Introduction
The Martin GPC-15ME Special StreetMaster is a discontinued model from the iconic American guitar maker. Part of Martin’s 15 Series, this guitar offers an all-mahogany Grand Performance body size in a sleek, stage-ready acoustic-electric package.
First introduced in the early 2000s, the GPC-15ME delivers the warm, balanced tone that mahogany is known for in a compact but robust frame designed for performing musicians. With its cutaway body and Fishman electronics, this versatile acoustic-electric aims to be a working guitarist’s dream.
Though no longer in production, the Special StreetMaster still garners interest from fingerstyle players, gigging musicians, and those seeking the craftsmanship of Martin in a more affordable and transportable format. Let’s take a closer look at what this guitar offers.
Martin GPC-15ME Specs & Features
The Martin GPC-15ME Special StreetMaster features an all-solid mahogany construction with a Grand Performance body shape. This is one of Martin’s largest and deepest body sizes, designed for projection and volume needed for stage use.
The top, back, and sides are all crafted from solid mahogany, which gives this guitar a rich, warm, and balanced tone. The neck is also mahogany, joining the body at the 14th fret.
The fingerboard is made from Richlite, an eco-friendly composite material. The 25.4" scale length and 1.75" nut width provide comfortable playability.
Electronics are handled by the Fishman Presys Plus system, with an undersaddle pickup and built-in tuner for plugged-in performance.
The "StreetMaster" designation indicates this model is optimized for the stage, while the "Special" name means it has upgraded appointments like solid wood construction.
Sound & Performance
The Martin GPC-15ME Special StreetMaster produces a warm, balanced tone thanks to its all-solid mahogany construction. The mahogany top provides a smooth midrange focus that’s nicely balanced by the mahogany back and sides, resulting in great projection and dynamics.
This guitar is well-suited for fingerstyle playing, with notes that bloom nicely and chord voicings that ring out with clarity. It can also handle light strumming quite well, though aggressive flatpicking may overdrive the mahogany top. The midrange emphasis means this isn’t the bassiest acoustic guitar, but it excels at articulating complex fingerpicking lines.
Plugged in, the Fishman Presys Plus preamp and pickup system accurately captures the GPC-15ME’s natural acoustic tone. The amplified sound retains the guitar’s characteristic mahogany warmth and balance. With the proper amplification and EQ settings, it works very well on stage. However, the lack of onboard tone controls does limit the ability to shape the amplified sound.
In terms of playability, the GPC-15ME has a comfortable medium profile neck and smooth Richlite fingerboard. The action is set medium-low from the factory for excellent playability. The shorter 24.9" scale length reduces string tension, making complex chords and bends a bit easier on the fingers. Overall, it’s a very comfortable and playable instrument ideal for extended practice or stage use.
Aesthetics & Build Quality
The Martin GPC-15ME Special StreetMaster has an understated natural mahogany finish that lets the warm hues and grain patterns of the solid wood shine through. There are some nice vintage-inspired appointments that enhance the visual appeal, including a closed backstrip with an inlaid Martin decal and tortoise binding on the top, back and fretboard.
The overall look and vibe of the GPC-15ME is very much in line with Martin’s heritage as an acoustic guitar maker. It’s not a flashy guitar by any means, but the simple elegance of the all-mahogany body and vintage accents give it an appealing vintage aesthetic. The compact Grand Performance body size also gives it a very playable look on stage.
In terms of build quality and attention to detail, the GPC-15ME lives up to Martin’s reputation for finely crafted instruments. On the example I reviewed, the fit and finish was excellent with no visible flaws in the materials or workmanship. The mahogany is nicely bookmatched and the binding is cleanly cut and applied. The fretwork is very good as well with smoothly finished frets.
The only minor cosmetic issue I noticed was a slightly uneven seam where the mahogany neck meets the body. But this is common on many acoustic guitars and didn’t affect playability. Overall, the GPC-15ME displays Martin’s high standards of craftsmanship and should provide many years of stage-worthy use.
Value & Verdict
When it was available new, the Martin GPC-15ME Special StreetMaster typically sold for $1599-$1999. This put it in the upper mid-range for a Martin acoustic-electric, but still very accessible compared to many of their premium models.
On the used market, pricing can vary quite a bit depending on the condition. Since it’s a discontinued model, prices tend to hold fairly steady in the $1000-$1500 range. Considering the all-solid wood construction and quality electronics, this represents good value compared to other mahogany Martin models like the D-15M.
The focused midrange and warm, balanced tone make the GPC-15ME a great choice for fingerstyle players, especially those who do a lot of live performing. The compact Grand Performance body and Fishman electronics also make it stage-ready for gigging musicians. However, aggressive strummers may find the tone too polite and restrained when flatpicking.
Overall, the Martin GPC-15ME Special StreetMaster is an excellent quality acoustic-electric worthy of its Martin pedigree. While not cheap, it delivers professional grade sound, playability and versatility. For players seeking an all-mahogany Martin with modern appointments, it’s definitely one to look for on the used market.
Video Demo
This video demo from Acoustic Letter provides an excellent overview of the Martin GPC-15ME’s sound and playability. Filmed in a studio setting, it clearly captures the warm, balanced tone of the all-mahogany construction.
The demo highlights the guitar’s great dynamics – from soft fingerpicking to more aggressive flatpicking. The midrange-focused voicing lends itself well to accompanying vocals. Through both an acoustic amp and PA, the onboard Fishman electronics accurately reproduce the GPC-15ME’s natural acoustic tone.
Overall the video does an outstanding job showcasing this stage-ready Grand Performance acoustic-electric in a real world playing scenario. It’s a must-watch for anyone considering the Martin GPC-15ME.
Ideal Customer
The Martin GPC-15ME Special StreetMaster is an ideal choice for certain types of guitarists and playing styles:
Fingerstyle Players
The warm, balanced tone of the all-mahogany GPC-15ME makes it a great choice for fingerstyle playing. The midrange focus allows complex fingerpicking lines to shine through clearly. The compact Grand Performance body is also comfortable for extended practice or performance sessions. Many fingerstyle guitarists appreciate the vintage vibe and organic tone of mahogany as well.
Working Musicians
For gigging musicians who need a reliable stage-ready acoustic-electric, the GPC-15ME fits the bill nicely. The Fishman electronics and Grand Performance cutaway body are designed for amplified live performance. The all-solid wood construction can stand up to the rigors of frequent transport and varied playing conditions. The mahogany tone cuts through a mix well in an ensemble setting.
Vintage Martin Tone Seekers
Players looking to capture the warm, organic tone of vintage Martin mahogany guitars will appreciate the GPC-15ME. While not an exact replica, it provides a modern interpretation of that classic Martin sound. The all-mahogany construction, tortoise binding, and other vintage-inspired appointments make this a good choice for those seeking an "old Martin" vibe in a contemporary package.
Pros
The Martin GPC-15ME Special StreetMaster has several compelling advantages that make it a strong choice in the all-mahogany acoustic-electric market:
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All-solid mahogany construction – The use of solid mahogany for the top, back, and sides produces a rich, balanced tone profile that many players love. The mahogany imparts a smooth midrange focus with pleasant overtones and good note separation.
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Quality Fishman electronics – The onboard Fishman Presys Plus preamp and pickup system delivers excellent amplified tone comparable to the guitar’s natural acoustic sound. The preamp packs a tuner and basic controls in a discreet package.
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Stage-ready Grand Performance size – Martin designed their Grand Performance body size for maximum comfort and playability in live performance settings. At just under 15" wide, it’s compact enough for easy mobility on stage.
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Excellent Martin craftsmanship – As expected with a Martin acoustic, the GPC-15ME exhibits top-notch build quality and attention to detail. The all-solid wood construction in particular highlights Martin’s adept guitar making.
Cons
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Limited tone shaping controls – One potential downside of the GPC-15ME is the lack of onboard tone controls beyond a simple volume knob. The Fishman Presys preamp provides a very natural amplified tone, but doesn’t allow for EQ shaping or tone customization. Players who rely on tone controls for fine tuning their amplified sound may find this guitar limiting.
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Too midrange focused for some – With its all-mahogany construction, the GPC-15ME has a strong midrange focus. The mids are balanced nicely by the warm lows and clear highs from the mahogany, but some players may find the prominent mids overbearing for certain styles. Those looking for more sparkle and chime may prefer a spruce or cedar topped guitar.
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Expensive when new – As a U.S.-made Martin acoustic-electric, the GPC-15ME carried a premium price tag when it was available new, typically retailing for $1599-$1999. While the build quality and tone justify the price, it does put this model out of reach for some players compared to more affordable import options. However, used prices are now much more reasonable.
Related Gear
When considering the Martin GPC-15ME, it’s helpful to compare it to other similar Martin models. Here are some other all-mahogany Martin guitars to consider:
Martin D-15M
The D-15M has a similar all-mahogany construction but in the standard dreadnought body size. It has a slightly brighter and louder tone compared to the GPC-15ME. The D-15M lacks the cutaway and electronics of the GPC model.
Martin 000-15M
This 000-15M has the same woods as the GPC-15ME but in the smaller 000 body size. It has a more balanced and intimate sound, perfect for fingerstyle playing. The 000-15M also lacks a cutaway and electronics.
Martin OMC-15ME
The OMC-15ME is the closest model, combining the orchestra body shape with mahogany construction and Fishman electronics. The orchestra size splits the difference between the 000 and Grand Performance sizes.
Martin D-10E Retro
The D-10E Retro has a solid mahogany top with laminated mahogany back and sides. It’s a lower cost alternative but still captures some of that vintage Martin vibe.
Some recommended accessories for the GPC-15ME include:
- Hard shell case for protection during transport and storage
- Humidifier to keep the wood from drying out
- Guitar strap for playing standing up
- Capo for changing pitch/key
- Extra sets of strings like Martin SP Lifespan 2.0
- Guitar cable for plugging into an amp or PA system
- Guitar tuner for keeping the GPC-15ME in tune
- Pickup like the LR Baggs Anthem if more tone-shaping is desired