I tried some more Martins, including a 000-15 & D15, as well as a few other brands, but nothing sounded as EQ'ed and rounded as this Mohogony.

I currently string mine with Martin SP Custom Lights(.11-.52). They are 80/20 bronze.

I mostly enjoy '80s Rock ballads, general Classic Rock, and all styles of COUNTRY.

Overall fit and finish was perfect. The action was probably "medium" when I got it. I had it lowered after a couple months. Zero buzz.

Fretwork is superb.

I did a lot of live playing in the mid-90's while in the military with cheap crap. Never had a problem with that stuff and am sure the Martin would have no problem touring. I still play in small bars when I have a few Colorado Bulldogs in my alcohol stream.:)

I have no doubts it will last for the rest of my life. I keep it cased when not in use and watch the humidity.

Never dealt with Martin. The History Channel had a 1-hour special about the company that was very interesting. Will probably order a copy of the program one day.

Been playing for 14 years now. The only other guitars I claim are my CS Fender Telecaster and an inexpensive classical that I doodle with from time to time. I sold off the ones I used little on Ebay and other guitar-related sites.

I'd definitely purchase again, in fact I'd like to pick up one of the miniature 5-15 versions also.

Alot of people comment on the case. Martin's website says its a "350 hardshell". They day I purchased mine I decided on the 620(14-fret OO body size) thermoplastic model for a little more protection while in my work truck. I've had a few of the plywood cases in the past that look fairly beat up...some with holes in them.

Purchased in 2004;$670 14 fret 00, very plain, no electronics, added ebony pins to the bridge, otherwise stock. It's main overall feature is it's basic down to earth style.

I play bluegrass, popular, folk, even a little classical. It all works on this guitar. I like it for Travis, fingerstyle or flatpick.I especially like it's feel with .011-.052 strings. Very fast and fender-like.

I can find no defects on this guitar. It is what it is. Every thing fits with no glue residue or unfinished edges. The set-up suits me for a multitude of styles. It might seem a little high for a some people.

I can't see why this guitar can not last for a very long time. The only wear I have seen is to the decal rosette where my right hand little finger rests(ex-banjo player) and a rubbed out smoothness where my right arm touches the upper bout.

This guitar has a lifetime warranty. I have had some difficulty in the past obtaining Martin support for problems with rosette deterioration on a D-15S and with buzzing strings on an OM-21.

I've been playing since 1947. I own an HD-28, a 000-16SGT and a circa 1932 Gibson banjo.I would absolutely buy another 00-15. It is the instrument I would grab if the house were on fire! I think it's the best all around gutiar for me for it's simplicity and versatility. I wish it had no decal rosette ring or an inlaid one. I would not sell this one for what I paid.

All solid mahogany ,satin finish, made in USA, case included.No real features but thats not what this guitar is about,this guitar is for people who just want an old stripped down look like a 1930s guitar rather than the shiny cutaway electro type. So I give it a 9 because the features are just right for the vibe.

I play in a duo playing folk,blues,bluegrass and dark country songs we have a cd out and a website if anyone is interested this guitar can be heard on that ,we are called Steinbecks old brown boots.I have been playing this guitar for about five years now and I have found that this guitar sounds ten times better if you tune down a step.At concert pitch I found it to be on the tight side and slightly unresonant resulting in a slightly hard top mid sound when strummed hard but sounded good when fingerpicked (think steve earle,townes van zandt).However if you tune it down a step it gets louder ,warmer and the bass end starts to bloom instead of thud, now it can be strummed harder and it all vibrates nicely, I can dig in harder with the pick and its much more responsive but it still sounds sweet when fingerpicking.Originally I played slide with this guitar and again got better results with open G and D than A and E.

The guitar looks great it was set up perfectly for me as I originally bought it for slide not that the action was that high ,but high enough for me to play both styles till I figured out what I wanted to use it for .After a year of playing it the truss rod started to buzz I took it to the shop who sorted it out while I waited for free, this was probably caused by my experimenting with different guages of strings over the year.

This guitar has been knocked over ,dropped and sent flying through the air when I picked up the case quickly and then realised I had not locked it.Its a tough guitar ,it doesnt look it perhaps but it has come through all the abuse of travelling to gigs etc.Through playing the finish shines up in places like it has been polished,but I prefer this satin finish to the thick hard laquer finish.

N/A

I have been playing for twenty years.If it were stolen or lost I would shop around purely because since I bought this guitar my needs have changed .But I would try the dreadnought version and the jumbo version as I love the look of it and the quality.Martin quality,all solid wood and a good price with a hard case.Anything more expensive than this I would be too scared to take out and play.Sometimes I wish it had on board electrics as miking up can be problematic,but I think its all just swings and roundabouts really.

2001 Martin 00-15
Nazareth PA (USA)
most of the features have been covered previous.
All mahogany grand concert body style, reminiscent of the 30's.

this is a special order with high gloss body finish.
the neck and headstock are the satin or matte finish. best of both worlds; I like the satin necks for playability, but there is something about a gloss body that just seems right
No electronics

Pretty dang basic guitar (except for the gloss upgrade)

Owned a '34 Martin 0-17 for years, but I traded it off some years back for a Larrivee OM-5, which led to a bunch of other guitars (Goodall, Petros, Hoyer, Strats, etc.) I have tended to avoid the newer Martins as I rekoned that it was only worth it to pursue vintage examples (Martin had some bad years with their "D" size guitars in the 70's... but what did I know?)

I have taken to playing more blues -- finger style and slide -- in the last couple years, and the refined, high end guitars just mostly sucked for this style. Some research on the web, regarding appropriate guitars for delta/blues slide, pointed me towards the "0" and "00" sized martins -- including the newer models. Research also led me to the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum, where I obtained a mountain of good info and eventuall a pointer to this guitar (at a nice price!) I took a flyer on it, and I am not sorry I did.

It is not a dread, so huge enormous volume is not it's forte; but if it is basic funky mojo you are looking for, it's the thang. Substantial bottom end comes thru -- but more percussive (as opposed to piano-like, oceans of low-end sustain on higher end spruce/rosewood guitars). A thumb-pick struck on the lower strings provides a whomping bass drum like beat that is just perfect for alternating blues lines... almost like I'm playing with my own string bass player, snapping his full size, acoustic epiphone bass, along with a perfectly deadened bass drum. I find myself just thwapping the bottom strings, grooving on that 'whomp-whomp.'

Gently played, this little guitar produces some lovely tones, with adequate sustain... but it does not produce excessive amounts of overtones. Very responsive and 'quick' and the notes decay well enough to not muddy up the mix. Trademark of mahogany. Emphasis on mid-trange and top, with enough bottom to make it interesting. The fret board is 1 11/16 -- narrowish compared to the pre-war Martins of this size. After playing mostly 1 3/4 necks, I was afraid I would feel cramped. No sweat. String spacing is fine, the neck profile is nice and slim so you can really grab it and work it. Build quailty is better than I expected for a shop that builds lots of guitars.

i swapped out the micarta bridge with one I fashioned out of bone,cut about 1.5 MIL higher, set up for slide. Woof! with a glass or ceramic slide at this height, this baby rocks the house. This guitar just wails with a slide. The percussive element is deep with a good deal of palm muting, but when opened up, it can get down right trashy... on the other hand, if you emphasize the vibrato and play it smooth, you can do mellow blues and hawaiian... and have a frickin' ball. I mean, with a heavier string on top (.015 and .017), it sings like a violin. A number of posters on guitar newsgroups pointed to the 00-15 as a kicker for acoustic sliding, and they were not kidding. along side my National Radio Tone, I am a happy camper... I got a nice matched set of slide players and i DIDN'T HAVE TO BREAK THE BANK TO GET EITHER OF THEM.

Can't see any issue. It's only about 3 years old, but it is tightly built. The rosewood bridge looks a little rough, but it is new, and with a little oil and a buff, it will be fine. Fret work is fine. I was pleasantly surprised when I got this guitar... surprised but also HAPPY that a respected builder (Martin) IS still building some great guitars -- especially these 'lower end' end models, and putting the same about quality build into them as they do the signature models. Nice case too. this guitar just feels like it will stick around me for a while... a good everyday instrument that covers the bases.

Ony had it a while, but it looks tough despite being a light instrument. I owned one like it that was 60 + years old and was still kicking.

Haven't had to contact Martin yet.

Been playing about 32 years
Owned the older Martin, A Goodall GC, PEtros, a Hoyer Archtop.
Currently I own a National Resonator (Radiotone), a Fender Strat (mexi blue), a mid 90's Ibanez Talman (with the lipstick pickups... a cool overlooked axe!), a couple project amps, and a Real McCoy Wah pedal. That's enuf. I'm angling for a vintage 00 to just have an older one.

I almost bought a 000-16SGT (slot head 12 fret) and a Newer Gibson Blues King. In retrospect, I'm glad the offers I made on those guitars were TURNED DOWN by the sellers. this guitar suits me. If it got ripped, I'd certainly seek out another.

I recently purchased a 2003 Martin 00-15 from Nazareth Music Center in Nazareth, PA. This is also where Martin?s makes them. I was told the factory was only blocks away from this store. The Guitar has 14 frets clear of the body and it has a satin finish solid Mahogany top, back & sides. This guitar is a plain Jane on looks, no binding or fancy inlays, but that seems to be the beauty of it. The neck is also mahogany with an east Indian rosewood fingerboard. The bridge is also of rosewood. The neck is thin with what I would say are medium frets. The scale is 25.4?. This guitar also comes with a beautiful wood case, no extra charge.

My style of music ranges from blues rock and 70?s metal to jazz fusion. I was looking for an acoustic that would articulate chords as well as hold up against some aggressive lead playing. This is a lot to ask of one guitar. I believe I found that guitar. Traditionally, I?ve found out that, this size guitar is meant for finger-style playing. I can see why. Because every note of a chord stands out. If you single out notes in a given chord, those notes seem to jump out against their chordal back-drop. This is a very dynamic instrument with a very complex tone. The tone is not as deep or washy as a dread. A dreadnought seams to be a little more atmospheric to me, where as the 00 is more focused, precise and in your face. Tight voicings and chords with open strings sound best. Barre chords don?t do this guitar justice. The mahogany top gives it a round punchy tone. The tone is in no way harsh or edgy. It is very smooth sounding. Single notes have a beautiful complexity to them almost like a Les Paul, on the neck pick-up, with the tone rolled down a bit. The notes have a fullness to them, even at the 12th to 14th fret. This guitar never gets thin or tinny.

The action maybe a bit high for me or it might be I'm not use to the .012 strings that came on it. I?ve been playing my electrics primarily, with .009?s, for the last two years. I?ve been spoiled. I usually play with medium or heavy gauge strings on my acoustic, so I?ll be use to it in a few more days. I don?t think I?ll change either the action or the type of strings on this beauty because of the tone. This guitar is amazing. There is no fret buzz or dead spots whatsoever. The frets were finished perfectly.and the set-up and intonation from the factory was right on the money.

Only time will tell in this category. I can say this about it, that this thing stays in tune day to day. When I take it out of the case, 9 out of 10 times I don?t need to tune it. It?s in tune already. Just like my Les Pauls. That's usually a sign of a good reliable guitar and good strings.

The life time warranty, to the original owner, sounds good to me. And I?ve only heard good things about Martin?s service.

I?ve been playing since I was 9 or 10 so that makes it about 27 years now. I am also a professional Audio Engineer. I have 5 Gibson Les Pauls (1 Custom & 4 Standards) all ranging from 12 to 25 years old. I have an Epiphone Firebird VII that's a couple years old now. And my only acoustic before the Martin is a Fender F-15 (grand concert 00 size) which I've had for 20 something years and I believe it was made in Korea. I was searching for a good acoustic, on and off, for almost the last ten years. I wish i knew about the 00 size guitar before this year. I might of found this guitar a lot sooner 00 guitars don?t seem very popular so most music stores don?t have them. They are often mistaken for a 3/4 size guitar when they do have them. I always thought my Fender was a kids guitar. I was under 13 and small for my age, so I just bought something I was comfortable playing. I never knew this was a normal size guitar. I sort of stumble upon the Martin. I played a D-15 in a Sam Ash store and something about the sound of the mahogany top grabbed me. It was different, but a dreadnought is just to big for me. I went home and did some research on Martin?s web site and discovered the 00 size. I was taking a vacation that week-end in Pennsylvania and would be going right past Nazareth. So from the web site I found this music store and made sure they had the 00-15. The buying experience was excellent in this store. It?s been there for 50+ years and I got to compare the 00-15 against 5 other Martins, mostly 000 size. this confirmed my research and they gave me the best price I have ever seen on it. I think they only sell Martin guitars.

After owning the 00-15 for about a week, I was back in that Sam Ash again. This time I tried 3 Gibsons, a takaminie, a Martin 16 series dread and some kind of Canadian guitar. Prices were from $1500 to $2700 for the Gibsons and the others were under $1000. No comparison. Nothing sounds like a Martin. The Gibsons look great, but an acoustic is about the sound. Other brands just don?t have the tonal complexity the Martins? have.

I love the tone and feel of this guitar and would definitely buy it again if it was lost, stolen or broken. I also love the smell!! Nothing else smells as good as a martin.

I have been playing guitar for over 30 years. I've played professionally and done many studio gigs with various bands. I prefer small-bodied guitars for recording and "recreational" playing as they sound better when played finger-style and with a slide, which are my primary playing styles.

I was actually in the hunt for a 3/4 or parlor guitar that I could carry on an airline as I frequently fly. I was disappointed in the types of "travel" or "parlor" guitars available. Larivee and Martin were competitively priced, but I found them lacking in sound quality. Taylor "Baby" series guitars have no tonal quality whatsoever. Collings has a nice 3/4 series guitar, but it costs nearly $3,000!

I tried the Martin 00-15 during my search for the ultimate small guitar and was very pleasantly surprised. This guitar is not fancy.. it is simply appointed but very well made. As I once told a luthier... I only care about what happens between three points.. the nut, the bridge and my ears!

Very fulfilling. My guitar is brand new and as all acoustics do as the guitar ages and the wood cures the sound will only get better. This guitar begs to be fingerpicked and is a wonderful folk, blues, new age, jazz etc. instrument.

I bought my guitar from Nicholson Music in Folsom California. I could have paid less by mail order, but Nicholson does a complete setup to your taste, reseats the Martin bridge pegs and adds a stap button on the neck heel BELOW the treble side of the neck. These guys were courteous, fast and very professional. That is worth a lot to me.

I don't have a bad thing to say about the guitar I bought. It is a very nice, very competitively priced instrument.

I play fingerstyle. Celtic, Blues, Slide. I am not going to thrash this guitar. It will probably look as pristine in 10 years as it does now. I will travel with it but even so I don't intend to neglect it.

I own two other Martins. This one makes three. I trust Martin to be there when I need them.

I own vintage Martins, Collings, Taylor and National. It is amazing to me that Martin can make a guitar that sounds and plays so well for so little money... hmmm. I wouldn't trade my vintage Martins for anything, but everybody else better look out. Tremendous value. I highly recommend the Martin 15 series.

2002 model. Exactly as described in the myriad of reviews above. Appealed to me precicely because it is a "no frills" instrument. I can't think of another all mahogany guitar. looks very funky!!

It is a small bodied guitar so you aren't going to strum it with the dreadnoughts! Picked with fingers or pick it sounds great. I play fingerstyle blues/jazz/folk and love the warm but clear tone. It is an inspirational guitar from which new ideas just seem to flow.

Haven't gigged it, just recorded so lack of on board electrics is not a problem for me

As close to perfect as I have ever experienced with a "from new" purchase. Minor adjustment to the action in the shop before taking it home and I can't fault it

Deceptively tough. The "minimalist" appearance will only be enhanced by wear! No end pin button for a strap though!

Very friendly but I haven't requested help yet. Live in the UK so I hope I don't need to claim on the warranty! They won't want to know here

Been playing since 14 (now 48). Acquired a lot of instruments in that time! This is my current favourite from A D28, Yamaha nylon string, Tanglewood 12 stringer, Les Paul (Gibson), Gibson Nighthawk (3pick up model), Gibson Blueshawk, Fender Stratocaster, Yamaha SG, and a few mandolins, resonators, lap steels and a banjo. I only wish my ability matched my collection!!

This is a brand new, from the factory, 2002, Martin! It's 14 frets clear to the body. All solid mahogany. No pickups. The bridge and fingerboard are rosewood. The finish is satin. The tuners are Martin branded small Shaller style in chrome. I think the ratio is 14:1. It came with a Geib style martin (by TKL) case -- very nice. My only beef with this depression-era beauty is that it has a decal for a rosette. I would rather skip the decal, personally. The saddle and nut are Micarta. The saddle is compensated.

I bought this baby for fingerstyle and light duty slide. I prefer to keep it tuned her in open D or G. The tone is balanced and very warm, almost hypnotic. This instrument sings. It sounds even better after I upgraded the saddle to a precompensated bone saddle and replaced the plastic bridge pins with ebony. I think the sound is phenomenal! This is an amazing value.

The factory setup was between fair and pretty good. The neck relief had to be sligtly adjusted (about a quarter turn tighter), the nut slots I filed down by about 1mm, and the new bone saddle I filed down by about 2mm. Now it plays almost by itself! The fit and finish are rock solid and without flaw.

The absence of binding makes this baby look a bit frail, but it feels quite solid. It will probably outlast me.

I don't know.

I play/own a Tacoma EM9, Fender Fat Strat, Kenny Hill Munich, and Goya G-13. This guitar is played about 50% of the time I play. I love this one. I would definitely buy another if I had to!

made in 2000 in USA of course. 20 frets, 14 clear. all solid mahogany with rosewood fingerboard. satin finish which i prefer. it came with standard martin tuners which i replaced with the more classic looking butterbean style. hardshell case included.

I play mostly play fingerstyle on this guitar but I do strum it quite abusively at times and it still sounds great. At first I thought it was rather weak in the bass department but then i moved to a house with solid concrete walls and its like playing through an amp! the only reason i dont give it a 10 is becaue my martin dreadnought blows it away when it comes to Neil Young style strumming.

Great factory action. After playing my 12-string it feels like an electric. Very easy to play. As i mentioned before i replaced the factory tuners and put the nicer butterbean style. My 00-15 was a scratch and dent item and you can tell in the right light that the finish isnt up to par. However, this doesnt matter to me one bit and I prefer the look of mine after comparing it to a "properly finished" model.

I dont play live but it holds up to my daily abuse. I've had it knocked over with no damage but it did scare the crap out of me since it seems like such a delicate guitar. I regularly hit walls and doorways since i usually pace around the house while playing. ive gotten plenty of dings and scratches but who really cares about that as long as the sound isnt comprimised.

havent had to use it.

I played bass for a few years prior to picking up the acoustic and its now been 3 solid years on the guitar. I also own a guild 12-string, a Martin d1-r and a cheapo yamaha nylon string. I play the 00-15 the most out of my guitars and would definitly replace it if it were lost or stolen. It is definitly my favorite.

This really is a beauty. When I saw it hanging in the shop, it had this rustic look like something that would have been lying around Big Pink in Woodstock! I love the simplicity of it... nothing fancy, but elegant. And the case, as others have mentioned, is actually nicer than the ones that come with the upscale models. The only problem I've had with it was that the tuners on the bottom E & A have been a bit tempermental. I've actually replaced them with gold Grovers, which look much nicer and seem to do the job.

I was looking for something that would sound like Nick Drake's Guild M20... and this is actually a warmer sounding guitar. I'd definitely agree with those who say it's suited to fingerpicking or a bluesy style. I thought slide would be nice on it too, but it doesn't really project. As with heavy strumming, it has a high-end that cuts through, but with such a small body & the mahogany there's not much bottom there. You'd be wanting a dreadnought for that. But if you want something to gently weep, this is the one.

I had a tech put in an intonated saddle (he also adusted the nut), and what was good is now fantastic. There's not a duff note there. I've never played an acoustic that was so perfectly in tune. The mahogany finish is also fab, in that you don't end up sticking to your guitar! I must of wasted a mint on guitar polish in the past, but this one just lets you got on with it!

I've played this guitar at home, and in clubs, and while it does look fragile it isn't. It's a well built, sturdy Martin. I've used it without a backup... not a problem.

I probably should have followed up about the tuners, but didn't bother because I wanted to change them anyway. They should have been GOLD in the first place. My understanding is that Martin is pretty approachable though. How can you argue with a lifetime warranty?

I've been playing guitar for about 20 years. I've gone through a gazillion guitars, including a Martin D-35 & a Gibson Hummingbird. This one is about as good a value as you're going to get. I would definitely replace it if it were lost. It's no museum piece... it's meant to be played and has a wonderful tone all its own.

Mine's a 2001, came with a beautiful hardshell case (which is of better construction itself that most of the instruments I've owned!) I won't go into features much-- you can scroll down and read other reviews for that. Needless to say, though-- it is a gorgeous looking and sounding instrument. A MARTIN. When I first pulled it out of the case and strummed it, it sounded like a damn grand piano! Wonderful, rich resonation and sustain. Just creamy as can be! My wife gets a bit tired of all the instruments I acquire and trade, etc. but she does do a little guitar picking and she was floored by this little 00-15. When first playing it, she actually said "well, you sure can tell where the money went-- I didn't know a string instrument could be so nice!" And to be honest-- it wasn't even that much money-- with the great case included, this guitar is hands down one of the finest acoustic guitar values on the market today. Lovely deep mahogany (it smells beautiful too!)-- no fancy appointments-- it's the working man's Martin, just like Woody Guthrie used to play. Silky satin finish, perfectly dressed frets, great action, great tuning keys-- it's obvious Martin puts as much craft and care into their lower- line instruments as they do their top of the line models. As far as I'm concerned, this is heirloom quality. Unlike some others' reviews have said, this sure feels solid as can be to me! And with no binding or inlays, to me that just means more resonance and less chance of anything going wrong or needing repairs. Even though I am a huge guy, this slightly more demure ax is comfortable as can be to play! I give it a 9 in this category just because it certainly isn't packed with features-- it's just an extremely well made workaday guitar that I'm sure will outlive me with proper care.

I described the sound pretty much above, I think. But it just rings out like a bell. I play all kinds of stuff (none of it very well I'm afraid)-- fingerpicked blues, folk rock, early country/bluegrass stuff all the way to manic strumming punk stuff, and this seems to work for it all! I actually don't see where people get the idea that this is "more suited to fingerpicking than strumming"-- seems good for either to me!

To me, as flawless as I could ask for. I mainly play ukulele, but for the rest of our lives, whenever my wife or I want to play guitar, this is the one we'll reach for!

Haven't played it live yet, but I'm sure I will at some point, and I'm sure it will deliver. Wouldn'r need a backup unless a string broke. Seems eminently solid and dependable.

I haven't ever talked to Martin in person other than a quick email telling them how much I adored this instrument. I received a very quick and gracious thank you from them. Comes with a lifetime warranty. I mean, come on-- Martin has been at this, and been at the top of the game for a century and a half. I'd say they take pretty good care of their customers.

I own another old acoustic guitar-- a really loud booming Regal from 1961. It's nice but hard to play. Also have a cheapo japanese tele copy which I love though it's really noisy and cuts out a lot. My wife has a Rogue mandolin I play around on some, and as I said I am primarily a uke player, and I have an assortment of those.
If this guitar were lost or stolen I would be devastated because A- it's not even paid for yet and B- aside from one high-end ukulele, it's the finest instrument I own (and one of the finest I've ever played--honest!)

Standard features as described below...

The thing that I liked personnaly is the satin finish and the none binding! This makes the guitar really simple but beautifull! The satin finish did give me the feeling it would be rather fragile, but in the end it IS a Martin of course...

I bought the guitar for strumming, which I knew it wouldn't be suitable for. I mostly play plain chords or powerchords and the 00-15 isn't build for that! As I read below it is great for finger picking (which I never do) and less suited for strumming.

I do however like the tone, even when strumming! Of course you can't get a tone and volume which you get with a dreadnaught or a jumbo, but for such a small body it still is quit good! Plus I had to choose between this Martin 00-15 with Fishman pickup or a Ibanez AW-200CE with a Fishman pickup which were about the same price range; the choice was simple of course!

If you want to play chords but can't afford a Martin or Taylor dreadnaught but CAN afford this 00-15, I suggest to still buy the 00-15...

The guitar has no flaws what so ever, though the satin finish sems fragile (I suggest to always keep it in the beautiful included Martin hardshell case). Action was a little high when I got it (even though I bought it used) but was easy to adjust. Also the frets are perfectly placed and the tuners are great...

The guitar is build as a Martin, but still gives me the feeling it is easily damaged. After playing, please put it back in the case!

I would play without backup, because when playing you can't break the guitar. But after playing take good care of it...

Never dealt with them. They do give a life time warranty though, so I guess they are great? I can't judge them as I haven't dealt with them, so no rating here...

I have been playing guitar for 5 years now and I know quality equipment when I see it, and this is a quality guitar! As every guitarst I will probably do sell it one day to buy an even better Martin, Taylor or Gibson but for know this is the best I could have bought.

I further own a Fender USA 40th ann. strat and a customized Epiphone SG. I own a vintage Vox AC-30 and quit some stomp box and rack effects/preamps. I really wanted to buy an acoustic and visited the local guitar stores daily for some months. First I fell in love with a Ibanez AW-200CE acoustic (which is also great value for the money), and I only played on some expensive Taylor's and Martin's realizing that if you want good quality guitars, you should save up cash and get a Martin or Taylor. I found myself in the oppertunity to get this Martin 00-15 for a great price, so I just got it even though it is not suited for my kind of style! The guitar itself is a 10 of course, for my style it's a 9 but since you only want the quality rating of the guitar itself...10 it is...

All mahogany, 20 frets, die-cast tuning machines, smallish frets, small grand concert-shaped body, natural finish (dark brownish)

This is a very loud acoustic. I love it's sound, it's mellow but punchy at the same time, ideal for bluesy rhythms or chord comping. It will cut thru the mix if you're playing with another acoustic (my brother and I jam sometimes, he uses a martin DXM dreadnought, my 00-15 is a lot louder).
Regardless, this is the best sounding acoustic i've heard in a long time.

It was set up well, with 11-gauge strings. it was missing the strap button but the guy at the store just popped a new one in. I notice no flaws with this guitar anywhere, quality control really did their work here. Martins are always high quality

This is a tough little guitar. It could definately withstand live playing, and since this guitar has a dull finish, i doubt that it will wear off or lose it's look. I can depend on this guitar and would use it without a backup as long as i had some extra strings (this guitar makes me want to play hard).

I haven't had to deal with them yet, they've made such a great and durable little guitar.

I own another acoustic, some cheap pawnshop dreadnought, and an expansive electric rig, (two fender jaguars, a Gibson SG, big pedalboard, 2 100-watt marshall heads and a 4x12 cabinet)
but i really wanted an acoustic for playing anywhere. this is a great guitar and i plan to keep it forever. if it were stolen or lost, i'd try to get the original back but if i couldn't i would definately buy the same guitar again.

i love my 00-15

2000-model
Solid Mahogany
Love that finish,it feels like bare wood,so natural!!!
comes with a nice hardshell case.
Quality and simplicity are such a nice combination!

Great Blues sound.
Punchy bass
Loudest 00 I've ever seen
Bass,Mids,Treble are very well balanced

Set up was low for a Martin,perfect for me
No flaws anywhere

Its a Martin,so you know it'll last.
Solid guitar

Every time I've called Martin and asked to speak to a tech they're in a meeting.

Been playing for 13 years
Solo Acoustic Blues-this guitar is perfect for me
I bought a Seagull Grand a month ago and couldn't decide between these two guitars,so I bought both of them!
I love finish and feel of these guitars.
Tried the 000-15 but the 00-15 was a much better guitar for me.I thought the 000 would be louder but it sounded mushy.
I played every guitar I could get my hands on for over a year before buying the Seagull and Martin,and I'm very satisfied with my purchase.
If they were stolen,I'd buy them again.
They are great Blues guitars!!!!!!!!!!!
The customer service at the store where I purchased is unbeatable!
Thanks to Ken Rattenbery and his crew!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the guitar features a really nice case thats included-that makes the guitar a bargain. Solid mahogany top-back and sides, All the rest is standard Martin stuff...tuners etc.. Mine is a left handed model.

I ordered this guitar to set it up for slide playing only. I played one ( right handed) in a store and the warm sound got me. I thought it would be perfect as a slide guitar. I was not wrong. However the tone of this guitar surpasses other Martins I have ( costing lots more) and I have lowered the action back to original now and play it tuned to open E and this guitar is sweeet! I have two other Martins, a Gibson acoustic,a Yamaha acoustic and 5 electric guitars -I play alot and this guitar is fantastic in every way-I am going to use one of my other guitars for slide playing because I dont want to limit the 00-15.

Typical Martin - the action is a little high from the factory-just like every Martin I've ever played - but easily adjusted - the neck- straight-the finish also typical for Martin...in other words flawless.
The finish on even this lower cost Martin is the same as the most expensive Martin-the company has mastered quality control.

I'm sure the guitar will outlast me-Martin has a lifetime warranty and the only thing that will ruin one if it is damaged by someone.

I have bought 5 Martins in the last few years and call Martin all the time ( they are probably sick of me calling) to discuss different issues and they are always very nice. I ask for people by their first names and the receptionist always knows who I want so I get the impression it really is a small company.

I have purchased 6 guitars from www.music123.com and cant recommend them highly enough-shipping is always free and they come through with the lowest price every time-they really make buying Martin a bargian-if you factor in the case thats included and the price music123 sells the guitar for-there really is no other consideration other than Martin-for me.

This a pretty plain-jain instrument: solid mahogany back, sides and top (all satin finished); decal rosette; rosewood fretboard. It's all about elegant simplicity. Even though it's simple, I rate it a 9 just because it doesn't lack anything a good acoustic guitar should have.
I sold a very nice Taylor 414 in order to buy this guitar, solely because I didn't like the neck. The Taylor was a stunner in both looks and sound, so it was hard to part with. Still, I'm glad I did now that I have this 00-15 in its place.
The guitar comes with a surprisingly nice luggage-style case with a brass Martin nameplate -- very plush (I like it better than the molded plastic thing that came with my D-28; I can never get the aluminum extrusion edging on molded cases to line up properly)

I give it a 10, but with a qualification. This guitar is great for fingerpicking and okay for single note flatpicking, but it's much less suited to strumming, especially hard strumming. Natually, due to it's relatively small size it isn't especially loud, but it is SWEET! The sound compresses and muddies quite a bit under hard strumming, so if you like to bang away, get a dreadnought or a jumbo. This guitar has a relatively delicate sound and isn't designed for acoustic power chording.
The bass strings aren't boomy or brassy; they have a crisp but mellow resonance, with excellent definition. The definition is better than on a lot of dreadnoughts I've played (especially on the low E string, which sounds pretty dull on many instruments).
The treble strings are very sweet and warm sounding. Overall, the tone is well balanced and mellow.

It's a Martin all the way! Fit and finish are every bit as good as on my D-28. The action on mine is medium low, with zero buzz (it came strung with Martin SP lights -- I'll probably stick with them since they sound so good on this guitar, though I normally use John Pearse strings).
The neck has a thinner profile than a typical Martin, especially toward the peghead end, but it is EXTREMELY comfortable. I'm surprised I like it so much, since I usually prefer thicker necks (a PRS wide-fat, for example). This is more like the profile on a G&L ASAT Classic than any other guitar I can think of.

Hmmm...its a very light and somewhat delicate-feeling instrument, but the construction is first rate, and so are the tuners. I imagine it should hold up pretty well, like most Martins.

Haven't personally dealt with Martin, but I wouldn't expect any problems given their reputation for standing behind their instruments.

This is an outstanding guitar for what it is: a small-bodied guitar that begs to be fingerpicked. While not fancy, it's a tremendous buy at $550. I'm going to get a 000-15 as soon as my local store gets one, and I may eventually get a D-15 and a J15-12 as well. I think Martin has hit on a real winner with these 15-series guitars. For sound and playability, I think these would be good buys at twice the price. On the other hand, if you like lots of fancy inlay and binding, they aren't going to be your cup of tea. I normally like binding and inlays myself, but there's something really appealing about the all-mahogany concept.
In addition to the 00-15, I've got a D-28, Tacoma DR-20, Ovation Legend, and Calvin Kramer classical. Besides the Taylor 414, I've also owned various Yamahas, a 60's Epiphone and a Seagull SM-6.
Though different, I rate my 00-15, D-28, Tacoma and former Taylor as equals overall. The Seagull was a great value, but isn't in the same league with these four; same for the Yamahas. The Epiphone was a starter instrument. The Ovation is an acoustic-electric cutaway that I use mostly when playing on stage with a band.
I've been playing for 25 years, mostly folk, blues and rock. I play electric 70% of the time. Stephen Stills is probably my favorite acoustic guitar player, and so I play a lot of his stuff (though not very well). Since that involves a lot of fingerpicking, the 00-15 is cool to use, though I know Stills favored D-45's.