000-15m VS 000-15SM - Which one do YOU prefer?

Ever wondered how these two amazing guitars compare? Here's your chance to hear them side by side with exactly same microphone distance, settings, strings, tunes and everything in between. I hope this will help you decide which one you like the most.
Strings used: Martin MA540T
Pick: Dunlop Primetone 1.5mm
Interface: Audient ID44
DAW: Logic Pro X
Mic: Lewitt LCT 440 Pure
Please click the LIKE and SUBSCRIBE button if you like what you see and hear - I really appreciate your support.
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Keep being inspired
Thank you
//Chris Effort
Find me on instagram @Chris_Effort

[@sarahlizzy6033]

Thanks for putting this together Chris. Always a joy to hear you play.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks Sarah, it’s always a pleasure to read your kind comments.

[@matthewsomers4569]

Thanks for taking the time for making this excellent comparison video, in my opinion the best one out there on the Martin 15M and SM. Beautiful playing and top notch seamless editing to really give us the opportunity to hear both of these wonderful instruments doing what they do best. I'm the proud owner of the 15 SM myself, the wider spacing at the nut was an important factor for me as I'm mainly a fingerstyle player, but I love the overall old school look and feel of a 12 fret. Thanks again for your excellent work and for sharing your wonderful skills, I'm feeling inspired now to go and play mine for a while, soon as I subscribe to your channel. Stay happy and healthy, best wishes from Spain.

[@novicabozunovich]

Your SM videos got me into the shop. Got my SM last week. Life is good!

[@ChrisEffort]

Haha awesome! Congrats bud!

[@mudonsunday]

Thanks for this video Chris! I was in the market for a 15 series and wasn’t even aware of this model. When your video came up I was sold immediately on the SM. You’re great playing coupled with that unmistakable Martin sound was the deciding factor. Thanks Chris.

[@Calatriste54]

SM kicks it..both are nice, just a whisker's..

[@williammarshall7750]

I can't decide. Gonna have to replay this vid about 89 times. Thanks for the post and your amazing talent.

[@ChrisEffort]

Haha, thanks man! I will do a feature on the 00015SM soon so it’s easier to hear it isolated instead of the rapid shifts.

[@steveedsel5524]

Exactly what I was thinking as I watched... one of these will be mine!

[@Calatriste54]

Really dove in, m'man.. a great comparison. Much ta ponder..

[@MrRohelineKonn]

Dude… Thank you!! I’ve been looking for this comparison.

[@ChrisEffort]

I’m glad you found it useful. Cheers bud

[@zororosario]

Great playing on this demo! The SM has a really sweet inner voice, both are outstanding in their own sound. Thanks, Cheers.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks man!

[@ramonjago193]

You have blessed my heart and my ears and giving me more inspiration to keep playing thank you .

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank YOU Ramon! That put a smile on me.

[@NetMillionaire]

Could listen to you all day ❤. Great performance ❤

[@stephencaines5610]

Best videos on the web. Great work, love your style, technique and taste.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you man!

[@markmashia7551]

Just ordered -15sm. Can’t wait for it to arrive.

[@ChrisEffort]

Huge congrats Mark, you are not gonna regret getting that one. I can’t put mine down.

[@cashmoney9256]

Vey nice Chris!Both sounds great! My 12 year old OOO15 has a custom 1 3/4 “ nut and i usually tune a half step down…. so falls somewhere in between those 2 I’d say.

[@johnwashburn3793]

Thanks for the Effort, Chris. I had a hard time following the rapid fire exchanges, but you play well and both sound great. I am partial to the SM in general. I will try watching again. I am legally blind and had to stop the video to read. If the headstock was visible I would have known which was being played. See you in the next one.

[@ChrisEffort]

Hi John Thanks for saying that. That’s the kind of feedback that is really useful for me, so I can improve and refine future VS videos. I appreciate that

[@Gordman]

Thankyou, love martin 15 series, the ooo15sm is next on the list for me. Great playing and great video!

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you!

[@RichardL-yz8fm]

I dream of playing like this someday

[@Kloo-ys3mr]

Hi Chris, your video is great as is the way you play! It was very helpful for me to choose one of these guitars. I picked up the 000-15 SM, ... a beautiful guitar, both in the sound and his look, unique! Thanks to you, Kris. Best regards, Pascal.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks Pascal! Means a lot to hear that. And congrats! Amazing guitar. My favorite of the 15M series.

[@iamALLon]

This is the PERFECT side by side comparison. For myself, personally, I am now sold on the 000-15SM. I think is has a more balanced tone for being a standalone guitar. A lot more mids from the 000-15M(which isn’t necessarily a bad thing). Thanks for sharing!

[@MichaelTellierRealtor]

Just discovered your channel. Glad I did. I own the 000-15m Burst. Hands down my favorite of my guitars. I also own a Crafter 12-fret parlor and those two get most of my playing time. I agree that your videos are skillfully created, but your playing really speaks to me. Looking forwatd to seeing the rest of your library. Thanks for sharing your gifts!

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you so much Michael, I really appreciate you taking your time checking out my videos.

[@coolhandpete]

Where did you get your Crafter parlor? I have an OM and I love it but am looking for a parlor while I save for one of these 2!

[@MichaelTellierRealtor]

@@coolhandpete I bought it.on EBay from a shop in Tennessee over 20 years ago. NEVER regretted it once. Its in my top 3. The short scale is perfect for my neuropathy. Allows me to play for hours in relative comfort.

[@srv2534]

Just ordered the 00015 SM. Thanks for making it an easy choice. Great video

[@mickaelroyet48]

alors content de votre achat svp ?

[@kevinlucken8558]

Went down the rabbit hole on KZbin to discover what tone I most enjoy… I landed on the 000-15SM. Now the real hard part; finding one that’s left handed🤪. Spent a long time searching and found one at C and M Music in Louisiana. Just arrived to my home in Minnesota. This guitar has songs in it:-))). Thanks for a great comparison.

[@ChrisEffort]

Haha that is a story with a great ending, enjoy it man. My 12 fret is my favorite for sure, it’s really something special. Thanks for stopping by Kevin

[@karlk84]

Great demo, thanks!

[@Temmple]

Love your style of playing and one of the best demos of these two guitars on the web. I think I’m going to order the SM.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you! The SM is an incredible guitar, it feels like getting a warm and gentle hug. Who doesn’t like that.

[@r0bophonic]

Both lovely, but it’s the balanced and mellow voice of the SM for me. Wanted an 000-15S many years ago and then they stopped producing them. Glad they are making these again.

[@brownerthanu]

Really great video. Thank you.

[@glennjustice2760]

I have the 15 SM and the 17 SM. Really love the sound of 12 fret guitars. Discovered them only a few years back and wonder how it took so long.

[@ChrisEffort]

That’s my exact experience too. Never played a 12 fret until very recently, and I’m addicted now.

[@musicbyhiran]

amazing review vid!

[@johncrane6673]

Recently purchased a SM so I'm still adjusting to it. The more I play it, the more I want to play it (hopefully that makes sense). There are times when I hit a simple chord and I'm mesmerized by the tone and sustain. I still can't believe that this much guitar is available in this price range. Your video serves to convince me that I made the right decision. Now I just need to work on improving my skills. Thanks for this excellent video.

[@ChrisEffort]

Sounds like you got a guitar that keeps on giving. Congrats man, thanks for the very kind words.

[@USNAVDC]

Great reply! I know exactly what you mean by a single chord. Martin Mahogany guitars have something magic in the sound!

[@kevincrouch3956]

Nice man, always enjoy your playing....I own a 00015m...but either/either...both great guitars.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks Kevin, absolutely - There is no winner here.

[@thewoodstrider]

Great Video Chris !! I was looking for to buy a new guitar and this guitar…. The 15sm is absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking, that sound that it makes…. Ohhhh my Gooood ! I could listen to all my day❤ Cheers from Japan 🙌🏼✨

[@peterminson2429]

Thanks for engaging with us commentators! It’s the sm for me ~ I found a seasoned, mellow 10yr old for sale so it’s only set me back $NZ2400. If I want the brighter brassier sound I pick up a sprucetop… currently a Taiwanese Yamaha 432S which blows everybody out of the room 😅. Thanks again.

[@markrobinson8949]

You make guitar playing sound like the joy it should be; even if I wasn't interested in choosing a guitar, I'd listen over and over. As I''ll be using it live, then maybe the 15m for me, but the SM is kind of the sound you want to hear around the home - when it's played this well, anyway!

[@CharlieMadigan]

First, thanks for the comparison! I sold my sm two years ago and I have missed it every day.

[@davidoffer007]

youŕe playing is nothing less then amazing. I hope one day I'll play like you. Thanks for this.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you David!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Given the choice, always 12 frets. This video confirms that for me. Enjoy your channel, all fine music. an d no BS. You have renewed my interest in finger picking, it's been a while, and my two Martins need some attention.

[@im58woody]

First, I love your playing on any instrument that you pick up and record. I bought the 15 Streetmaster based on your video and it has gone on to another owner. I do miss it though. I think in this comparison the 15SM is a more sweet sounding guitar. Sounds more articulate to my ears. I think I might be in the hunt for one now. Keep on picking brother!

[@PeanutButterEnthusiast]

Great playing! Just picked up a 000-15m and loving it. Almost as much as I love peanut butter!

[@rossfranklin6117]

Great stuff. I went with the 15m but both are fine choices.

[@tbonet859]

Both. I love both of them for their musical similarities, and their differences. The answer is: have to have both🙂

[@DenisSanacore]

I have ordered the 000-15m for the 14 frets ! Thanks for the review !

[@ChrisEffort]

I hope you will enjoy it as much as I enjoy my 15.

[@woodprogrammer]

i think i made the right choice with the sm i took the pick guard off mine and put on some beautiful waverly tuners with ivoroid buttons and some white tusq bridge pins. thanks for the vid. I have martin retro monel strings on it, custom light cage. highly recommended. bought from amazon

[@blumenthol]

Nice playin - I own the 15SM and its all the guitar I need.

[@alphasportstv]

Great vid as always. I find the lower mids more pronounced on the M, with a bit better full low end on the SM, otherwise fairly similar (I have a 000-17SM and love it). Cheers

[@beau5795]

That sm has that little extra brightness that sounds awesome

[@danielcoburn7696]

Your playing style fits this guitar like a glove. Either one but my favourite is the S model

[@nurikElles]

Thanks for this review. Great playing! I'm going to buy both of it) Though one of mine Martin's would be OOO16 Streetmaster) Anyway, this review is very useful for me. OOO 15SM is a great sounding guitar. Love it. Thank you 👍🏽

[@michaellegere4823]

Well now, a real comparison demo. I thought I would leave this world without hearing what a demo should include. OUTSTANDING!! Excellent play....

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you Michael, I really appreciate your feedback!

[@karlsmissen]

What a fantastic review - I was like, gotta subscribe to this dude, realised I already am, so will turn notifications on!!!!!!!

[@ChrisEffort]

Haha thank you so much Karl, I really appreciate it. I’ve been a little slow lately putting out new videos, but they will start coming again soon.

[@karlsmissen]

@@ChrisEffort Chris I will be watching!! You cheer me up buddy

[@1355Anthony]

I have to say, I’ve been looking to get my hands on a OMC-15ME. but now I think I have been converted to the OOO-15M. Nice warm woody tones great sustain, and beautiful curves. Plus you can’t beat that slotted headstock. 😍

[@bepitan]

sm is the slotted.

[@aaronlarsen7447]

I like them both for different reasons. I'd use them both in a recording with each other, like brother and sister voices. They sound amazing regardless of price.

[@joelpontijr79]

I love it Chris

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you Joel!

[@f1fnatik]

Both sound fantastic. The SM sounded a bit sweeter to my ear so I bought one a few years back, but whichever your preference you just can't go wrong.

[@LFF_8w3]

Subbed! Thanks for the video. I own the SM and love it so much; I’m new to home recording (DAWs, Interfaces, etc…) so definitively helping me get acquainted with this larger world. Many thanks.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you very much Dan, appreciate it a lot. And yes that SM is a spectacular piece of gear. I love mine a lot. Feel free to ask any questions regarding recording. I’ll do my best to give you the answers you need.

[@LFF_8w3]

Thank you Chris for that and will do. Have a great day.

[@boyan.guitar]

What a great video! I just bought an SM, it’s my first Martin. If anyone is on the fence - you have to try both, they feel very different. I went for the sm because of the tone, even though I prefer the neck and the 14th fret access. The sm is so alive, you have to try it to understand. Of course I’ll need to get a 00015m too sometime down the road.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks man! I agree with everything you say

[@danielfritz954]

Great comparision, they sound from the same universe but to my ears the 000-15M sounds richer and warmer i also would prefer it for the looks :D nice play !

[@frankeriksen1273]

They are both great guitars❤️ I have the 14th fret guitar😉 the sound are the same,but the lookes and playable are different🤠… very nice playing,thanks👍🏻

[@davidhaught-rn1wg]

Thank you! This decided it for me (000-15SM, for sure).

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you! SM won my heart too.

[@samhill3496]

Need both

[@renshimarek]

Super film ! :)

[@wmrustycox]

Great review...I love my 000 15SM ! Cannot beat a mahogany Martin guitar and the 000 15 series is the best !!!

[@b1gn623]

You are so good! Wish i can play like you.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks man, yeah I feel the same way when I see some others players too.

[@jonasnormann]

Du er for vild 👏👏 1:45 lyder satme godt.

[@ChrisEffort]

Tak bro ♥️

[@LauraPallatin]

Your playing is beautiful! I’m Going with the s. I like the slinkier feel of 12 fret. Very nice comparison! For those of us who can’t try both, this is awesome!

[@mojoefelix]

They both have the same scale length, so slink factor is same on both.

[@Randorita]

I really like the way the sm sounds.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you, I love that SM.

[@rodolphep0nthus555]

Wow great playing! I'm on the fence getting the 15 Sm but they are very hard to get in France

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you Rodolphe! Yeah they are generally pretty hard to come by in EU - I was lucky to find mine used at TFOA.eu, it’s one of the best stores/online stores I know, and they tend to have and get a huge selection of Martin’s.

[@billderinbaja3883]

Great playing brilliantly reveals the different but similar charechter of 12 vs 14 fret. The SM is a tad "warmer", overlayed with overtones, a more intimate animal... the M has a slightly brighter persona, useful for live performance in livlier spaces. Both are lovely auditorily... it is more a matter of aesthetic preference. I love the traditional look of open headstocks, and the feminine rounded shoulders of the SM catch my fancy.

[@ChrisEffort]

I’m with you - your description is spot on. I kept the SM and I haven’t regretted that one bit. The warm low end is so pleasing too.

[@AlexG-ok1zc]

I appreciate the playing on this demo, genuinely good listening and the comparison is great. Love the mids on the 000-15m but prefer tone of sm for more scooped and deep 12 fret sound

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you, I prefer the sound of the 12 fret too

[@Kenbur]

both!! - okay IF I HAVE TO - the SM I find with my old hands the 12frets just a bit easier for me. Thanks for a great comparison video as I am thinking of getting one of the 15 series Martin to go with my Taylor 522CE 12fret in my retirement years. Love the mahogany sound nowadays more than the maple I used to play all the time in my younger years. Still got a maple and love it but as I said the mahogany seems to draw me nowadays.

[@randyeckhoff3334]

I have the 00015m love it

[@ezequielguerrero9057]

Great vid Chris. I find the 15M more detailed and with a sharper "V" EQ shape than the SM. The SM seems "flatter" in terms of EQ, to me. I'd go with the 15M.

[@JohnAnderson-ex2qg]

Based on your playing, Chris, I have to choose the slightly boomier sound of the sm. I'm currently in the market for one and I think I'm making the right decision. You are amazing and like others who comment, I wish I could play like you. Very nice!

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you so much John! The SM is amazing - and the low end is beautiful.

[@markmartin3221]

I’ve played them both and took 5 months to decide. I bought the SM because I heard a difference that led me to the SM. Finger style SM strumming and picking the OOO15 worth all the money.

[@renmad0078]

Very nice video i prefer the Sm. 👍😉

[@Aureliano-]

Just got the 15m, loved the sound of the 15sm, but those 14 frets are just something I really need.

[@ChrisEffort]

Nice! Congrats. Killer guitar, I would love to have them all if I had the space and money :-)

[@Aureliano-]

@@ChrisEffort Tough decisions, I sold one of my guitars for buying this one; I'd have to admit it hurt a lot, hope it worth it!

[@Woodyt]

I love the sound of both but to me the sm is a little brighter with a touch more volume. Would take either one and I would through the 00-15 in there also. Nice playing

[@davideckford1282]

I have a 0015 Retro burst and it just keeps getting better with age. Great with monel strings

[@ChrisEffort]

Love monel strings!

[@cian_jacob]

To my ear, the SM sounds much better. Great video!

[@ChrisEffort]

I will agree with that. Thank you Cian!

[@SuperEdge67]

I much preferred the 000-15M.

[@jpobrien5418]

They both sound fantastic man. The shorter scale and the bridge placement on the sm gives it a rounder sound with more bass. The OOO seems to have a faster more direct attack to it. I've played both quite a bit and there very versatile. Simple, elegant, a blast to play. I'm big fan of all "hog" martins. I will own one some day. Probably the standard OOO. I love slotted head stocks but hate the string change part. Love your work man. I'm inspired every time I hear you play. Oh yeah, that Eastman that you have sounds great too. I have the same one. Easily the best guitar in it's price range and plays and sounds like a much more expensive instrument. Keep up the great work brother ✌️

[@ChrisEffort]

Yeah the SM definitely pushes more low end through, but in a tight and beautiful way, I think. It’s quite surprising how different they can sound. I’m enjoying using the SM with a capo much more, especially further up the neck. It can almost feel like the 15m kinda struggles at 5th fret and above. They both definitely has their place. Great guitars! And thank a lot for your kind words Jp, it means a bunch!

[@ramz118]

@@ChrisEffort Amazing video of two beautiful guitars! Keep up the great content--can't tell you the number of times I've replayed your videos. Interesting you say the 15m struggles capo'd at higher frets...I have a 000-15m and one of my favorite things about it is how satisfying, clear and resonant it feels to play capo'd at the 3rd, 5th and even 7th frets...out of curiosity, in what way do you feel it struggles? Perhaps each of our 15m just have different characteristics, but then again I don't have the SM to compare it to so wondering if it struggles when A/B'd...

[@nikfish1]

I do believe that the scale on them is the same - 25.4 inches

[@pimpyodabitch]

@@nikfish1 you are correct

[@mikeenos4040]

I don't think the sm is a shorter scale still 25.5 just the upper bout this bigger up to the 12th fret makes it look like a shorter scale but it is not

[@UserConn]

You play do amazing. My thoughts are the 12 fret Martin sounds the best.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you! I like the 12 fret the most too.

[@rossfranklin6117]

Only thing I would add is that I looked for an SM originally before hearing and playing the 15M and the wait for a 15SM is March of 2024 according to a dealer rep I spoke with.

[@ChrisEffort]

Man, that’s a long time. Maybe you are lucky to find it somewhere else, I see them occasionally on different online retailers and on the secondary market.

[@leelossi1257]

Beautiful playing.....both are wonderful but the 12 is better to my ears

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you Lee! The 15SM won my heart.

[@gs3173]

Magnificent

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks!

[@toneyrockstv]

000-15m if I had to pick one... it sounded fuller and rounder. The 15SM was a bit brighter on the high end. I tend to prefer darker puncher tones. But I could find good use for both.

[@davideade3641]

Hey Chris. Finally replaced those Elixer Phosphor Bronze strings with the MA540T strings. They definitely sound more pronounced and brighter. Really compliments this woody mahogany body. Thanks for the suggestion sir. Have you had a chance to try that DADGbAD tuning yet. I really think you could come up with some really cool tunes with it.

[@ChrisEffort]

Yes! The M540T’s fits that mahogany sound so wonderfully, they are a bit expensive though. You might like the Tommy Emmanuel signature strings from Martin - they are half the price, but definitely not half the sound.

[@maryd.3456]

Chris, can you share what strings yiu have on the SM? Your guitar picking is so good, could listen all day!

[@fo76]

I've had a 000-15SM for three years now... amazing guitar... currently thinking about additionally getting a 000-15M - not sure yet whether the difference is big enough to justify the expense... Even though I like the punch and the bass of the 15SM I sometimes would like the 15M for being a bit sweeter and less "in your face"... having said that, I think I'll never split with the 15SM...

[@yellowdrops5690]

Nice playing as always Chris! 💛 Two amazing guitars! I have both (plus another 11 Martins) in my arsenal.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks bud! Wow - that sounds like quite a collection. Which one gets the most playtime?

[@yellowdrops5690]

@@ChrisEffort Well, I also have a 00-15M in the Mahogany category which I like very much, but my most played is my 000-42.

[@johnwashburn3793]

@@yellowdrops5690 that is a tough spot to be in

[@yellowdrops5690]

@@johnwashburn3793 Ha. Feel blessed to have so many Martins for sure. Love 'em all.

[@ShaneStoneOfficial]

The SM is my dream guitar… one day

[@HomemadeRecords]

Hi Chris! Loved that video, it's a perfect comparison but definitely you can get the best out of these guitars! May I ask what is the tuning in the 'open tuning' section?

[@billpostersmusic6887]

The song he played in that section is from another video where Chris said it's open D tuning, but with the high E string left as E instead of dropping it down to D

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks Bill - you are exactly right.

[@bza2356]

Got a sm off marketplace a while back. It's a special guitar... Sometimes I miss the 14 frets but know if I ever sold it I'd regret it. All guitars have unique qualities, wish I can just buy more like an OM 😄

[@ChrisEffort]

Yeah exactly. I miss 14 frets too sometimes, but not enough to let the SM go.

[@turrafirmaguitarchannel]

I prefer the 12 fretter. Sounds fuller and sweeter but enough cut still. I had bad experience with neck lifting on a 000 12 fret like this. Also did not like the skinny modern neck profile. I sold it. But it did sound sweet before it went bad.

[@nworbydnar]

Ok, love the playing and the am. Where do I get a capo like that? Thank you!

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks man! The Capo is from a company called Paige. It’s awesome!

[@paul_sebastian1154]

I prefer the OOO15 simply because I like the way it looks and the 14th fret neck, to be honest I couldn’t hear any difference, if I wasn’t looking I would never know the difference, thank you for the video

[@ChrisEffort]

You are very welcome, and thanks for tuning in. They are very similar, and having 14 frets is sure a good thing in many cases, but my SM has a little bit more low end and fullness and the neck is a bit wider. But you can’t go wrong with either one.

[@demolitionwilliams7419]

What tuning sre you in? I love this tune of yours I turned it into mp3 and listen to it all the time

[@kevinpeat3721]

A perfect comparison video. Thank you SOOOOOO much ! It really is about the playability. Not as much in the sound as I first thought. The SM pips it on both, I think.

[@fretgames]

I found this to be one of the most accurate comparisons on You tube.The 000-15SM is the sound I prefer. Nice playing, Nice recording. Great job! Thanks!

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you very much man, appreciate it

[@damonlove8]

Please try to review & compare the new Martin 000-16 streetmaster.

[@ChrisEffort]

That would be cool for sure, I’m crossing my fingers that I’ll get the opportunity 🤞

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

Both sound great. The 12 fret sounds slightly punchier, the 14 fret slightly mellower, to my ears. I think I prefer the 14 fret.

[@USNAVDC]

I love Martin 15 M mahogany guitars...all of them.

[@walt2338]

Puts me to shame, but I'm still not selling may guitars. Great talent. Love to hear it.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you Walt, appreciate it very much!