Martin

With a total of 10705 produced between 1935-1961, the 0-15 is a distant second to the 0-18 (which total well over 24,000 in number) in terms of Martin’s production numbers for 0-body guitars. Otherwise, the very similar 0-17 comes in just behind the 0-15 with a little more than 10400 produced.  Of course, when one considers the fact that the 0-15 was only produced for 26 years when the 0-18 has been available for far longer, one could argue that the 0-15 was at least as popular, if not more so in its heyday.  Indeed, production numbers support this. In the most active years of the 0-15’s production (’48-61), Martin consistently produced more 0-15s than 0-18s with only a handful of exceptions.  In 1955, a year before this 0-15 rolled off the line, production peaked with 925 0-15s made that year—626 were made in 1956.

Nerdy number stuff aside, in playing this 0-15 it is easy to appreciate its well-established historic popularity!  In many respects the 15 Series of the past (and present) represent what we as players and dealers really like to see—a clear focus on performance value over ornamentation on the part of a manufacturer.   Indeed, the unbound, all-mahogany construction of this 0-15 is undeniably Spartan in its look, humbly encouraging us to concentrate on the understated natural beauty of its parts.  Yet, beneath the hood, this guitar possesses surprising sonic capabilities.  As an 0-body, this 0-15 naturally has a very focused and more mid-forward voice than its larger relatives.  That said, the mid-range does not present as honky or overbearing (as it can in some smaller guitars); rather, in the case of this lovely 0-15, this additional mid-range presence simply translates to excellent balance and clarity.  Meanwhile, as is often true of hardwood tops, the Mahogany top contributes a percussive and playful bounce to the guitar’s response while also imparting a woody, dry edge to the note.  This 0-15 also exhibits a slightly enhanced bass presence that we have come to associate with hardwood tops, like Koa or Mahogany.

Of course, beyond its innate sonic appeal, this charming little 0-15 simply exudes vintage guitar curb appeal.  With the passage of time and a healthy amount of play over the years, the guitar has matured in all of the right ways.  Moreover, following some much needed (but common) repairs, it is now playing its best.  Whether functioning as a tremendous couch guitar, a recording laser beam, or a daily driver, this delightful old Martin has tons of personality and an attractive degree of straightforward expressiveness (not to mention that coveted “vintage” pedigree) at a very reasonable price.

Condition:

For its age, this charming 0-15 is in impressive overall condition, though it does have some structural repairs to note.  Most significantly, the guitar clearly suffered a major impact at some point that, resulting in the side being cracked and broken (i.e., cracked across the grain) on the bass side near at the transition of the waist to the lower bout.  While this area was not repaired here, the repair work was done competently, with both some exterior touch up (including some filler) as well as the necessary internal stabilization with cleating.  Upon arrival, we noted that the neck angle was under-set and that the original bridge showed signs of having material removed.  The neck angle has since been reset; and, after due consideration, it was determined that it was in the guitar’s best interest to replace the bridge with new period-appropriate Brazilian rosewood bridge during the process.  The original frets still had good mass, and thus they were preserved--of course, we have leveled and polished all the frets to ensure that the guitar is in best condition for sale.  Otherwise, apart from the aforementioned damage on the bass side, this guitar is in very good cosmetic condition—in addition to its lovely patina, it only exhibits a light collection of “mojo marks” (i.e.,  various dents, dings, scuffs) befitting its age and a lifetime of respectful use.  VERY GOOD CONDITION

• 14-Fret 0-Body Size
• Mahogany Top
• Spruce 5/16” X-Bracing
• Mahogany Back and Sides
• Single Ring 3-Ply Rosette
• Gloss Finish
• Mahogany Neck
• Dovetail Neck Joint
• Brazilian Rosewood Fingerboard
• Ivoroid Dot Fingerboard Inlays
• Rosewood Headstock Veneer
• Decal Script Logo
• C Neck Shape
• Gloss Neck Finish
• Replica Brazilian Rosewood Straight Bridge with Contoured Saddle Slot (Original Bridge is Not Present)
• White Plastic Bridge Pins
• Original Waverly 3x3 Tuning Machines with Cream Knobs
• Bone Nut
• Bone Saddle
• 1 11/16” Nut Width
• 9” Scale Length
• Road Runner Foam Case