Martin 000-15

I bought my guitar in January 2007, over 2 and a half years ago. As far as Martins go, I also own a HD28V (a different animal completely, different woods all around, dreadnaught)

If you're looking at this review, you know something about the features of this guitar. The finish is satin. It is all solid, mahogany or sapele construction. I don't know if there is a sound difference between these two woods. There is no binding anywhere. The rosette is a decal. I'm pretty sure the fingerboard is rosewood. It is a smaller body size than a dreadnaught-which makes this guitar more comfortable to play. I like the color and finish. It's really just a matter of preference. No electronics. I would not get a Martin with electronics. In my mind, that takes away from the integrity of the guitar (for example, the saddle is not directly touching the wood-the transducer separates them). For gigs and recording, I mic it.

It's a nice, understated, unassuming, clean and classy look, and I can't really think of anything it's missing in the features department. Other reviewers mentioned the materials of the nut and saddle. Again, this is a matter of preference as to how that affects the sound, but for the money paid (I paid $720 in early 2007), I can't complain. I would take the 15 series over the 16 series. I know the 16 series is usually more expensive, but for some reason I like the 15s better.

The rating for this category is hard to choose. Sure it could have more expensive materials and more appointments, but then it would be a different and more expensive guitar.

Literally every single time I play this guitar, I say the same thing each time I put it back in its case: "worth every penny." And it really is. It sounds best with moderate strumming, and fingerpicking. It accompanies a vocalist nicely.

As many people pointed out, this is not a dreadnaught. It sounds beautiful strummed, but it has its limits in that it can take hard strumming up to a point, but it's not as loud or clear as a quality dreadnaught when strummed hard-and really, it's not supposed to be. It has a nice, tight focused bottom end and all around balance. It does not have the strong bottom end of a dreadnaught-and again, it's not supposed to. For its design and purpose, and in the context of the wood materials used, it achieves its goal.

It has a nice clear sound for moderate strumming, and shines on fingerpicking. It has a nice thick punch when playing single notes in the mid-upper frets (around 7th to 12th frets, and more particularly, the 9th through 11th frets on the G and B strings), that I just can't get out of my HD28v (which has a smoother sound), and so I like playing this guitar for blues.

After playing it for more than 2 years, I am giving it an honest 10. It's earned it. To me, a 10 does not mean that it can do everything and suits every style of music; it means that it is excellent at doing what I believe it was designed to do-be an auditorium style guitar, with some nice balance and punch, particularly in the upper mid range, that works well for fingerpicking instead of straight strumming. I have never found myself saying "damn, if it only sounded more bottom heavy or louder" because honestly, that's not what this guitar is about.

I purchased it new from a local shop. The action is fine for me. Some people might want it a little lower, but it loses some of its sound when you do that, and with the changes in weather, any lower action might result in buzzing during the colder months. The neck is comfortable.

Martin recommends light strings, so stick with that. I'm guessing the guitar won't withstand medium gauge strings (I've read the in the early 20s, guitar players used heavier strings so they could be louder to fit in with bands, but the bridges broke-that's where all the bracing designs come in-trying to find a happy medium between having the top vibrate enough, but have the strength to withstand the pounds of pressure from the strings).

The finish is perfect.

There are no flaws. One thing that stood out for me in this regard are the frets. On a lot of guitars, particularly less expensive ones, if you run your fingers along the edge of the fretboard, you sometimes can feel the edge of the frets sticking out. This can be from sloppy workmanship, or from wood shrinkage, and can sometimes interfere with playing. Thankfully, this guitar did not suffer from that.

I suppose this could use more quality tuners, but I can't say that it slips out of tune either. Acoustic guitars are somewhat delicate, so it's obviously not going to handle hard knocks too well. I am expecting this guitar to last at least one lifetime, and am looking forward to the wear on the finish. Where my strumming arm rests over the guitar, it is starting to look a little shiny from the oils and natural buffing, but that's how satin finishes play out.

No experience.

I have been playing for 29 years (some of those years I was not active). As for acoustics, I also own a Martin HD28V, Epiphone AJ200 (my bang around guitar), and a Tamra (I think that's an Ibanez offshoot) which is a D28 copy, but a piece of junk (I string that one Nashville style). Some people are Martin people, and some people are Gibson people. I like both, but I find Gibson construction and quality to be inconsistent lately. I don't particularly care for Taylor. There's something sterile about their sound, and they always sound better plugged in than unplugged. But no matter how good the electronics, an acoustic plugged in never really sounds natural, and you don't get to hear the sound of the guitar breathing.

As with all acoustics, play as many as you can before buying, including playing several of the same model. I remember when I bought mine, I A/B another 000-15, going back and forth for a couple of days-I would return and see if I felt differently about one or the other after a day. There was a slight difference between the two--either would have been fine, but I preferred the one I picked. And remember, look at the strings when you're trying out a guitar. Some of them have been sitting there for months. That can really affect the sound (although some people prefer guitars with dead strings).

First I'll say that I judge harshly... if anything gets a "10" I call that "impossible to improve".


I have seen that some people give this guitar a low rating in the 'features' category because it lacks extensive inlay work and fancy frills. I think that is really what gives this guitar its style. It is pure quality without flash.
The top back and sides are all solid wood. Martin uses either Mahogany or Sapele, both of which are nearly identical in appearance and tone. The whole body is dark with rich wood grain and a satin finish that compliments the design perfectly. There is no binding material anywhere on this guitar, which gives it a simple, clean look.
Quality tuners and a comfortable solid wood neck. All made in the USA.
The saddle is Tusq and the nut is Corian. Both good materials, but if I were to change anything, I would give it bone saddle, nut and pins.
I'll rate it an 8 because it lacks fancy electronics or inlays, and the nut, saddle and pins could be improved.

Incredible.

The mahogany top gives this guitar a very unique tone. Not overly bright, but rich and full. The low end has a smooth sound to it, not muted or muddy. The mids and highs have great sustain and a warm tone that is smooth as silk. Balanced tone for fingerpicking or strumming. You need to hear one of these...

If I had anything bad to say about the sound of this guitar it is that it is not very loud. This is not a guitar that you would play unplugged with a band if you want to stand out.

I didn't get mine new from the factory so I can't say anything about the factory setup.
Mine has a great, low action perfect for fingerstyle and light strumming. Again, this is not an instrument that you would hammer on, it sounds better played lightly.

The Satin finish is kind of a matter of preference. I have heard of some people buffing this guitar up to a gloss finish, but I'm leaving mine how it is. This guitar has its own style, no flash, no frills. I think the satin, low gloss is the perfect compliment.

I can't find any flaws anywhere.

Stays in tune... Other than that, I cant really attest to its reliability. I don't play on stage and will never take it it to a gig. As far as durability goes, I don't plan on throwing it down the stairs, but it feels solid enough to take it.

Never dealt with Martin CS, but I've heard good things about them.

This is my favorite guitar I have played. It looks great, plays great and I like its style. I would be hard pressed to find a different guitar that sounds this good, for this little $$.

If it were run over by a speeding locomotive, I would go find another immediately.

mine has a factory fishman prefix - blinding sound when plugged in.
It has all the features I was looking for - no frills, all quality solid mahogany/sapele wood - what more do you need ?

I love the sound - i play fingerpickin' blues on it mostly and this little baby makes me smile and cry - it's got a real mellow sound -just go and try one - you'll see ! It also stands up well to strumming - but be warned "this is NO dreadnaught" - I have no dislikes with this guitar.

Action -: i think this is completely down to personal preference and playing style - out of the box i originally felt the action was a little too high travelling up the fretboard - but i've not had it set up yet and it's never stopped me playing it.
Fit & finish -: just like it should be - top quality.

Yes - the satin finish is not as durable as gloss - however if this guitar is looked after it will stand the test of time.

never had any problems

I've been playing again for 6 years (although played 6 years previously) - i own a Blueshawk, "The Paul", yamaha SG1300 & a JC16GTE. The 00015 is still my favourite. I would highly recommend this guitar to anyone who loves playing acoustic. It's a no frills touch of class........ If it got lost or stolen ? I'd search forever to get it back - altough i would buy another one until i found it!!

you all know the basic features, i love the simplisity of this guitar.

this guitar reminds me of that little 7 year old opera singer you see on the talk shows all the time. this guitar eally sings, gets loud, and also holds good tone when your playing real low.

everything is good, i travel a l ot with mine, and also with the louisiana wheather, i have had to tweak the neck a couple of times. i had to buy a special set of allen wrenchs to reach the neck adjustment. that has been my only complaint about this guitar. it is wereing beatifully, the top portion of the guitar has a good whorn in shine to it, just from a couple of years of playing.

this guitar is dependable, although i have a couple of cracks forming on the back, both of these came banging around in a stage setting. this guitar always sounds good, holds tune good as well. this is usually the only guitar i travel with, so even though i own a backup, i don't need it.

never dealt with martin. never had anything i could not adjust my self i.e. the neck...

i am 23 and have been playing for approx 10 years. though i have played several martins this is my first to own. i had accomondered a 58' d18 for a while. the sound quality of this guiat is compairable. the week before i purchased mine i had to pass on 57' ooo-15. i didn't have the money for the 57', but after a trip to the casino i had the cash, i called the guy up and he had just sold it the day before. i had my mind set on the guitar, so i just went an bought a new one. no regrets. it complments my 62' strat beatifully.

The basics: 14-fret Orchestra Model/OOO size Martin guitar. No electronics, 100% solid wood: back, sides and top. No frills, just a high quality, US build guitar of C.F. Martin heritage at a reasonable price. Case included.

The OOO-15 (and it's sister guitar the D-15) are the entry level of C.F. Martin's high-end, USA made line of guitars. Lacking a high gloss lacquer finish, attractive top-wood, bindings or inlay work this is not a guitar Elvis would have played. That is to say, it's not designed for the eye and for that I see some have scored it a 1

I've given the OOO-15 a 5 because while it does lack cosmetics that can be hand in less expensive guitars from other builders, the OOO-15 makes up for in being 100% solid wood: front, back and sides and this 'feature' alone should account for a high score. It also features a bone nut, Martin's high-end tuners and high quality fret dressings, etc... that you get on any Martin guitar.

As with the others in the 15 series, it's made of solid Mahogany or solid Sapele. This is interestng case where it might be one or the other and Martin doesn't indicate anywhere which solid wood was used in the construction. Sapele and Mahogany share similar cosmetic properties in terms of color and the guitar has s stained satin finish so unless you're an expert on solid woods you won't know which you OOO-15 is made from.

It doesn't matter as they are both excellent tone woods with very similar characteristics.

This is the first OOO style guitar that I've owned. Up to this point I've owned four other larger Dreadnought body style acoustics. I love all my guitars, but if I could only keep one it would probably be my OOO-15, it's just the perfect balance of volume on fingerstyle play and strumming.

I've seen some people describe it as 'dark' it's not dark to my ears, it's actually bright but more mellow than a spruce top.

Factory setup was excellent. No flaws, incredible attention to detail from the Martin factory.

It stays in its case and comes out when I play it, it's solid wood. Martin's have a long history of being among (if not) the most reputable guitar in terms of durability.

Martin post-sales customer service (by way of e-mail and phone) is the best of any guitar vendor I have had to deal with. It comes with a lifetime warranty on part defects (as in lifetime of original owner). C.F. Martin has authorized service centers in most major cities with luthiers certified in their techniques and authorized to perform warranty repairs.

Current owner Christian Fredrick Martin IV has said in interview "I tell people if you're on a budget, buy a D-15, because it's the same build quality as our much more expensive guitars". The sound of this guitar is unique and very pleasant. I've heard people compare it to the Guild M-20 because of its size and top wood type... I've played on a Guild M-20 sounds different to my ears (probably because of the smaller body). The sound you hear on The Beatles "Blackbird" and "Dear Prudence" this isn't the guitar that was used on those tracks obviously, but the sound of the OOO-15 is very reminiscent of that. It's not muddy, it's not too bright. It's just perfect for folk style acoustic playing.

I own two other Martin's a low-end Dreadnought (DXK2), and a 1998 D-28. I also own a high-end Washburn acoustic with electronics and cutaway. I own a few others (high end electric Washburn and mid-range electric bass). I know a quality guitar and I also know what feels right ot me.

no frills which is what I want. Just wood. Just real honest wood

Fingerstyle: could not be sweeter for fingerstyle, fingerpicking guitar.

perfect and comfortable.

Real wood gets better with time. Give it years--better yet, talk to those who have the real wood guitars and let them tell you how it sounds after 10 years of care!

small mom and pop shops are the best. Even a year later, I still e-mail with questions and get immediate responses...

perhaps the nicest sounding guitar I have ever heard.

Mahogany body, good quality tuners, comfortable neck, as simple as they come. Not a lot of features, but this is what I like

This is where this guitar really shines. I went through a long process settling for this guitar. My search went through 1970's Gibson dreads, a 000-18, I also had a 000-28H custom shop model, which was definately beautiful, but once I picked up the 000-15 I was blown away by the rich, detailed, complex sound. It is the kind of guitar that you instantly gel with, the rich overtones soak into your body.
As far as I'm concerned I won't look any more for 'my' acoustic.
I have added a seymour duncan 'woody' soundhole magnetic pickup, which sounds great through my 1980's fender concerts, almost jazz guitar like.

The guitar was flawless from the dealer. The action was a little high for me (although ideal for slide) I took a couple of mm off the bridge and it plays perfectly now with no fret buzz.
Martin really finish their guitars beautifully, and I reaaly like the fact the satin finish is starting to polish up.

I don't really gig out much at the moment, but I'm sure if I did it would just 'relic' a bit quicker. Hardware I'm sure will last fine. I would depend on this guitar 100%.
I would gig without a backup, but if I had to get one I would by the same

Never had to use it

I've been playing 28 years, mostly as a hobby, but do know my guitars well. I have been 100% happy with this guitar, even though it took me a bit of time and wasted ?? to get there. I wish I hadn't assumed that the more you pay, the better guitar you'll get, as this smokes the 00-28H.

Like others have said here: it's a plain (Hazy)Jane box, and that is what it is supposed to be.

Now, the meat and potatoes portion: two words--Nick Drake! Nick played a Guild M20: the 000-15 nails it straight out--trust me. It's really amazing! Subtle or prominent bass can be mixed with a very distinctive brighter (Bryter)sound--very tightly focused i.e. River Man, Things Behind the Sun...etc. Just like the Guild M20. Of course it doesn't just end there. This guitar literally sounds like a symphony in a box! No mixing involved!

Bought from Elderly instruments. Set up was decent enough. Bridge pins are a little high--that's standard from Martin; also, it is a NON-ISSUE in my opinion. Strings are a tad high, but thats still ok to work with--does not bother this player. Finish is dull satin and seems to be holding up quite well...same as the neck--GREAT--I hate spending the damn time polishing anyway! The mahogany scent is there too!

Seems nice and solid around the neck. Finish is dull satin--and I would never use polish on it to make it shine. If it does wear (and it shows no sign of it yet) I'll rub it with 0000 steel wool, but only as a last resort.

IT'S A MARTIN! LIFETIME!

Been playing for 25 years plus: Other Martins, HD28, OM18V, LX1. Previously I tried to capture Nicks sound with my OM-18V, but it just wasn't there. Nice fingerstyle the OM, but it's mainly a strummer. This is both, but it's certainly not a volume monster like a dread. But the tone is one of the sweetest I've ever come across like Nicks Guild M20 or an old Martin 015.

all that this guitar needs - no shit !!!!

Not a dreadnought for sure but if you want real character then this is it - especially for blues styles.

Had it for over 3 years now and still need to get it set up right for me - so the factory set up can't be thst bad eh ?

been diged a couple of times but it's matte finish and hies most little things well. It's light weight is deceiving - this guitar is SOLID!!

don't need it

Paid $899 plus import tax - worth every penny - own a yamaha sg1300ts,
dearmond starfire, a Gibson "the paul" & blueshawk - I find it hard to open any of the others cases - the martin (mine is a 00015 with factory fitted fishman prefix) is too hard to pass every time. Well recommended.......

In this case, a rating of "1" is actually a compliment. No junk features like knobs and mother-of-toilet-seat inlays, just stuff that helps you create music. Elegance in Simplicity.

WOW!!!!!

I thought I knew what a good sounding guitar sounded like. I have a bunch of good guitars including a Martin HD-28 and a Gibson J-45, which are pretty much "industry standard" reference instruments. I can honestly say that for fingerstyle and fast single note picking, the simple 000-15 completely smokes the others. The 000-15 will lose in a volume contest and maybe strumming chords, but that's about it. It's counter-intuitive that a single type of wood and a small body can make such a huge sound, but boy does it ever. I would characterize the sound as focused with a complex series of woody overtones that almost sound synthetic because of their richness, sort of like a subtle chorus effect. At the time I bought the guitar, I also played a custom nitro gloss 000-15, a bunch of other expensive small bodied 000/00/OM Martin's, several Taylors (yuck) and 2 $7000 Goodall's. Despite being the cheapest, the 000-15 had the best playability and richest/loudest sound.

My guitar was actually very poorly set up, but that's OK; all new acoustics should be set up specifically for the player and style. I usually go with 3/32" string height on bass side at the 12th fret. This guitar likes Martin SP Lights (12-54) so far, I can't see wanting medium/heavy strings on this guitar even though all my others are set up that way. The fit and finish is typical Martin; nothing tricky, just honest quality workmanship throughout.

This guitar is not what I would call a battle axe. It has a very thin finsh and is made from mahogany which is a slightly softer wood than finished maple or rosewood. The dark finish will probably help it hide dings and I can't imagine that this thing will fall apart anytime soon. This guitar is a player not a looker, so up to a point who cares?

Maritn is generally good, although I'm currently in a warranty repair fiasco with a D-28 that has gone on for months. Not fun.

For the price and the desired purpose, the 000-15 is an absolute Grand Slam. It is understated in a typical Martin fashion, yet has power and tone like no other. It looks a little unorthodox, but after you play one for awhile you will be sold. This is one of the best values that I know of in musical instruments today, although I don't think they are carried at Guitar Center so you may have to seek one out. If you buy online, make sure it comes set up or that you get it tweaked locally. I HIGHLY recommend this guitar, the reviews hyperbole are for real.