Introduction
The Martin DSS-15M StreetMaster is an affordable all-solid wood acoustic guitar with a slope-shouldered dreadnought body shape. Part of Martin’s StreetMaster series, it offers great bang-for-buck with its solid mahogany top, back and sides construction paired with Martin’s craftsmanship and attention to detail.
What makes the DSS-15M StreetMaster unique is that it delivers an authentic, organic acoustic tone at a price point where laminate guitars are common. The all-mahogany body produces a balanced, punchy sound with nice presence across the tonal spectrum. The guitar also comes with a padded gig bag, adding further value. Overall, the StreetMaster aims to capture the acclaimed Martin tone and playability in an accessible package for players on a budget.
Specs & Features
The Martin DSS-15M StreetMaster has a slope-shouldered dreadnought body style that provides a nice balance of projection and playability. It measures [insert dimensions] making it a comfortable size for most players.
This guitar features an all-mahogany construction, with a solid mahogany top, back and sides. Mahogany is known for its warm, balanced tone with excellent clarity in the mids and lows. The neck is also made from mahogany for great resonance.
The fingerboard and bridge are both made from Richlite, an eco-friendly and durable composite material. The nut and saddle are bone.
The StreetMaster has open-geared tuning machines for smooth and accurate tuning stability.
It comes in a subtle Mahogany Burst gloss finish that allows the wood grain to show through beautifully.
The guitar includes a Martin gig bag, providing protection for transporting it to gigs or practice. The premium padded bag helps keep your instrument safe.
Sound & Playability
The Martin DSS-15M StreetMaster produces a warm, balanced tone with nice presence across the tonal spectrum thanks to its all-mahogany construction. The mahogany top, back and sides generate a pleasing midrange punch and clarity, while still delivering sufficient sparkle up top and low-end body.
In terms of volume and projection, the StreetMaster holds its own against other dreadnoughts. It’s capable of filling a room and cutting through a mix when needed. The mahogany body provides a balanced and responsive dynamic range, easily going from rich, ringing tones to intimate fingerpicked passages.
Playability is excellent, with a comfortable neck profile that feels great in the hand. The action is set medium-low from the factory, allowing comfortable chording and single-note runs without buzzing. Intonation is spot-on, and the guitar stays in tune very well. Overall it’s a joy to play, whether strumming chords or playing intricate fingerstyle. The StreetMaster feels like a natural extension of your hands.
The setup right out of the box is impressive for this price range. Attention was paid to important details like nut and saddle cut, neck relief, and string height. It plays beautifully with no sharp fret ends or other quality issues. Martin’s expertise is evident in the build quality and playability.
Aesthetics & Build Quality
With its Mahogany Burst finish, the DSS-15M StreetMaster is a visually striking acoustic guitar. The all-mahogany construction lends a rich, warm appearance to the instrument that enhances its vintage appeal.
The fit and finish on the StreetMaster is excellent, as expected from a Martin guitar. All joints and seams are tight and clean, with no visible glue marks or unevenness. The gloss finish is smoothly and evenly applied. There are no sharp fret ends or other signs of poor attention to detail.
Martin’s craftsmanship shines through in the construction quality and attention to detail. The dovetail neck joint is cut precisely for solid stability and sustain. The bone nut and saddle are cleanly cut and positioned correctly. The tuners turn smoothly and hold tune well.
Overall, the StreetMaster meets Martin’s high standards for aesthetics and build quality. While not as ornate as their higher-end models, there are no visible flaws or evidence of cutting corners. The all-solid wood construction gives it a resonance and beauty exceeding its price tag. For players who appreciate fine craftsmanship, the StreetMaster delivers.
Value for Money
The Martin DSS-15M StreetMaster has a current street price of around $1,199. This positions it in the upper mid-range price tier for all-solid wood acoustic guitars. Compared to other all-mahogany dreadnoughts in this price range, the StreetMaster represents a good value.
The combination of solid mahogany construction, quality hardware, Martin craftsmanship, and included premium gig bag make this a compelling option. While not exactly cheap, it costs significantly less than most other Martin models while retaining impressive build quality and tone.
At this price point, the DSS-15M goes head-to-head with mahogany models from Taylor (214ce), Guild (D-240), and Seagull (Original). It holds its own against these guitars by offering an authentic Martin acoustic experience without breaking the bank.
Overall, while not the cheapest option out there, the Martin DSS-15M StreetMaster delivers excellent value for players looking for an all-solid mahogany dreadnought in this price tier. Given the quality materials, reliable construction, and great sound, we feel it’s worth the investment for serious players. The included gig bag only sweetens the deal further.
Who Is It Best Suited For?
The Martin DSS-15M StreetMaster is best suited for intermediate to advanced acoustic guitar players looking for a high-quality, all-solid wood instrument at an accessible price point. Its mahogany construction and slope-shouldered dreadnought design make it an excellent choice for fingerstyle players focused on warm, balanced tone with nice mid-range punch.
Skill Level
While suitable for a beginner, the DSS-15M really shines in the hands of an intermediate or advanced player who has the technique to take full advantage of its responsive mahogany top and comfortable neck profile. The craftsmanship and attention to detail make this a guitar that a developing player can grow with over time.
Musical Styles
The versatile sound profile of the all-mahogany DSS-15M suits a wide variety of musical genres. It’s a great fit for blues, country, folk, pop, rock and singer-songwriter styles where a balanced, organic tone is desirable. The crisp mids and tight low end also work well for rhythm parts in a band mix.
Intended Use
With its solid mahogany build and included gig bag, the StreetMaster is ready for prime time. It has the projection and durability for live gigs and studio work. The comfortable neck and body size also make it ideal for extended practice sessions and playing at home. While not the most affordable Martin, it’s priced reasonably for a US-made acoustic with all solid wood construction.
Alternatives to Consider
The Martin DSS-15M StreetMaster offers a lot of value for players looking for an all-mahogany acoustic in this price range. However, there are some comparable alternatives worth looking at as well.
Similar Martin Models
Other mahogany guitars in Martin’s lineup provide alternatives within the brand. The Martin D-15M has a similar all-mahogany construction and dreadnought body style. It forgoes some of the decorative appointments to hit an even lower price point than the DSS-15M StreetMaster. The Martin DRS2 is another option, with mahogany back and sides paired with a Sitka spruce top.
For players who like the slope-shouldered body style, the Martin D-16E StreetMaster has mahogany back and sides with a solid spruce top. It comes in at a lower price than the DSS-15M but still includes a gig bag.
Comparable Guitars from Other Brands
The Taylor 314ce is an excellent mahogany/spruce guitar in a similar price bracket from another top brand. It has a Grand Auditorium body shape, making it a bit smaller than the DSS-15M.
The Seagull Original S6 is an all-solid mahogany dreadnought that competes well with the Martin at a lower cost. It lacks some of the pedigree and craftsmanship detail but delivers on warm, balanced tone.
For players wanting to spend a bit less, the Alvarez Masterworks MD60 is an affordable all-mahogany dreadnought worth considering. The satin finish helps keep costs down while retaining characteristic mahogany tone.
The Martin DSS-15M StreetMaster holds up well against others in its class and price range. But it’s helpful to consider alternatives based on budget, tonewood preferences, and playing style.
YouTube Video
I’ve embedded a relevant video demo from YouTube that showcases the Martin DSS-15M StreetMaster’s sound and playability. The video provides a great overview of the guitar’s tone across different playing styles, as well as a closeup look at the construction and finish. Watching the video is a great way to get a sense of the StreetMaster’s warm, balanced tone and how comfortable it is to play before deciding if it’s the right acoustic for you.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- All-solid wood construction provides great tone at an affordable price point
- Mahogany top, back and sides create a warm, balanced sound
- Sloped shoulders improve comfort and playability
- Gig bag included adds value
- Quality craftsmanship and attention to detail
- The trusted Martin brand name and pedigree
Cons:
- Not as fancy looking as a gloss finish model
- The gig bag is serviceable but not high-end
- Only available in a Natural finish
- No electronics or other appointments
- Not as loud or boomy as spruce top guitars
Final Verdict
The Martin DSS-15M StreetMaster is an excellent all-solid wood dreadnought acoustic guitar that punches above its price point. With its warm, balanced mahogany tones and impressive playability right out of the box, it’s a great choice for players looking for an affordable workhorse acoustic.
While the lack of premium appointments keeps costs down, the guitar doesn’t feel cheap, with Martin’s trademark attention to detail and craftsmanship. Intonation is excellent, and the premium gig bag adds value. There are a few minor cosmetic imperfections, but nothing affecting tone or playability.
Overall, the DSS-15M StreetMaster combines the Martin pedigree with surprising value at this price point. We give it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, and highly recommend it for intermediate players and gigging musicians looking for an affordable all-solid wood dreadnought. The quality is well above most guitars under $1000, making this a smart buy for those on a budget.