Martin D-15 Acoustic

C'est une guitare tout en acajou massif,pas plaquee ni laminee.Le verni naturel mat lui donne un air tres austere mais apres tout,c'est son son qui nous ravira.
La finition matte deviendra satinee puis brillante au manche et a d'autres endroits carresses par nos mains.
L'etui que j'ai recu cette fois ci,parce que c'est ma seconde D15(en effet,j'ai regrette d'avoir revendu ma premiere voulant acheter une 016NY de 1963) est le 600,en plastique tres resistant pour le voyage e avion et plus legere que les 500 et 400.

il suffit de tapoter des doigts sur la table pour comprendre le son que cette guitare va sortir.tous les registres sont a mon gout PARFAITS! Et que l'on joue avec plectre comme aux doigts...un regal!!! J'ai essaye des Santa Cruz,Collings et autres Martins plus cheres pouvant me permettre ces budgets mais aucune ne me donnerent le son de la D15(chacun son truc!).Les basses sont enormes et la caisse vibre si bien contre la poitrine de l'utilisateur!quant aux medium et aigues,le tout s'harmonise tres bien,parfaite balance naturelle!

La guitare etait bien reglee lors de l'achat.Tout en acajou a l'exception de la touche et du chevalet en palissandre indien et les barrages en epicea.J'ai eu l'occasion de voir des photos de la D15 avec du Palissandre sur la face de la tete,ce n'est pas le cas de la mienne.Je n'attend que les heures a jouer dessus afin de rendre le manche tout poli,tout brillant par le passage de la main.

le bouton pour sangle n'etait pas place en vue de placer plus facilement un micro si necessaire. Sans filets sur les cotes de la table,il va falloir etre prudent et ne pas la cogner,sinon c'est le bois qui prendra...donc prudence!!!
Je dois dire que Martin a eu beaucoup de franchise en sortant cette guitare et en offrant le meilleu de la guitare folk a ce prix.En effet,on ne paye pas les fioritures tres couteuses.Cependant,J'adresse aux luthiers de la marque mon plus grand respect a la vue des splendeurs du Custom Shop!!!

la garantie est a vie...a vie...a vie...tant que l'on traite bien sa guitare et que l'on laisse un luthier professionnel la regler si besoin.

J'ai quelques guitare dont 3 Martin:D15,O16NY et Backpaker.
C'est ma 2eme D15 et si c'etait a refaire,encore une D15.
Je cois que resumer la D15 est difficile et que j'ai essaye d'exprimer ma plus grande satisfaction a tous les chapitres de ce rapport. LA D15 N'EST PAS UNE GUITARE COMME LES AUTRES ET CELA SE VOIT TOUT DE SUITE,LA D15 N'EST PAS UNE GUITARE COMME LES AUTRES ET CELA S'ENTEND ET SE SENT TOUT DE SUITE EGALEMENT!!! ESSAYEZ LA!!!!!

All solid wood dread. The case is first class. Quality construction.

I have compared this guitar to all the top end guitars. Can't beat it
with anything under 2 grand. I find the Taylor sound to be thin at any price. Gibsons don't have the dynamics of a Martin. After tweeking
it a bit it became superb. Everything an acoustic should be. I think that some may not hear it because they are half deaf from loud music.
A common problem.

No flaws. All guitars need setup to suit different styles of play.
Anyone whining about the action or string buzz should learn how to take care of thier guitar or find someone that knows. If there is a REAL flaw with the guitar, Martin has the best warranty in the world.
MAKE THEM HONOR IT. My only criticism is the rosett, better to have left it off. I put a bone saddle and rosewood pins on it. I like Martin SP 80/20 extra-lights. They give it more brightness.

This guitar was built for the sound. Heavey construction dulls the sound. Heavy finishes dull the sound. The finsh is not very durable
it scratches fairly easyly. So be careful,thats all. The reason that seagull has a good sound for it's price is mostly because of the thin finish. If you want durable the sound will suffer. On mine I am thining down the finish by rubbing it down with 0-0-0-0 steel wool, just the way they do it with fine furniture.

Lifetime warranty.I haven't needed to deal with them yet.

I have been playing for 30yrs. All kinds of acoustic music. I own a dozen guitars. From an old Yamaha FG-180 to an old Guild D-212. Old is better. This is the first new guitar I have ever owned. It sounded old and it felt special in my hands when I played it. I was looking for an old one when I saw it, and it called to me. Since I bought it three yrs ago, the price has risen by 25% The word has got around
I picked this one out of thirty other D-15s. Look for straight grain on all sides with no checks. I saw a lot of them with these little flaws in the grain. Maybe I got a one in a thousand because I knew what to look for. I would not trade it for a D-28 or anything less than a OOO-28.

There is just nothing special about this guitar- It's a solid wood guitar with no amentities. Actually a bit boring for the price paid. You can read the other reviews for the generic who what where why and when.

It sounds much less full than my other guitars, almost seems muted. It also has a very narrow neck- which makes it hard to bend the high e string (not good.)

The orginal action was way to high- I had to get it adjusted by one of Martin's incompetent associates. The endpin was a joke, so I had a Martin Associate install a custom endpin- in the process of this the finish of the guitar was damaged and I was without the guitar for two months while the martin rep did nothing.

Due to the muted sound of this guitar I would not use it live without a backup. The eye catching mahogony is an excellent addition to a multi-guitared band. I'm not sure if the finish will last on this guitar- my other martins have the same Satin finish and they have become quite unappealing over time.

I've dealt with this company many times, which is not a good sign. They are not helpful, and could careless about customer loyalty. The warranty is lifetime (doesn't include finish issues - second hand martins)- but dealing with customer service and repair reps is a waste of time. Your better off buying a new guitar each time you have an issue. Worst customer service ever!

I've been playing for 7 years, and have been through about that many guitars. Unfourtunately I have invested in mulitiple Martin's, but now that I have experienced their customer service I will not buy any more Martins. I like the guitar- but every time I pick it up I think about the shoddy customer and repair service I have gotten.

2003 D15 made in nazareth pa. body,soundboard, neck made of solid mahogany(satin finish). neck, headplate and bridge made of indian rosewood. No electronics. hardshell 345 case included.

Sounds good if flat picked(not strummed)My arsenal of songs are probably 50/50(strummed/flat picked) Tight bass sounds good. Midrange is a little overpowering. Airy trebles(particular of mahogany) not a plus for me. I prefer fuller trebles. "A" sting has an intonation problem at upper registers.

Action was standard martin med/high. Some wood pieces left inside body. Strap lock hole wasn't drilled exactly straight but no biggie.

This guitar will probably last a lifetime if halfway taken care of. Tuners seem decent. I probably wouldn't want to use it on a gig(period.) without a back up but I'm just a cautious person.

Lifetime warranty always a plus! Haven't had to deal with martin directly but did have the action adjusted and strap lock installed with martin approved person and she was very nice and supportive and answered any questions that I had

Been playing for about 10 years. I also own a washburn acoustic. I'm quite please with the guitar considering its price. If it were lost or stolen I probably wouldn't buy another one only because i'm ready to move up to a more expensive piece. I do love the punchiness of it's sound though. Really kicks ass with some pieces of music. The main thing I don't like about it is it's airy, thin trebles but what do you expect with a mahogany sound board? I compared it with some takamines, seagulls and a some tacomas, but it came down to what i was willing to fork over (money).

I think mine was made in 2003.As far as design goes this is a pretty no frills guitar.No fancy inlays,side binding,decorated back,no fancy headstock. This guitar in appearance is very plain.The mahogany wood is dark and gives this guitar a somewhat uniques appearance.The fingerboard is average size.Not extra wide like some steel strings.The whole guitar is made of solid Mahogany. No electronics.

This is where Martin spent the money on the sound,not decoration. The sound is loud a powerful. Sounds excellent strummed,warm sound. This guitar can hold it's own with more expensive Martins.This guitar is loud! The bass is deep and full. The balance of the bass is great it's deep,but not dead. The sound is amazing,and to think the sound is suppose to get better over time!

Very playable guitar. Action is not so low that you get buzz,but no so high that is causes you to be uncomfortable playing it. Set up is very good,not as low as a Taylor, but comfortable none the less. The thin neck on this guitar makes this guitar easier to play also.

This guitar seems very sturdy. You can just look at it and tell someone took there time of this one. It came with a very nice hardshell case will plush interior. This is what I like about Martin,no matter what model you buy they will throw in a hardshell case.Both of the ones at guitar center had no strap button. Another feature that I like about this guitar is that it seem to be noticeable lighter than a lot of acoustics,which improves playablity.

Came with a limited lifetime warranty. I haven't had to deal with customer service yet.

If you want Martin Tone and playability without all the cosmetic frills this guitar is for you.The Tone of this guitar sounds just as good as the more expensive Martins and the playbility is there also. In my opinion If this guitar was given a lot of features to make it more attractive there is no way you could get this guitar for under $1,000. Many people because of the x series Martins that a Martin under a thousand just can't compete,not the case here. There is a key difference between this guitar and the ones in the X series. This guitar is made of all solid wood.There is not an ounce of laminate or plywood on this guitar! To me that's why the sound is as good as it is. This guitar is a great value and will proabably last for many years.

I'm reviewing a 2003 Martin D-15. It has a non-cutaway dreadnought body, the top, back, and sides of which are made of solid mahogany. The neck is also made of mahogany, and the neck and headstock overlay are of rosewood, as is the bridge. I'm not quite sure of the scale length, since I do not have the spec sheet at hand. The neck is somewhat small for a Martin, but is definitely more substantial than that of a Taylor. The guitar came in a very plush case and has no electronics. All-in-all, I wouldn't say it is feature-laden, but that is fine with me. I value simplicity.

I play many different styles (rock, jazz, blues, classical), and the D-15 handles them all very well with a warm tone and strong, enveloping projection.

I tried several different guitars in my search for a first acoustic, and while I did find some that played (Taylor) or looked (Ovation) slightly better, none (in my price range, at least) could even come close to the D-15's amazingly rich tone. This guitar captures all of your single note or chord passages with a sound that, while being distinctly Martin, is also unique. However, because of this warm tone, some low register riffs, especially on detuned strings, lose a bit of clarity, hence, my less than perfect rating.

My D-15 already has several scratches, which I attribute to the thin, satin finish and the wood of the body. Mahogany is a fairly soft wood. This is probably the biggest factor in the uniquely dark tone of the guitar, but it also lends itself more easily to blemishes.

The Martin factory set-up, I believe, was a bit sub-par. The action was a little high for me, and there is a dead spot at the E postion at the seventh fret. This could probably be fixed by a slight truss-rod adjustment of some fret filing, but I would hope that a company as reputable as Martin would see to these issues before the guitar left the factory.

Another qualm I had with the factory set-up was the strings that were on the guitar when I received it. At first, I thought the strings were just dead from being played in the music store (Guitar Center), and I promptly replaced them with a new set of Elixir's. I have since re-strung the guitar with another set of Martin strings (80/20 Phosphor Bronze SP, I believe). These, too, seemed dull and lifeless within a week. As I am new to the realm of acoustic guitars, I haven't really any idea as to what string I should buy. I enjoyed the tone of the Elixir's for a few weeks, but they really didn't seem to be worth the extra money. If anyone has any suggestions, please e-mail me.

As I mentioned above, mahogany isn't very dense and susceptible to more scratches and dents than, say, maple is. However, I still believe that proper care, this Martin could withstand the rigors of the road for many years. As of yet, I havevn't been able to test this theory, but I will able to do so soon enough. However, I trust that my Martin shall be able to make it through the night, as long as I can resist the urge of doing my Hendrix impression.

I have never dealt with Martin's Customer Support, but I must say that Guitar Center's service is less than satisfactory. Most of the staff at my local branch have a condescending, "holier than thou" attitude. Furthermore, when my mother went to buy the D-15, the case they first tried to include was obviously used. That is just unacceptable. This rating is supposed to be for Martin's customer support, though, so I will give no score.

Before I received this guitar as a Christmas gift in 2003, I had been playing electric guitar (ESP M-50 through a Dunlop Cry-Baby wah into a Randall RG-75 solid state combo) for 3 years. That may not seem like much experience, but I have practiced, taught, and gigged extensively in that time. Through gigging, I have come to cherish simple, reliable gear, mostly because I haven't the patience for anything else, and I believe that the best tone comes from the least complicated instruments (and signal paths). The Martin D-15 is a great example of this. Though it doesn't have many features, the features it does have are of superior quality and add significantly to the instrument's tone.

If this instrument were lost or stolen, I would probably buy it again. The only instrumet I would consider (and only fleetingly, since it's more the twice the price of the D-15) is the Gibson J-45 Rosewood. However, I would play the instrument before I actually bought it this time. As I wrote earlier, this guitar was a Christmas gift, and I think that had actually been able to choose which D-15 to buy, I could have avoided my set-up problems. I have played at least two other D-15's, and neither one of them had these problems. Mine seems to be some type of anomaly.

Overall, however, this guitar, despite its flaws, is a fine instrument, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a simple, reliable acoustic with a unique, though still fantastic, tone.

All mahogany plain jane dreadnaught--made in America for those who are interested. Satin finish, holds its tune, excellent tuners. Came with a HSC. It's features befit its price and purpose.

I play an eclectic variety of gospel, country, folk and bluegrass. This guitar does well on all. It has a full mellow tone, not too bassy and not too brassy. It has the usual Martin set-up, but the neck is more comfortale. I can rock back in my recliner and just enjoy the experience of playing. It is a great vocal companion. I first heard a young man wandering around playing one at the
Walnut Valley Festival in Kansas several years ago and knew I needed one of my own!

It is a solid wood Martin guitar. What else can I say? I have come to like the satin finishes because the do crack with age, use or temperature changes. Martin has been putting out some low price HPL junk at a low price, but this is a low cost Martin at its best.

I have had the guitar maybe 3 years and it is as solid as ever---will probably outlast me! I can pick this guitar up after a month of neglect and it will invariably be in tune. It stays in tune without mid-backyard gig re-tuning. Satin finish is imperceptable, but I think the cross-link polymers have shown themselves to be worthy successors to the thick finishes.

I have had no problems, but whenever I have had problems with other Martins, my dealer and Martin have been quick to respond. Martin has a limited lifetime warranty

I have been banging away for almost forty years. I own several Martins--new and old plus a Tacoma RM6, a Blueridge 140 and a 1937 Sears brass resophonic. I would replace the guitar because it fills an important niche in my music. I sold a Baby Taylor because the D15 is a little bigger physically and a lot bigger soundwise.The D-15 is as small as I want a guitar. I rate the guitar very highly, not because it it the finest work of the luther's art, but because it is top-notch at being what it is.

Purchased around 2000 or 1999 (don't remember). All solid mahogany guitar (rosewood bridge and fretboard, or course!), unique to Martin (I haven't seen others). It has a satin finish, no laquer and I heard that it means the guitar will be louder and have a better tone. Came with Martin hard case. Tuners are still shiny, no corrosion/tarnish. I always keep it in the case.
I also installed a Wittman "Mic-In-Tuner", which is a small electronic tuner that hangs inside on the brace and also has a condenser mic output through the strap button. It sounds awesome! Wittman doesn't make these anymore :-(
And I just had a bone nut and bridge saddle professionally installed.
For what this guitar is - a plain acoustic with awesome sound - the features are a 10 - not because there's "tons" of them, but because nothing's missing.

I though I liked the Ovation guitars and the jumbo acoustics. A friend of mine bought the D-15 and I had to have one! The tone was so warm and yet brilliant. It's not too loud, but not quiet. It sounds like $1000 guitars. It actually sounds great with extra-light gauge strings ("tens"), even though some people have told me that "tone will be sacrificed". I just can't play the o.12's! this guitar comes with Martin SP strings, which are all bronzed, including the plain high strings - to resist corrosion. I find that these sound best on this guitar and I always get them. They also last longer.

It was quite well set up, but most guitars will benefit from a professional setup when purchased. The action is excellent and even though there's no cutaway, I can play higher frets with ease. There were no flaws in mine and it's all around very well made. The satin finish eventually becomes "polished" or shiny where it touches your hands, clothing, etc. Very light scratches and dings also begin to accumulate, but it doesn't really affect the look and much less the tone.

Well, it'll probably withstand live playing physically, but not cosmetically. Hardware is good - after 4 years mine is still shiny and tight. Finish will surely wear off eventually. It's not laquered. Can't comment on strap buttons - I had a metal one installed at the neck (doesn't come with one installed, a plastic one is included in the case, I hate them). The other one is replaced with the mic output/strap button. Wouldn't need a backup other than if you break strings (I've never broken strings on mine).

I haven't dealt with them, but my friend's D-15 had the back separated from the sides (from sitting in a basement w/o a case) and I was told at Sam Ash that the Life Time warranty will cover that no problem. You have to have your receipt and warranty papers. Couldn't ask for more!

I've been playing on and off for about 10 years. I used to have tons of electrics and basses and a few acoustics, but now this is my only instrument. No regrets ever about this guitar except that for me even $600 is a lot of money. But that's not really Martin's fault. The already came very low on this one. If I lost it I just couldn't afford to buy one like this. In fact I am selling mine to buy a lower priced "beater" to free up some money. I love the tone, but I'm not a good enough player for that to matter. I don't want to be worried when playing by the campfire. I also like jumbo guitars with cutaway, so that'll be my choice this time. But tone-wise this is still the best guitar I've ever held/played/heard under $1000.
If you like straight dreadnaught guitars (well, even if you don't) you owe it to yourself to find one at a store near you, make sure it has fresh strings, and play it a little and have some else to play it for you.

All mahogany solid wood guitar. Chrome Tuners that do a good job staying in tune. Rating features on this guitar is not really fair. It really does not have many features but at it's price for a well constructed solid wood guitar that is it's best feature.

This guitar to my seems very sad. By this I mean I like to play it when I play some of the more "sad" or "depressing" songs. It is very even and mellow. Good for blues or some of those tear in you beer kinda songs.

The guitar was set up well from the factory. I have had it for over a year and have not changed a thing.

This guitar has been very reliable and durable. For the lack of a better term it has been my "beater" and has held up great.

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This has got to be one of the top guitars on the Market for under $1,000. They usually go from around $500 to $700 dollar range.

This guitar features all solid Mahogany construction with a satin finish, the fretboard and bridge I believe is Rosewood. The look of this guitar is simple and plain but I think this lack frills makes this guitar really unique. This guitar does not get a perfect score however because of the cheap sound hole decal. I would have paid the extra cash for a real one. This guitar also came with a nice case that fits like a glove.

This particular guitar is a cannon. The original owner installed ebony bridge pins and a bone saddle which I think helps its tone and power. Even with pretty dead strings this guitar has a nice rich sound. I also own a Tacoma DM-9 and this guitar has a much more defined tone than the Tacoma (which I also think is a great guitar for the money) Some people have said this guitar isn't loud. My wife from the first time she heard it was blown away with how loud it was. She said it was a little unattractive but the sound could not be beat. I use this guitar to lead children in worship and it works awesome.

This guitar was put together with the quality you would expect from Martin. I have found the build quality to be much better than my Tacoma, but it should be the folks at Martin have been doing this along time. My D-15 has smoother frets than my Tacoma and much better action due impart to the smaller neck diameter.

This guitar will hold up to live playing if you treat it with respect as you should any guitar. The guy before me added a second strap button but I'm not real keen on its location but will leave it as i don't want a hold in my nice guitar. I would never choose to gig without a backup because I break strings quite often.

I've never dealt with them but have heard good things.

I think this guitar is great for the money, I played hundreds of guitars before settling on this one. I really could not justify spending an extra grand on a higher end model. If this guitar was stolen I would be hunt them down like a dog and take it back. If this proved impossible I would by another one just like it. I really can't say enough good things about it.