Martin

From our perspective, when Martin revamped the 15 Series of guitars a few years ago they hit a home run - they converted good and interesting guitars into fine and exciting instruments.

The makeover was both functional and cosmetic. Now, the top, back and side are made with genuine mahogany rather than Sapele which is sometimes called African mahogany, and the neck is also made with genuine mahogany rather than a 'select hardwood'. Bone, not Corian, is used for both the nut and the custom compensated saddle, and the bridge pins are ebony rather than plastic. The fingerboard is now tastefully ornamented with diamond and square inlays instead of dots, and the top is dressed with a high quality Delmar tortoise colored pickguard. And finally, with a look from the past, the nickel tuning machines are vintage style with open gears and butterbean knobs.

What makes these guitars especially fun and exciting is the distinctive quality of their sound and the ease of their playability. Martin guitars made with mahogany or rosewood backs and sides and tops of spruce are known generally for a voice that is earthy, full-bodied and clear, while those made with all mahogany bodies have a signature tone of their own. In the case of Martin's 15 Series guitars, the sound they produce, like that of many fine vintage examples, is open, crisp, firm, and responsive - with a little more air. These dynamic qualities lend a zest and vitality to their voice that is both refreshing and invigorating. And, as if to mirror the soft visual sheen of their sleek satin finish, these appealing instruments play with a feel that is supple, smooth, and fast.

The 000-15SM is a wonderful example of what the 15-series has to offer and truly a standout model of Martin's. Its dry tone and spartan appointments yield a retro vibe that's only enhanced by the inherent "openness" that comes from its 12-fret construction. It handles strumming well and excels at fingerpicking applications where its punchy mahogany voice truly shines. The 000-15SM fills a distinct role in their lineup and is one of the best values that Martin offers.

• 000-12 Fret Body Size
• Solid Mahogany Spruce Top
• Scalloped X-Brace with Non Scalloped Tone Bars
• Genuine Mahogany Back and Sides
• Multi-Stripe Rosette
• Satin Finish
• Select Hardwood Neck
• East Indian Rosewood Fingerboard
• Diamonds and Squares Short Pattern Fingerboard Inlay
• East Indian Rosewood Headstock Veneer
• Modified Low Oval Neck Carve with Standard Taper
• Satin Neck Finish
• East Indian Rosewood Belly Bridge with Drop in Saddle
• Golden Age Bright Nickel Side Mount Tuning Machines with Ivoroid Knobs
• Faux Tortoiseshell Pickguard
• Bone Nut
• Bone Saddle
• 1 ¾” Nut Width
• 25.4” Scale Length
• Ply Hardshell Case