Martin 000C-15E

Here' s a rundown of the guitar under reivew:

2002 Martin OMC-15E. Auditorium size cutaway. All solid sapele with rosewood fretboard and bridge. 14 frets clear; 20 total. Sealed "Martin" enscribed tuning machines (Gotoh?). Peal dot inlays. Single gold herringbone decal rosette. No binding. White bridge pins with black dots. Tortoise shell pickguard.

Fishman Prefix Plus electronics (see http://www.fishman.com/Products/PrefixSeriesPreampsModels.htm).

This particular guitar differs from the 000C 15-E slightly. It has a smaller pickguard and a wider fretboard (1 3/4" as opposed to 1 11/16" on the OOO). Also, the current model has a Sapele wood top, back, and sides. So what, you ask, is Sapele? This is from www.woodbin.com:

Name: Sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum)
Type: Hardwood.
Other Names: Also known as scented mahogany, aboudirko, penkwa, muyovu, libuyu, and sapele mahogany.
Sources: Grows in west, central, and east Africa.
Appearance: Interlocked, sometimes wavy grain producing a distinctive roe figure on quartered surfaces. Medium texture, high luster, pale yellow sapwood and light red to dark reddish brown heartwood.

For those of you who haven't purchased a newer Martin (>1985), these guitars include adjustable truss rods with soundhole access. Make sure you have metric allen wrenches!

Guitar came with SP+ strings (coated), and a very adequate hardshell case.

This guitar has all of the features one would expect from a moderately priced, modern acoustic. The only features missing are purely cosmetic (inlays, binding, etc.). Also, the Fishman Prefix Plus, while exceptional sounding, is a one dimensional, mono system. How about furnishing an allen wrench for the truss rod?

I was very surprised at the crystalline quality of the unamplified sound. It is really something to hear because it defies the demure looks of the 15 series guitars. Bass is strong and full; the two unwound strings really ring without sounding brittle. On the whole, the sound is tightly focused, well balanced, and immediate. Compared with my 1971 Martin D-18, this guitar has more punch--the attack of the smaller body is noticable. The D-18 has a huge sound, extremely full and complex, whereas the OMC-15E's sound is tighter, more controlled, and less complex. It will be great for recording!

Plugged into my Trace Acoustic TA 40CR amp, the Fishman Prefix Plus really makes the guitar sound great. It still retains the unamplified character, but the attack and focus are much more pronounced. This guitar really shines when you play single note leads hugh up on the neck. The notes ring with authority and have some nice harmonic overtones.

The wider neck is perfect for fingerstyle guitar. The sweetly compressed sound of the guitar jumps out of the soundboard when you pluck the strings--even without using fingerpicks. I play modern rock and pop, as well as traditional folk music. This guitar fits both genres.

Overall, this guitar has a surprisingly big, punchy, well balanced sound. The Fishman Prefix Plus complements the guitar's inherent tonal qualities. I read the HC reviews on the 15 series guitars and noticed alot of 10s in the sound category. I was convinced that these folks were suffering from "buyer's euphoria" and were inflating their ratings. Just by looking at this dull, satin finished, darkly stained, unadorned instrument, one can surmise that the sound is equally dull, dark, and unadorned. I was totally blown away after I played this OMC 15E. I can now understand the 10s in the sound category. However, I would reserve a 10 for a pre-war vintage Martin OOO28 or D-28 that has aged gracefully and sounds like the angels singing. My 31 year old D-18 would probably get an 8. With that in mind, this new Martin is right at home with the best sounding guitars available today, but it simply is not on the same level as the superior sounding vintage instruments. So I am giving it a very respectable 7.

I bought this guitar from Musician's Friend online. I played a bunch of new Martin's at various dealers, but I could not remember the exact model numbers that I previewed. The OMC 15E looked intruguing so I took a chance on it sight unseen.

It arrived probably just like it left the Martin factory with all hang tags and literature in place. I doubt whether the MF staff had even tested it. Here is what I noticed:

The factory installed SP+ strings were huge and STIFF--probably medium guage. They sounded great, but I could not play bar chords without consistently getting dead plunkly sounds. This problem was compounded with a really high setup. I measured the string clearance at the 12th fret and the bottom of the low E string was 7/64" above the fret. According to Erlewine's Guitar Player Repair Guide, this is the maximum Martin factory spec.

Sighting down the neck, I could see that the relief was generous as well--.015". This was way out of spec. I replaced the stiff SP Plus strings with John Pearse extra lights (10-47's). After I let the guitar set for a few hours and worked with tne new strings to get them stretched adequately, I adjusted the truss rod to lower the relief (on my guitar, the rod required a metric allen wrench...I can't remember the exact size). I turned it quite a ways--perhaps 3/4 of a turn--and adjusted the action using a feeler guage to .010" at the 7th fret.

I then measured the string height at the 12th fret, and it was slightly lower--bass sting measure 3/32" above the fret.

While I had the strings off of the guitar, I worked some Gillespe Lemon Oil into the dry rosewood fretboard and let it set for awhile. After about 20 minutes, I wiped away the excess and restrung the guitar.

The OMC-15E plays great now. I can easily play contorted chords anywhere on the neck without any buzzes, and the lemon oil really softened up the feel of the fingerboard. I may lower the relief even more, but I am going to wait because it may adjust itself a bit in the absence of the heavy SP strings.

My guess is that Martin employs some marketing tricks by placing heavier strings and higher action on its guitars to make them sound really huge in the showroom. There is no doubt whatsoever that this guitar sounded GREAT with the original strings, but I play all kinds of music, and for the intricate Pete Townshend Rhythm/Lead combo playing that I do, the SP's just did not work for me.

Don't get me wrong, I am not a guitar wimp. I bought my first Martin D-18 new in 1971 and have played it regularly ever since. For years I used medium guaged strings, but as have gotten older, I have had to relpace the mediums with lights. I had carpol tunnel surgery in my left fretting hand last year, and I know that it was in part due to playing stiff actioned acoustic guitars.

Again, buying a guitar online, I expect to have to do my own setup work. In fact, I enjoy doing it. The process helps me bond with the guitar and get to know its quirks. I do not do my own nut or bridge work on guitars that are under warranty, and eventually, I will find a Martin authorized luthier who can do a more thorough setup. For now, it's great.

Fit and finish are exceptional--what you would expect on a more expensive guitar. Fisman electronics are installed flawlessly. All components are of high quality and should last a long time.

I will deduct two points for the impossibly high, stiff action, but understand that a more traditional dealer would have probably caught this problem and fixed it before it ended up in the hands of the consumer.

Everything is perfectly suitable for the working professional. One of the reasons that I bought this guitar is because I will be performing in an upcoming theatrical producation sponsored by ther Performing Arts Department at my university (I am a professor). The play takes place in the 1930s, and the music reflects the bluesy/foksie style of Ledbelly and Woody Guthrie. A brand new spruce topped Martin would look totally out of place, and my D-18 is getting too fragile to knock around on stage, except in really controlled environments. So, I thought that this OMC-15E was perfect for the part (OK, the cutaway is a bit out of character, but I needed the electronics and the two elements go together),

My experience with my other Martin has been extremely positive. The neck reset was covered by the warranty. I wore out the original frets and had them replaced (not covered by warranty), but other than that, my D-18 has been the most incredibly reliable guitar that I have ever owned. It stays in tune and capos perfectly. I expect the same from this new Martin, but I will reserve judgement for a year or two.

See above. Martin has been good to me over the years. No complaints in 31 years from me!

I have been playing for more than 35 years. I own some great guitars (see http://home.attbi.com/~drjeffreyb).

I feel that guitars are getting better and better for the price that we consumers are paying. My favorite guitars in my collection are my 3 Rickenbackers (360/6; 360/12; 650D). They are the standard by which I measure others because of the top quality hardware, wood, finishes, and general attention to detail.

I also own 2 Gibson Les Pauls (one very nice figured top), an American Series Strat, a 52 Tele reissue, and other odds and ends. I have lots of amps, most of them low powered valve amps-- Vox AC-15 TBX, Marshall JCM 2000 DSL 201, Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, Ampeg Jet II and more.

All things considered, this OMC-15E is a tremendous value. Mind you, the quality of the materials and the design of the instrument far outweighs the $749 that I paid for it (free shipping; no tax!). So I would certainly consider this as a major contender for the under $1000 small bodied flat top acoustics with onboard electronics. A great guitar with everything going for it at an extremely fair price. Even at the normal $800-$900 street price, it is still a good value.

Check the following for pictures of my OMC 15E

http://home.attbi.com/~drjeffreyb

2000 Martin 000C15E, 14 frets clear, 20 total. This is all wood, 100 percent mahagony guitar with on board Fishman electronic, low mid and high control. This guitar has a satin finish and is very understated.Cutaway body with standard tailpiece and sealed tuners. The neck is thin and feels great. This guitar came with a pretty nice Martin hardshell case.

I am into playing blues and classic rock as well some fingerpicking. This guitar can do it all, sound wise. I am very pleased with it's warmth and mellow tone. I have recently added a bone saddle and bridge pins which has increased brightness and clarity. I REALLY love the sound of this "inexpensive" Martin. It sounds as good to my ear as many guitars in a higher price range.

The guitar was slighlty high from the factory and caused some intonation problems after about the tenth fret. I had a respected luither set the guitar up for me and it is now PERFECT. It plays as easy as an electric guitar!! Again, this is an understated guitar and the finish is understated as well but looks very appealing. I think this finish will age nicely even though you might get some shine after years of use. Wood is very good and as usual, Martin has payed close attention to detail.

I do not play live much anymore except at Church form time to time but I do think the guitar is durable enough. I don't feel like the finish is thin at all but again, these satin finishes sometimes achieve a bit of a shine over a period of time. All in all I would definitely say you could depend on this guitar in most any environment.

Never dealt with Martin's customer support.

I have been playing for 30 since I was 8 years old and have owned many different guitars. I have currently pared my guitars down to a single early 70's tele, an Ibanez RG560, a 73' Paul, the Martin and a Yamaha classical. This is my first Martin but it is the best acoustic I have ever had the pleasure of owning or playing for any length of time. I simply LOVE this guitar and it is truly hard to put it down. I wanted to get a higher end guitar and did not really want to pay 1500 to 2000 dollars for one so I decided on this brand new Martin, shipped to my house for 700 bucks, sight unseen and not having played this particualr guitar. I have not been disappointed on iota. If this one was lost or stolen, I would certainly buy another. My favorite things are the sound, the action and the cutaway. This really does allow much better access to the higher regions of the fretboard. I highly recommend this Martin to others who want an all wood guitar that will sound better with age, at not too high of a price.

All Mahogonay, Auditorium with cutaway, on board electronics (Vol/Tereb/Bass), rosewood neck, case. vEry plain guitar with no frills. All solid wood construction.

Very bluesy sound but with plently of ring. Well balanced and good for fingerpicking. When amplified it has an unbelievable punch in the midrange which makes leads cut through well.

Sound has sort of a bassy "velvet" tone tone that is hard to describe.

If you have never played one of these, you need to spend an hour with one. The sound is awesome.

Action was a hair high so I lowered it some. I guest it is about 5/64" to 4/64" at 12 th fret. Wood is all perfect! Actually guitar is perfect!

It is a Martin! It will last and it will hold up. Great Quality.

Don't know, but I have heard that support is very good. Probably only second to Taylor.

I have a Taylor 12 string (355), SRV Strat, Les Paul Std. I love this guitar and would definitely get another. Only thing that could be better is more up to date Electronics. Mine is probably a 99 or 2000 model. New ones have more control at preamp. For the money it sounds like other $1500 plus guitars.

Made in 1999. 14 exposed frets w/ cutaway. Solid mahogany top, mahogany back & sides and a rosewood fretboard. This guitar is one of the plainest Martin makes but the Martin attention to detail more than makes up for it. It is a very well crafted guitar with fishman electronics. However the on-board electronics only have three controls: volume, bass, and treble. Also, there are no abalone inlays, only a single herringbone inlay around the soundhole.

The sound from this guitar is amazing, especially for a cutaway. The bass sound is deep and rich but doesn't overpower the higher strings. I don't have a quality acoustic amp to use it with but I have plugged it into a PA system and it sounded great. I prefer to play acoustic classic rock songs sometimes strumming, sometimes fingerpicking and this guitar's sound works for both.

The factory action was just right for me. It is very low but can be modified to go lower. The finish is thin almost unnoticeable which gives the guitar a natural look. You can even smell the wood, which is a nice touch. Also, as I mentioned, there is no abalone for decoration but that combined with the finish makes this a very unasuming guitar, which I kind of like. Martin's rigorous testing makes sure that they don't produce flawed guitars, and this one is no exception.

I prefer to play for my own enjoyment but I have played live a couple of times and the guitar held up well. It holds its tune very well so there's no major need to re-tune while playing. Martin's limited lifetime warranty also makes sure that if anything does go wrong with the guitar the owner doesn't have to pay to get it fixed.

I haven't had to deal with the company at all yet. However, I went on the Martin factory tour and they seemed helpful and friendly. The guitar comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which was a big reason I bought this guitar, besides the excellent sound quality.

I have only been playing for a couple of years and I don't own a lot of gear. I am so satisfied with this guitar that I'll never need to buy another acoustic and the warranty makes sure of that. If this guitar were lost or stolen I would definitely buy another. I compared this to Taylors, Guilds, Fenders, and Ovations of all price ranges but none of these could match the rich bass and they sounded somewhat tinny compared to the Martin. I love the sound, cutaway and finish of this guitar but I wish it had more controls for the on-board electronics, it only has treble, bass and volume slides. Also I wish it had some abalone inlays. Basically the only decoration is a herringbone inlay around the soundhole.