Introduction
Martin Guitars has been crafting some of the finest acoustic instruments in the world for over 180 years. Founded in 1833 by German immigrant Christian Frederick Martin, the company pioneered the dreadnought body shape and helped define the signature sound of American roots music.
The Martin 000-15M acoustic guitar continues this legacy of quality and innovation. Part of Martin’s popular 15 Series, the 000-15M features an all-mahogany body in their comfortable 000-14 fret shape. With its warm, balanced tone, the 000-15M has earned a devoted following among fingerstyle players and those looking for the classic Martin sound in a compact parlor-sized instrument.
Construction & Specs
The Martin 000-15M features an all-mahogany construction, with a solid mahogany top, back and sides. This gives it a rich, warm tone and excellent resonance.
It has the 000-14 fret body size, which is Martin’s smallest body shape. The 000 size has a length of 19 7/8" and a waist of 15 5/8". The smaller body makes it comfortable for fingerstyle playing.
The 000-15M has 14 frets clear of the body. This gives greater access to the upper registers compared to a 12 fret design.
The guitar uses all solid woods in its construction – solid mahogany for the top, back and sides. Solid woods allow the guitar to resonate and project optimally.
The neck is also made of solid mahogany for a smooth, comfortable feel. The fingerboard is ebony.
The 000-15M has a hand-rubbed satin nitrocellulose lacquer finish. This allows the wood to vibrate freely for optimal resonance. The smooth satin finish also makes playing comfortable.
Tone & Sound
The Martin 000-15M delivers the quintessential warm, rich mahogany tone that Martin is renowned for. The all-solid mahogany construction produces a strong, pronounced midrange, adding depth and body to the guitar’s voice.
While many mahogany guitars can sound somewhat muddy or boxy, the 000-15M has a clear, balanced bass and treble response. Notes ring out with clarity and definition across the tonal spectrum. The mahogany construction also lends itself to excellent resonance and sustain. Both fingerstyle and strumming players will appreciate the fullness and harmonic complexity the 000-15M provides.
The mahogany sound is a nice contrast from the typical brightness of spruce and rosewood acoustic guitars. The 000-15M has a vintage old-school vibe that excels for blues, folk, country and singer-songwriter styles. The tone also records and amplifies beautifully, capturing the rich harmonic character. Overall the 000-15M delivers exceptional acoustic tone that highlights the prized qualities of solid mahogany guitars.
Playability
The Martin 000-15M has an extremely playable feel right out of the box. The mahogany neck has a comfortable and nicely rounded profile that fits nicely in the hand. It’s not overly chunky but also not too thin, providing a great feel for both rhythm and lead playing.
The factory setup on the 000-15M is very well done. It comes with a nice low action that makes chords and individual notes easy to fret without buzzing out. The intonation is spot on up and down the neck. The fretwork is also impressively smooth and finished, with no sharp fret ends to snag on your fingers.
Overall the 000-15M just feels great to play, whether you’re strumming chords or picking out melodic lines and solos. The comfortably shaped neck, quality fretwork, and ideal factory setup combine to make this a very playable and enjoyable guitar you can pick up and enjoy right away.
Aesthetics & Appointments
The Martin 000-15M has a handsome, vintage-inspired aesthetic with several appointments that give it a classic, old-school vibe. It features an aged toner finish on the solid mahogany top which resembles the patina of a well-loved vintage instrument.
Complementing this is faux tortoise pickguard binding around the top perimeter, reminiscent of many classic Martin models from the 1930s and 40s eras. The binding helps accentuate the subtle two-tone look from the aged toner on the top as well.
The headstock sports an old-style script Martin logo decal in gold lettering, rather than the modern bold Martin logo. Along with the vintage open-gear tuners, this adds to the nostalgic and traditional aesthetics of the guitar.
The fingerboard has small pearl dot inlays which are understated and classy. Overall the 000-15M has a refined yet casual vintage vibe, with the aged toner and tortoise binding being the most distinctive visual appointments.
Price & Value
The Martin 000-15M has a street price that typically ranges between $1,799 to $1,999. This positions it as an upper-midrange acoustic guitar, though still at the lower end of the pricing spectrum for all-solid wood Martin guitars.
Compared to other all-mahogany Martin models, the 000-15M offers strong value. It comes in lower than the similar 00-15M (around $2,199), while still retaining the same solid woods and appointments. It’s also priced below the mahogany/spruce 000-15SM model that goes for around $2,299.
Part of the excellent value proposition of the 000-15M is the inclusion of a high-quality hardshell case. Having a durable and protective case (with a retail value of $150-$200) included rather than a gig bag adds to the overall value you receive.
The 000-15M manages to deliver the coveted all-solid mahogany construction that Martin is renowned for, at a price point accessible to a wide range of players. Given the quality materials, craftsmanship and appointments, it represents an excellent investment for those seeking an all-mahogany acoustic.
Alternatives
The Martin 000-15M occupies a niche as an all-mahogany acoustic in a comfortable 000 body size. Here’s how it compares to some other popular mahogany and 000-sized guitars:
Martin 00-15M – This is another all-mahogany Martin, but with a slightly larger 00 body size (14 frets to the body). It offers a bit more volume and bass response than the 000-15M, but is also more expensive.
Martin D-15M – For those who want the booming projection of a dreadnought, the all-mahogany D-15M is a great option. It delivers the quintessential mahogany tone in a very loud dreadnought package.
Taylor 322 – Taylor’s take on an all-mahogany acoustic is the warm and balanced sounding 322. It’s comparable to the 000-15M in price and appointments, offering a viable alternative.
Gibson J-45 – While not fully mahogany, the J-45 has mahogany back and sides for a similar tonal character. As a very popular dreadnought, it’s worth comparing for those who like Gibson’s style.
The 000-15M holds it own against others in its class in terms of tone, playability and aesthetics. Choosing between these great mahogany guitars ultimately comes down to body size preference, budget, and brand loyalty.
Who is the Martin 000-15M Ideal For?
The Martin 000-15M is an ideal fit for certain players based on their playing style, tonal preferences, and priorities.
Fingerstyle Players
With its compact 000 body size, comfortable neck profile, and focused mahogany tone, the 000-15M is a fantastic choice for fingerstyle guitarists. The articulate and balanced sound allows complex fingerpicking to shine with warmth and nuance. The 000 body’s mid-boost also helps cut through during intricate solo playing.
Vintage Guitar Collectors
As an all-solid wood Martin guitar with vintage appointments, the 000-15M holds appeal for collectors interested in the history and heritage of acoustic instruments. Its mahogany tone and styling provide a classic Martin experience.
Fans of Smaller Body Sizes
Players who prefer more comfortable, compact body sizes will appreciate the 000-15M. Its reduced scale length and narrow nut width enhance playability compared to larger dreadnought and jumbo acoustics. The 000 is an ideal fit for smaller-statured musicians or anyone wanting ample comfort and ergonomics.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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Rich, warm tone: The all-mahogany construction of the Martin 000-15M produces a beautifully balanced and refined tone, with a rich, pronounced midrange, clear trebles, and enough low-end thump. The mahogany creates a very musical and appealing overall voice.
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Excellent playability: With its comfortable neck profile, low action and quality fretwork right out of the box, the 000-15M is a very playable instrument. The compact 000 body size and 14-fret design also enhance the playing experience.
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Classy vintage looks: From its aged toner top to the open-gear tuners and faux tortoise binding, the 000-15M has many attractive vintage-inspired visual appointments. It’s a good-looking guitar with authentic Martin styling.
Cons
- Higher price tag: As an all-solid wood Martin guitar, the 000-15M sits at the upper end of the price spectrum. While it offers good value, the price may be prohibitive for some players’ budgets.
Conclusion
The Martin 000-15M is an excellent choice for fingerstyle players, singer/songwriters, or anyone looking for a warm, rich acoustic guitar tone. Its all-mahogany construction delivers a balanced, robust sound with pronounced midrange and great resonance.
This compact 000-14 fret body is comfortable to play, with easy upper fret access thanks to the 14-fret neck joint. The satin finish and vintage appointments like open-gear tuners make it a gorgeous guitar as well.
For the price, the 000-15M is a great value, considering it’s an all-solid wood Martin guitar that comes with a hardshell case. The quality tonewoods, craftsmanship and attention to detail you expect from Martin make this an impressive instrument that will only get better with age.
Overall, the 000-15M comes highly recommended for players who know they want the quintessential mahogany sound. It’s a tonally versatile workhorse that looks, plays, and sounds fantastic.