Introduction
Martin Guitars has been crafting premium acoustic instruments by hand in Nazareth, Pennsylvania since 1833. With almost two centuries of history, Martin has earned an impeccable reputation for building the highest quality guitars using traditional methods and the finest materials. The Martin name has graced stages from Woodstock to Coachella in the hands of iconic artists like Johnny Cash, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, and John Mayer.
The 000 body style has been an integral part of the Martin catalog since 1902. Slightly smaller than a classic dreadnought, the 000’s compact yet rounded shape produces a focused and intimate tone perfect for fingerstyle playing. While often employing spruce tops and rosewood backs and sides, Martin also crafts all-mahogany 000 models like the 000-15SM.
The 000-15SM represents the pinnacle of Martin’s mahogany guitars. As part of the prestigious 15 series, it features solid mahogany construction, a 12-fret neck design, and Martin’s signature build quality and attention to detail. The all-mahogany tone and feel combined with modern appointments make the 000-15SM a versatile and resonant acoustic for today’s discerning players. This premium yet understated guitar embodies everything that makes Martin acoustics treasured for generations.
Martin 000-15SM Specs & Features
The Martin 000-15SM is an all-mahogany acoustic guitar featuring solid mahogany construction for the top, back and sides. This gives the 000-15SM a rich, warm and resonant tone.
The body shape is Martin’s comfortable and balanced 000 auditorium size with the following dimensions:
- Length: 19 7/8"
- Width: 15"
- Depth: 4 5/16”
It has a 12-fret neck joint which brings the body and neck together at the 12th fret, unlike most Martins which join at the 14th fret. This 12-fret design has a few impacts:
- The bridge is moved slightly forward on the lower bout for easier access to upper frets
- The body has a slightly shorter profile
- The tone is a bit warmer and focused, with a piano-like character
The 000-15SM features a slotted headstock which is said to allow more sustain and tuning stability. The headstock has a vintage style with Martin’s standard screening.
For bracing, Martin uses their non-scalloped X-brace pattern on the 000-15SM. This is said to provide excellent strength and support for the mahogany top while allowing it to vibrate freely. The result is excellent resonance and rich tone.
Other specifications include:
- Scale length: 25.4”
- Fretboard radius: 16”
- Fretboard width at nut: 1 3/4"
- Neck width at heel: 2 1/8”
- 20 frets
- Ebony fingerboard and bridge
- Bone nut and saddle
The 000-15SM comes in a polished gloss finish but can be ordered in different shades and effects. Overall it provides the iconic Martin build quality and sound in an all-mahogany format.
Sound & Tonal Characteristics
The all-mahogany construction of the Martin 000-15SM produces a rich, warm, and resonant acoustic guitar tone. The solid mahogany top has a strong mid-range focus compared to spruce tops, which have more emphasis on the treble frequencies. This gives the 000-15SM a very balanced and rounded tonal profile.
When playing, the mahogany responds with a singing sustain. It has enough punch and volume to provide pleasing dynamics, but the tone remains smooth and refined. Notes bloom nicely and decay gradually. The mahogany construction brings out complex overtones in chords and single notes.
The 12-fret design also impacts the tonal character in a subtle way. With the bridge positioned slightly closer to the lower bout, the strings have a bit less vibrating length. This helps give the 000-15SM a piano-like warmth and sweetness. It’s a small tonal nuance, but the 12-fret layout does seem to add some extra resonance and character.
Overall, the all-mahogany build and 12-fret body style of the 000-15SM create a very warm, balanced, and responsive acoustic guitar tone. The rich mid-range and singing sustain make this an excellent guitar for fingerstyle playing. It provides enough projection for stage use, while retaining a refined and polished voice.
Playability & Feel
The Martin 000-15SM’s playability lives up to its premium pedigree, with a comfortable and accessible feel that makes this guitar a joy to play.
The neck has an elegant low oval profile that feels slim and hand-friendly without being too thin. There’s a pleasing roundness to the back of the neck that nestles comfortably in the palm. The nut width measures a very playable 1 11/16", providing ample room for fingerstyle playing without feeling too wide for smaller hands.
The fretboard is crafted from rich ebony, offering a smooth and fast feel. The medium jumbo frets are neatly finished for fluid lead playing. The fretboard has a 16" radius, which strikes a versatile balance between vintage flatness and a more modern curve. This allows easy chord changes and bends without fretting out.
One of the perks of the 000-15SM’s 12-fret design is the slightly shorter scale length, around 24.9". This allows an ever so slightly slinkier, looser string tension that enhances playability. The 12-fret body also brings the bridge closer to the player, reducing hand stretch for easier fretting access across the fretboard.
Compared to Martin’s iconic dreadnought shape, the 000-15SM’s compact auditorium size feels more agile and intimate. The smaller body is lighter on the strap and easily balanced. Players who find a dreadnought too large will appreciate the hand-friendliness of the 000-15SM. While not as boomy and projecting as a dreadnought, the 000-15SM offers vintage character in a nimble package.
Craftsmanship & Aesthetics
Martin has long been renowned for its expert American craftsmanship, and the 000-15SM exemplifies their dedication to building the finest acoustic guitars. This model features premium appointments that highlight Martin’s attention to detail and quality.
The binding helps protect the solid wood construction, with multi-ply binding gracing the top and an ebony/boltaron backstrip binding. The rosette follows Martin’s timeless style with a simple and elegant triple ring inlay around the soundhole.
The fretboard and bridge are crafted from rich ebony, while a special antique white "vintage toner" finish gives the model a classic aged look. The 15-series appointments also include an old style Martin decal on the headstock, along with butterbean tuning machines with ebony buttons.
The non-scalloped "X"-bracing is executed with precision to provide ideal structural support while allowing the mahogany top to vibrate freely. From the expertly cut dovetail neck joint to the neatly tapered headstock, the 000-15SM exemplifies the impeccable workmanship that has made Martin a leader in acoustic guitars for over 180 years.
Electronics & Amplification
The Martin 000-15SM comes equipped with Martin’s Fishman Sonitone electronics system, featuring an under-saddle piezo pickup and preamp with volume and tone controls discreetly mounted inside the soundhole. This is a high-quality pickup that accurately captures the warm, resonant tones of the all-mahogany 000-15SM.
When plugged in, the 000-15SM retains its balanced, mid-focused voice with excellent note separation and articulation. There’s no unwanted quackiness or piezo harshness often associated with acoustic pickups – it’s a very natural and transparent amplified tone. The onboard preamp provides some simple EQ shaping via bass and treble controls to dial in your amplified sound.
For performing live or recording in the studio, the 000-15SM pairs nicely with a small, neutral acoustic guitar amplifier like the Fishman Loudbox Mini. This will help amplify the guitar’s natural acoustic sound without coloring it too much. A simple PA system is also sufficient for clearly projecting the 000-15SM’s balanced tone and nuanced playing dynamics in a live setting. Guitarists looking for more acoustic sound-shaping may want to use a preamp pedal like the LR Baggs Para DI between the guitar and amplifier.
Value
The Martin 000-15SM has a current street price of around $2,499. This positions it squarely in the premium price range for an all-solid wood acoustic guitar. However, Martin’s expertise and reputation for top-notch craftsmanship make this price tag understandable.
Compared to other all-mahogany guitars like the Taylor 516ce or Gibson Songwriter Studio, the 000-15SM is priced slightly higher. But it’s important to note that both of those models have laminate back and sides, while the Martin uses solid mahogany throughout. The 000-15SM is also American-made, compared to offshore production for the other models.
Among Martin’s own lineup, the 000-15SM demands a premium over their more affordable all-mahogany option, the 000-14. However, the 000-15SM adds appointments like antique white binding, open-gear tuners, and a higher grade of mahogany. It also comes from Martin’s Standard Series, emphasizing premium materials and craftsmanship.
Given the all-solid wood construction, lifetime warranty, and Martin’s reputation, the 000-15SM easily justifies its cost. While not cheap, this guitar represents an investment in long-lasting tone and quality. For players who appreciate fine craftsmanship and seek the ultimate mahogany acoustic, the 000-15SM is worth the premium price of admission.
Who is the Martin 000-15SM Best For?
With its compact 12-fret design, premium all-mahogany build, and rich, warm tone, the Martin 000-15SM is best suited for fingerstyle players who appreciate the nuances of an all-mahogany acoustic. The mahogany construction and shape make it an ideal fit for studio musicians and recording artists who want a versatile acoustic that excels at both strumming and fingerpicking.
The 000-15SM’s focused midrange and mellow treble response help accentuate complex fingerstyle techniques like Travis picking, while also providing excellent clarity on strummed chord voicings. The slotted headstock and comfortable neck profile optimize playability for intricate fingerpicking passages.
For genres and musical styles, the 000-15SM’s warm, vintage-inspired voice pairs beautifully with folk, country, Americana, blues, jazz, and rock. The mahogany tone adds vintage character to classic rock riffs while also sounding right at home providing rhythm accompaniment for vocal-driven genres like folk and country.
Some limitations to consider: the compact 12-fret body and focused midrange don’t project as loudly as Martin’s bigger dreadnought models. So while the 000-15SM works well for solo performers and studio use, it may struggle to cut through a full band mix in certain live settings. The warm tone also isn’t as suited to very aggressive strumming styles. But for most fingerpicking players, the 000-15SM offers an ideal blend of playability, comfort, vintage appeal, and versatile acoustic tone.
Alternatives & Comparisons
The Martin 000-15SM occupies a fairly specific niche as an all-mahogany 12-fret auditorium acoustic, but there are some other great options to consider in the same price range:
Other Martin 000 and OM Models
The most direct alternatives come from Martin’s own catalog. The Martin 000-18 has a similar all-mahogany build with a spruce top added. Tonally, the spruce provides more sparkling trebles to complement the mahogany warmth. The Martin OM-28 is another incredible mahogany/spruce option with a slightly bigger body shape. Both provide versatile tone at the expense of the focused mahogany voice.
All-Mahogany Guitars from Other Brands
The Taylor 517 and Breedlove Concertina Bourbon CE are two examples of all-mahogany guitars from other American brands. They have their own unique shapes and voices, but showcase the warm, rich mahogany tone. The Seagull Maritime SWS is a more affordable all-solid mahogany option from Canada.
Comparable 12-Fret Models
Some other excellent 12-fret guitars to consider are the Collings OM1A, Santa Cruz 1929, and Goodall Concert Jumbo Cutaway. They all combine the warm, vintage vibe of a 12-fret neck joint with different shapes and tonewoods. The Taylor 712 is a more affordable 12-fret option with layered rosewood back and sides.
While none will sound exactly the same as the 000-15SM, these high-quality alternatives are worth checking out, especially if you want to explore different shapes, tones, and brands. The 000-15SM holds its own against them with its focused mahogany voice and impeccable Martin craftsmanship.
Final Verdict & Recommendation
The Martin 000-15SM is a premium all-mahogany acoustic guitar that produces a rich, warm, and resonant tone perfect for fingerstyle playing and studio work. Its 12-fret design also makes it very comfortable and accessible to play. However, its price tag of around $2,500 puts it out of reach for many players.
Overall, the 000-15SM receives a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars for its exceptional tonewood combination, top-notch craftsmanship, and ideal balance of playability and comfort. The mahogany build results in a balanced EQ with sweet mids and rounded bass, while still having enough treble chime and projection. Paired with Martin’s signature build quality, it’s an acoustic that will satisfy even the most discerning player.
The 000-15SM is best suited for fingerstyle guitarists, singer-songwriters, and studio musicians who appreciate the look, feel, and vintage vibe of an all-mahogany 12-fret guitar. Players wanting maximum treble punch or cutaway access to upper frets may want to consider a different model.
For those with the budget, the Martin 000-15SM is highly recommended as an investment grade acoustic that will age beautifully over decades of playing. The mahogany tone and comfortable compact body size make it a pleasure to play for long periods, and the slotted headstock and vintage appointments give it a timeless look. While not cheap, it delivers outstanding performance, quality, and craftsmanship worthy of the Martin name.