Martin 000-15

I bought it new in 2000 from Musician's Pleghm. Solid mahogany throughout with rosewood fretboard and bridge. Durable satin finish. 25.4 in. scale, 1 11/16 neck width, 14 frets in the clear. Finish is deep, dark, and lovely. 000 body style. Great Spartan simplicity with a vintage look. Comes with a very nice hardshell case.

The sound of my Martin is pure, sweet, clean, warm, woody, fat, crisp, and I love it more than any acoustic I've ever played. When I strum tightly voiced chords on this one, it builds up these rich, compressed, complex overtones that make me drool like Pavlov's dog. It records killer too. I must have gotten a particularly sweet instrument because I've played some that don't sound this good, but maybe I'm just partial. I give it an 11 for sound. This little acoustic is a tone machine.

It came adjusted OK, but I always do my own setups anyway. They're not the easiest guitars to adjust but it's worth the effort. Absolutely perfect finish on this one (when it was new). I tightened the tuning gears, and replaced the saddle with a bone saddle designed for a Martin. I adjusted the relief to perfection.

I've played this guitar in church, many living room gigs, and countless hours in my room. It is solid, and dependable, and I suspect it will last many years with care.

I've never dealt with Martin, and I've never had to.

I've been playing 15 years, though I am primarily a bassist. I like quality instruments and this is definitely an example of the legendary Martin quality and care. It's different than most acoustics that one will run across and that was a big attraction for me. This is one of the all-time great solid wood acoustic guitar buys. If it were lost or stolen I would definitely buy another. I have a lot of acoustics but this one is "My Guitar", if you know what I mean.

2001 Martin all-mahogany body, rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Simple detail, nice mahogany smell. Basic, but that's what I like.

I'm an intermediate player, and this was the first guitar I played that made me realize I could be good. I think that says something. The sound is true, clear and it has a mellow tone that fits my quiet, moody, blues-country cross type of playing.

Easy to play from get-go. I had struggled with F chord until I got this guitar.

It is light and seems fragile. But treat it carefully and I think its fine. I think the fragility and satin finish, along with the lack of decoration make it a pretty romantic little tool. Take care of it and it will take care of you.

No problems, no need for customer support.

It made me into a guitar player. I can entertain a group now. This seemed unlikely before I decided to try this baby out at the shop one day.

2001 model, solid mahogany back and sides. Includes TKL brand case with Martin Logo on outside of case. Simple features, no binding, but nice dot inlays on the neck. Visually, a rather nice looking guitar. It comes with Martin brand sealed tuners.

When I got the guitar the strings were a little corroded, so I changed them with the Martin SP+ strings. These are the strings that come on the guitar and are recommended. The sound was better for about 5 days, and then they needed to be changed again. I always wash my hands before I play, and I wasn't really playing excessively. I did not keep the guitar long enough to change them again. I bought this as a second guitar, I already own a Taylor 310 and there was just no comparison. The Martin has a very dull sound. This is due to the wood, and the smaller body. I just couldn't warm up to the sound. I gave the guitar about 3 weeks, and I'm returning it to musicians friend tommorow.

The action was great when I received the guitar, nice and low without any buzzes. The body has a satin finish on the back, sides, and top.
Unfortunately, there are some small problems in this area that some players might not mind, but I could not get past. First, when you get the guitar, the strap pin on the bottom of they body is not factory installed. What I got was a hole drilled into the body, where you simply tap the pin in. The hole that had been drilled was very sloppy, the edges were very rough and when I inserted the pin, I discovered the hole had been drilled at an angle. Second, the holes were not drilled out large enough for the bridge pins, so they stuck up higher than you would usually see on a guitar. I know I could have fixed these problems myself, but for $500 I felt like this should not have been an issue. Finally, the rosette was an adhesive sticker that was ugly, and over time would have peeled off. (The Martin logo on the headstock was done the same way) The pick guard was ok though. These are small cosmetic problems, but I have seen better features on foreign made acoustics. I expected more from a Martin.

This is a very lightweight guitar, that will be very touchy to climate changes. The satin finish will probably ding very easily, but I won't have it long enough to know. I would not use it as a main guitar or a backup. To be fair, the tuners are a Martin Brand, and are sealed. They seemed to work very well. I really did not have any durability problems for the three weeks I had it.

I did not contact Martin, because I was quite sure I would return it to Musicians Friend.

I have been playing for about ten years, and have had experience with all different brands of guitars. I didn't rate this guitar highly because of the small problems, but I know what I want in a guitar. I know it is only a $500 guitar, but I expected better quality from a Martin. I guess this just makes me appreciate my Taylor that much more. To be fair, I did get this through mail order. I knew I was taking a risk by not seeing it before I purchased it. If I had seen this guitar in a store with the problems I have listed, I would not have even considered buying it.

This is a correction of the date of production for my 7/7/02 review. The guitar was made in 2001, of course, not 1991. I apologize for any confusion. Thanks.

Made in 1991. Bought used, in person, from a small, reputable local guitar shop about two weeks ago. It looked like it hadn't been played as the protective film is still on pickguard. Please see the other eleven reviews for further information. They have done a good job describing the features common to this model.

This guitar has a very nice, even, full tone especially for its size. I was particluarly impressed by the low-end. I flatpick in bluegrass style so I'm used to playing dreadnoughts. This guitar appealed to me as a good instrument to play in the house and take on trips due to its size. Considering its size and body style, it responds nicely flatpicked strumming chords and playing single notes.

The action was very friendly, more playable than my dreadnoughts, which aren't bad by any stretch. It is very easy to play and was a nice change from dreadnoughts. Yesterday, however, I noticed a little gap on the top side, however, where the heel and fretboard meet the body. (Yesterday was a bad day regarding this guitar. Please see my comments in the next section.)

Yesterday I put my leg up on the frame of my bed and lifted the guitar into position. I bent over a little to start playing and heard "POP!" What was it? The body had CRACKED on the lower waist! I was shocked. Within the hour I had it back to the shop where the owner graciously offered to repair it for no cost. He could only describe what happened as "weird." I could hardly stand to look at it but it was probably a 2 to 3 inch crack. There is no excuse for this to have happened. There was no physical evidence of any damage to the instrument when I bought it and I've taken great care of it in the two weeks I've had it. It was made as recently as 1991. It can only be a case of poor materials, workmanship, or both. I am extremely disappointed and don't feel like cutting the 800 pound gorilla of acoustic guitardom any slack. It is inexcusable, period. I won't be doling out any of that "It'll outlast me." or "It's a Martin." praise. Martin doesn't deserve it. I suspect that Martin produces too many guitars and trades on its past more than some are willing to recognize. I have no confidence in this guitar anymore and probably won't keep it.

Because I bought this one used I don't have any recourse with Martin through customer support. Thus, the company is spared responsibility for this embarrassment of an instrument.

No matter what virtues it had, it started to fall apart on its own. It just doesn't get any worse than that.

Mine is the OOO15-M, so it's solid Mahogany throughout. From memory, it was made in 2000. All the features on it are simple in style yet dependable and feel like quality. Personally, I love the way it looks, as it stood out from all the others in the shop. It reminds me of Woody Guthrie. The luthier i used to alter the set-up even grudgingly said what a quality guitar it was (although he corrected a few fret innaccuaracies - this made him happy!). The mahogany looks, feels and smells great! The top feels more responsive than glossed spruce, more fragile but more active. The fingerboard is very playable and the neck is beautifully shaped - handily thin! If you wanted lots of fancy inlay though - this isn't the guitar for you.

I was trying this in the shop against a spruce 000M and mine came out on top by a mile. It sounds organic if that makes *any* sense. Simple strumming gets a good thunking rhythm going and a bright depth to the chordal notes. There is also a great sense of sustain. It's not a huge and boomy loud sound - which is what I wanted. I mostly play delta blues and fingerpick; one of the main reasons for choosing this guitar. It suits my style perfectly. There are some really resonant notes to be picked - thumbing a full A chord at the 5th fret gets it ringing! It sounds laid back and mellow...like a dream where everything is made of chocolate, it's sunny and i've got a lie-in. Actually - the sound has got better and better in the 12 months that I've been playing it.

The action was fine when I first got it. It gradually got a little too high and I've now had it re-set (by the grumpy luthier) and restrung it with Elixir lights. The difference is incredible. It's developed the playability and the sounds gone 'one louder' to 11. As mentioned earlier, the luthier reckoned a few frets were out, by I never noticed and it was perfect as far as playing goes. It feels like quality. The lacquer finish adds to the organic feel. I was very tentative at first as it felt pretty fragile, but now I've become familiar with it's lightness I'm very happy. I'd reckon that if you like a low action then get it re-set after a few months. (I waited around a year) - you'll love the difference.

I've found that the finish has been 'buffed up' in places (along the back of the neck, and where my elbow rests on the top) and is now shiny...but I really don't mind. Sorry to not be really critical here but that's what makes it my guitar. I wouldn't know how to prevent this or even if this is a flaw. It seems to be very minor and is hardly noticeable. I haven't gigged with it and I'd think twice about taking it outdoors. I think because it's not gloss then it may need more protecting than some - but that's fine by me as I think the lacquer adds to the tone and voice! The hardware seems solid - the tuners are very accurate and hold it tune pretty well. I just need to tighten up the low E after using it to drop to D so many times.

I haven't used the customer support so I can't comment here.

I shopped around a lot and got a really good price for the UK. Other places were asking 750 GBP. I guess that would be an OK price to pay for it given its sound and playability, but maybe you'd want some fancy inlay for that price! I had bought an Ibanez electro-acoustic which was partly laminated but I quickly traded that and bought this lovely thing instead. They are in different worlds. I chose this guitar because it sounded a lot better than a lot of other more expensive models. I'd whole-heartedly recommend it if you want to play folk, blues, fingerpick or just strum acoustic tunes. It's got a versatile sound which is responsive to individual style. I have lots of favourite features: the way it sounds, the feel as it plays and the big wash of mahogany as you open the case! I may upgrade the bridge pins and nuts at some stage but that's for tinkerings sake really.

I purchased this guitar new in Jan of 2002, and made in the states, as are all Martin Guitars. All-mahogany body/top which has a really lovley look and feel to it (although my wife said initially that it looked like a bookcase). A satin finish is standard and I believe contributes to the sound (see below). A hard case was included. If you are looking for a no-frills acoustig guitar with a unique sound, you can not go wrong.

The sound of the all mahogany guitars is very interesting, and something that ultimately I could just not get use to. It has a very dry timbre to it and when you start to strum with some force on the guitar it has this wonderful projective quality that it hard to describe. In the end, however, it just did not suit the sort of music that I was going for and in the end I traded in back in.

Not too much to say here, the guuitar was wonderfully manufactured and set-up with a very high quality benchmark that comes with the Martin name.

Unfortunatley I can not comment here, but it definatley had a sturdy feel to it, belying it's small size. I could certainly see using it live, just keep in mind that the satin finish is a more delicate creatture on a guitar than a gloss one.

Not able to speak to this, but I can say the location where I pucrhased it was easy to deal with when I decided to return it.

I've been playing over the last 11 years, but just seriously got back into it at the beginning of the year (new years resolution). No real issues with the guitar, I played it extensively at the store before purchasing but it just takes time with a new guitar to determine if it 'fits' I guess. Since I returned it I have been considering whether to go with a similar Auditorim sized Acoustic or move into electrics. If I were to purchase an Acoustic, I would probably look for a good sale on a high end Yamaha or Seagull, of which I like the tone better.

Made in 2000. All solid mahogany top/back/sides in satin finish. Hard case with green plush interior included. 14 frets clear of the body. Frets are thin vintage style. Rosewood fingerboard. Very bare bones basic acoustic. This is what I was seeking, so it was sparse by design. I also requested that no pickguard be applied to mine--and Martin agreed. Makes for a really clean look. I'll rate a 7 but there are really no features I was looking for on this. The case was a huge bonus compared to others that dont include one.

For modern pop and my own version of "fingerstyle" it is perfect. No amps or effects, but it will be going into the studio in a week and I plan to put down a bed track with it on almost all our songs.

For a mahogany top it can be surprisingly bright and crisp...and really loud--belies its small size. But there's a warmth on this one that was lacking for me in other traditional rosewood and spruce tops. Interesting thing happens when strumming full on, which will easily drown out a medium level shout across the room (again -its loud) the 000-15 starts to sort take on a really magical compression and the whole top starts to resonate--it's like the sound wells up inside and rich overtones start to build under your strumming--it starts to sound like there's more going on than just the chords--hard to describe. But I have felt it in other 15 series models too and it's inspiring!

Action was great right out of the box - no flaws at all. Smooth satin finish which really has grown on me and looks right on this guitar. Fretwork is top class and makes chords easy. Attention to detail for such a low priced guitar was great. Also, the bridge is a brilliant compensated 1 piece design and tuning is extremely smooth and stable.

I can tell finger oils will soak into the mahogany satin finish--and will likely be impossible to remedy. But if it was sealed up, I'd probably not get the resonance and overtones I mentioned earlier. But I do not foresee a durability issue on the horizen at all.

It is responsive to heat/cold/humidity changes. The action came up a bit with summer/fall change and I needed a setup. Took it to Washington Music Center and forgot to specify that I wanted SP 1400 strings--they used Martin Marquis which are good-- but somehow it was night and day difference! The Marquis sounded dull and muffled--no resonance- the whole magic was gone! I immediately called Martin and discovered on their website that these are definitely factory strung with the SP series strings. And it makes a GIANT difference. Got the right strings on and it came right back to life! Now seasons are changing again and its time for another setup--the neck is bowing a bit more than I can take--but I dont begrudge the guitar needing a setup--that shows that it is built to close tolerances - thin wood--only as much glue as needed--and light braces--all of which add up to maximum tone production.

Helpful when I called saying that my new purchase sounded like there was a bag of wet cement inside! They advised the SP strings, and understood what I was dealing with right away. I also called them in advance about getting the pickguard left off--they said it'd be no problem. I've also just called and asked about other models under consideration and they were happy to discuss a bit. Their website is also very good.

Over 20 years. Own PRS, Danelectros, Hamer, Gibson, Music Man.
I would replace this immediately, its the only acoustic I have or really want. I love the compact size and that Martin made the full range of sizes in this mahogany 15 series--usually choices are more narrow--and the price for a USA made all solid wood guitar is pretty unreal. I chose this one because although I am not a strict fingerstyle player, I loved the way the small body seems to force sound out quickly--it seems to get lost inside the giant Dreadnoughts and the 000 15 sits perfectly on me, very comfortable to work with right away. It has a tone all to itself, the mahogany top adds a sweetness to the treble that really distinquishes it from what my ears were accustomed to with traditional spruce tops. A great value and a wide range of choices within the 15 series. Martin really packed in quality on this one at every place that others may have skimped. No frills, just an excellent piece of craftsmanship.

I recently purchased Martin 000-15. This instrument was manufactured in 2001 and being a Martin handcrafted in Nazareth PA. This guitar features an auditorium body style which is smaller than the typical dreadnaught acoustic guitar. The top wood is solid mahogany as are the sides and the single piece back which has no inlay. Careful consideration was given to the choice of tone woods. The rosette is a herringbone decal and the pickguard is tortoise color. The bracing is A-Frame X-Bracing. Both the fingerboard and the bridge are rosewood. This guitar does not have and binding on the body or fingerboard. The neck width at the nut is 1 11/16" with a scale length of 25.4". There are 14 frets that are clear with a total of 20. The body finish is satin. Tuners are enclosed C.F. Martin's and turn freely. Included was a Martin TKL lined hard shell case. While this guitar has special features the quality speaks for itself. The all mahogany construction yields a truly beautiful piece of art.

The sounds this guitar produces are incredible. With the use of mahogany wood for the top, this instrument provides a very warm sound with plenty of sustain. The low notes produced are excellent especially on the low E string. This is due to the mahogany top which is fairly unique in acoustic guitar construction. The high notes are clean and ring. The overall tone can range from warm to rich to full and bright. This guitar is an excellant choice for fingerstyle players though strummed chords sound very warm with great sustain. The 000-15 just plain sounds good on anything from blues to ballads.

The action on this guitar was set up fairly well from the factory. I will have it professionally adjusted as it is a bit high up the neck. This may be due to the very high humidity recently in my area. I will let everything settle in for awhile and see what I am left with. The mahogany wood used for this guitar is very high quality and beautiful to look at. It even smells great! The neck, which is set pefectly, is slim and very smooth, a joy to play. The fingerboard and fret work was outstanding. Everything on this guitar from the wood used to the craftsmanship in assembling it are all top notch. I have not noticed a single flaw. This is a Martin!

I have not played out live with this guitar yet and I will most likely use this guitar at home but I would have no doubts as to it's ability to withstand live playing. The end pin is solid, the construction is outstanding and I am sure the hardware will last for years and years. I have not had this guitar long enough to notice any problems with the satin finish. I do not forsee any problems with this guitar looking great for a long time to come.

I have never dealt with Martin for repairs, but judging from what I have heard and seen on their web site as well as testiminials from Martin dealers and end users, this company takes pride in what they do and stands behind the instruments that the produce. They even offer a limited lifetime warraty which says alot.

Overall this is an outstanding value at less than $600 for an solid all wood Martin acoustic I traded in a Martin 000X1, that at the time of purchase I thought sounded better than the 000-15. After many many trips back to the music store I was finally able to see and hear the differences which make this guitar so special. While the 000X1 sounded good, the 000-15 sounded even better and was SOLID wood with a unique mahogany top sound. This guitar is an incredible value with no peers in it's price range a few at all. I would highly recommend the Martin 000-15 to anyone.

My baby was made in 2001 I believe, with the most beautiful dark mahogany finish. The neck is buttery smooth and the tuners turn without effort! Compared to my Washburn and Guild, this guitar is in another league in terms of playability

I got this guitar to suit my more percussive playing style (things along the lines of SRV, Dave Matthews, Blues Rock, acoustic punk). This guitar shines both as a ballad guitar and as a down and dirty blues machine. I love it

The action was a little lower than I liked when I bought it, but after a few days I was used to it, and loving it- being easy on the hands but still very responsive. The finish was perfect and it held up to months and months of sitting in Mars Music (I know because I visited it monthly until I could purchase it!)

I've played about 10 gigs with my Martin, and it comes to band practices 3-4 times a week, and holds up, even when the bassist is playing around with it! The strap button is held by friction only and has to be taken out before putting the guitar to rest in the case, and does not always stay in when I get wild playing, but it's not a problem.

never needed any customer support

I've been playing for over 11 years (I'm 16), and I own 20 guitars. This one by far has surpassed everything from my vintage Harmony hollowbodies, my Guild and Washburn acoustics, Fender and Gibson electrics, and custom made electrics. I love the sound and the compact size of the guitar. I would recommend it to any guitar player who wants a quality guitar. I love it so much, I put a pickup in it and play it through my electric amp in place of my electric guitars in my punk/rock band (and it still fits the music!) this is the most versatile guitar ever made! BUY NOW!