The New Taylor AD22e vs. the Classic Martin 000-15m | Small-Bodied Mahogany Goodness

Today, Cooper and Chris are doing a little no-brainer competition between two high quality, affordable mahogany-top acoustic guitars. Martin's 000-15M has long been a favorite of guitar fans everywhere, while the AD22e brings a new Taylor-esque flair to the table. Which do you prefer when you consider both sonic and aesthetic differences? Let us know!
0:00 Intro/Specs
7:06 Martin 000-15M Demo
8:40 Taylor AD22e Demo
10:17 Final Thoughts
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[@sugarjanis3054]

The Martin has that immediate old soul vibe.

[@cloguitar]

Hello! I play the 00015m guitar! I have a KZbin channel with covers… if you want to listen it!

[@barbosbarbosov8711]

He plays the guitar very cleanly and very well. That you can actually hear the difference. Which is seldom found on the Internet. Thanks. 😇

[@unitedintraditions]

00:00 Conversation Comparison 7:06 Sound Comparison Great conversation and excellent articulation of the differences 👍

[@lewismcnicholas2631]

Martin for me - the top end is too bright for me on the Taylor

[@falcongunner33]

Same with me. Haven't really bonded with a Taylor and boy have I tried a bunch 😂

[@inlovewithguitars]

The 000 has the classic Martin tone - warm and rich. The AD22 has the typical brillant, well defined Taylor sound. Both are beautiful in their own way. And hey, nice comparison, guys!!

[@ramencurry6672]

Both great. The Martin sounds sweeter and nicer. But in a song mix, the Taylor might possibly fit in better so it probably just depends on which way to get the job done

[@thomaspurcell4359]

No regrets buying the Martin. Big fan of Taylor also. But, the Martin has classic tone.

[@cloguitar]

Hello! I play the 00015m guitar! I have a KZbin channel with covers… if you want to listen it!

[@diezelvh4133]

The Martin 000 15m/sm will go down as some of the best guitars and tone ever made imo.

[@DH-og5yr]

But that build quality 😢

[@donaldholman9070]

Great playing!

[@dean8842]

We are living smack-dab in the middle of the Golden Age of Guitar Making!

[@Allison_Chaynes]

🤔

[@johngalt6838]

We're not....there are more available by process etc but the best have been made prior imo.

[@michaelsongs]

I love my Martin 000-15m. It’s sweet & warm, definitely sits wonderfully in the setting of guitar & vocal. If you’re recording with lots of additional instrumentation, I believe the Taylor may cut thru a little easier for you. Both nice guitars, by the Martin has my heart! 🥰

[@normliwanag5685]

Amazing playing 👏👏👏

[@chrismaines1285]

That’s what I got. The Taylor had more bottom and the Martin was louder and brighter. My preference is the Taylor only because I have whimpy fingers and the tension of Martins I’ve played make my playing clear harder.

[@kendanf]

Cooper saying he keeps his acoustics tuned a whole step down and I have been messing with that too lately. I have an ‘06 Taylor GS5 and it does have the characteristics people describe the Taylors having with the treble, but the larger GS body and tuned down it sounds really amazing. Just wanted to pick that out from the video as it has really made me appreciate the guitar more.

[@casuallycovered2437]

Man that piece cooper played was so dope

[@KasenMoon]

got to meet cooper at the guitarlington reunion. Great guy/guitar player and I freaked out when I saw him.

[@seanont]

Taylor Guitars have an edge is play ability and as a stage guitar plugged in but Martin has a huge edge when you compare the tone and even made more obvious with the new V bracing Taylor is using not as evident in this video but when you compare the Martin GPC-28 vs the equal Taylor with the new bracing its almost shocking how much better the Martin sounds. Great video and excellent playing as I'm sure he can make any guitar sound great.

[@anthonyb2334]

Another great comparison. I love the sound on both these guitars and when strummed I prefer the Martin. I was surprised how great the Taylor sounds fingerpicking. That’s something different from what I previously experienced. I have owned Taylor 114, 214, and ACADEMY 12. I presently own a Martin 0015M custom shop and a 00015sm, and consider them part of my “forever” guitars (never selling). But, …. I think I need to try this Taylor. I always love how they play so well out of the box. Thank you again for these videos.

[@arroongill]

both are still great guitars, to my ear Taylor AD22e edged out the Martin 00015 slightly, I own both Martin and Taylor guitar, both awesome builders

[@Ones_Complement]

I prefer a third challenger: 00-15M. The ultimate finger picker. 👌

[@1funkybasslady]

Love the full, mellow Martin, Taylor very chimey, no low end - typical of V-class.

[@mortonharley]

Would love to see some 12-fretted small bodied guitar in a future video. Need inspiration :)

[@nicolen.9642]

I expected this. I have the 000-15M Martin 💕. As far as mahogany. Mine is a few years old. It's mahogany, top back and sides, like it's supposed to look : dense with no shades like this one, reminds me of sapele. But I'm not wood expert ✌. My ear isn't very well tuned so...I can't guarantee anything. Thanks guys for your demo. 🎶🎶🎶

[@johncrane6673]

After the first strum on the 000-15M, it was OH! Wow... However, as the demo continued, the AD22e proceeded to come from behind and win the day (FOR ME). Cooper chose the perfect tunes for the comparison. I learn soo much from these videos. Thanks guys!

[@oshausen]

Great observation, mate! I observed the same thing, but for me the Martin came out on top. That old vibe is just something else to my ears. It's so interesting how the same perception can bring such different impressions

[@2134yanto]

Complete novice here so I’ll bow to your much better judgement. But I thought the Taylor sounded ‘thinner’ compared to the Martin’s rich warmth. I know we all hear things differently. I don’t own either brand right now, but if I had to choose one of these based purely on this comparison it would definitely be the Martin

[@lindyloulie80]

Update from my original post: I had the opportunity to play both of these brands/models today. Loved both. In my original post I noted that the Taylor seems to have no low end. Upon playing it I discovered that the 6th string (low E string) is very resonant with lots of sustain when fretting up the neck. When trying out new instruments I always check that 6th string for resonance and sustain at the 3rd, 5th and 7th frets. So often the third fret (G in standard tuning) often sounds like a thump with no reso or sustain. I play those notes frequently because I like putting the roots of chords in the bass strings rather than somewhere else in inversions. This is particularly true when playing solo with no bass or keys to provide that bottom end. Also, I primarily play fingerstyle using a thumb pick. So when I tried out the Taylor AD22e I was thoroughly impressed with the low G, A and B on the 6th string. Was very (pleasantly) surprised by the amount of resonance and sustain that far up the neck. It also sounds great when using a cheater (capo). 😉 Another characteristic I prefer with the Taylor is there is more note separation and balanced sound across the strings. You can hear every note in strummed chords as opposed to a wash of sound. I am a HUGE Martin fan girl, so I do love the 000-15M, HOWEVER, now that I have had the opportunity to play both, I would buy the Taylor AD22e first as my hog. Do I dare say, it doesn’t sound like a Taylor? 🤭 I already have a spectacular Martin 000-42 MD, so I already have the Martin side of my collection covered. 😘 I agree with Chris on this…get both! 😁

[@aaronwilson8966]

Maybe comparing the Taylor AD22 to the Martin 000-10E. I know the 10E is a road series (and much less expensive) but, it has the shorter scale length, electronics and solid wood (Sapele). I'd actually like to see this comparison as I prefer the shorter scale.

[@kurtisloew108]

I have a Martin Dread that is my number 1 and love it. Have been wanting the 000m for years. With the American Dream line, I've been watching reviews for weeks lol. I'm pulling the trigger on the Taylor. Love them both, but The electronics was the sway factor. Great comparison here, and great playing always!

[@romansp229]

Are you happy with the decision? I’m in the same boat as you

[@kurtisloew108]

@@romansp229 Just got my Taylor yesterday! Really sounds great! Have only had about an hour or so with it. Being used to a 13 yr Martin that I bought new, Its definitely a "new" guitar. Needs a setup that I'll do next week and get some new strings. Its a quieter guitar for sure, but has a rich, deep sound for a smaller guitar. Feels great and happy with my decision! Its a keeper for sure. That said, I dont think you can go wrong with the AD22 or the 00015m!

[@kurtisloew108]

@@romansp229 Have not put this guitar down since doing a setup! Its size is really comfortable, and it sounds great! great fingerpicker and strummer! no regrets and its a keeper!

[@roymoderatto]

A 00 size Martin is the closer comparison size head to head with a 12/22 Taylor size. So Martin body, in this case, has a slight advantage, body size wise... by the way, amazing playing as always, but this time the composition is crazy good! 😎

[@timnewman1172]

I totally agree, this needs to be compared to the 00-15!

[@adamscottv]

Common misconception, but the Taylor "2" shape is 15" across the lower bout, same as a Martin 000. The 00 is smaller, 14.3".

[@nellatrab]

Very true, kind of a weird comparison but hey it's You Tube (they make money and use it for ads)...unless "you" do it in person, it's even going to subjective! There are just too many variables trying to compare tone of acoustic instrument through mikes then down sampled for You Tube. Like comparing a glass full of marble, to a glass full of sand.

[@charleswinters7129]

We have a good many guitars. Of all the guitars the 0015 is by far the most used. I love the tone.

[@dalehamon4295]

The most logical comparison would be between the Martin 00-15m not the 000-15m and the Taylor ad22e

[@ChrisHVACguy]

After watching this video, I went to try out both these guitars, and the Martin won by a LONG shot for me, the Taylor couldn't even compete with tone for me, I was hoping for the Taylor since I already own a Martin but.. couldn't get over the amazing sound and playability of the Martin.

[@goodknight37]

Great playing on that demo. What sons is that?

[@danielstephens9748]

got the martin 0015...as well as a taylor AD17 blacktop....must check out this taylor AD22 E

[@rustyvanbrocklin7560]

Both great. Surprisingly I thought Taylor had the better low end. Both really nice 👌

[@Manfish154]

Nice comparison. To my ears, the Martin has exactly that vintage tone I'm looking for. But that's more a matter of taste, as both are great sounding instruments. What's that demo song btw? Sounds beautiful.

[@cloguitar]

Hello! I play the 00015m guitar! I have a KZbin channel with covers… if you want to listen it!

[@patrickroe5926]

Like Cooper, I tune my 0015 one step down. I think the two guitars are closer than often stated. The Taylor may be just a bit brighter. Both are excellent.

[@justfortier]

You should compare the Taylor 322e, since it's a 12 fret and so the bridge is further back in the body to keep the scale, which creates a warmer tone and its very easy to play due to its shorter neck. Cheers!

[@Bradnick930]

I love these. The 000 15SM is my "Someday, Baby, I'll have one." guitar. But while you have Cooper right there, grab an Ibanez AC340 (you have them in stock) and let's hear what solid mahogany top, layered mahogany back and sides sounds like for $300.

[@diezelvh4133]

000 15sm was my dream guitar. Finally got one. Sold everything else. Best guitar I've ever owned.

[@Freddyrick]

@@diezelvh4133 working my way towards that right now

[@bobgreen8142]

I love the sound of a Martin but I th ink maybe the scale length and nut width might not be right for me. I prefer the more 'traditional' tone over that of the Taylor. I'll probably stick with my smaller-bodied Guild which has a sound and feel that I've come to really love.

[@williamcatalano1762]

I think Cooper and I would get along just fine haha. We like that old school vintage style but not to where it looks cheesy. We both have soft spots for jazzmasters. Also I'd like to hear Coopers opinion on the beautiful Troy Van Leeuwen copper color Jazzmaster compared to the American Professional II. I know pickups are a bit different and the copper one is a made in Mexico and is 50 dollars cheaper. I like both guitars just wanted to hear your opinion Cooper.

[@philipbennett1039]

Taylor for me.

[@timnewman1172]

Dear Martin, I want a short-scale mahogany guitar! Basically the neck like on my 0-18 with a 15 series body... is this too much to ask for???

[@etz6]

I Have the Martin 000-15m. I asked on the Martin web site about the type of mahogany. Rob from martin asked for some pictures of the guitar, and answered - That looks like Sipo mahogany.

[@edfulginiti8798]

Both wonderful. Taylor brightness for me.

[@matthewreid618]

Wish the 00015m had a 1 3/4 nut. Doesn’t make any sense why they don’t make it with the wider nut.

[@RoyRamone955]

I’m glad they don’t. I have a small hand.

[@breathplay112]

Ok, been watching you for years and I thought you were Chris Alamo and that you started this shop for a couple of years ago

[@breathplay112]

What the hell have i been smoking

[@donaldholman9070]

Is the sound hole on the Taylor larger?

[@2628064379]

I've seen two reviews comparing these two instruments. In both instances the reviewers stated that the Martin was louder and more open while the Taylor was more focused. What surprised me was that Chris said the Martin instrument was noticeably lighter in weight and it is the larger instrument. I have been told there are two schools of thought on guitar construction. One is that the lighter weight instruments are more responsive due to the construction goal of getting the whole instrument involved in the sound production. And that the other school of thought is to concentrate sound production on the top of the instrument. And then I was told that some makers now are combining these two concepts on guitar sound production. I thought the V brace system was supposed to increase sound production. Could it be that mahogany top instruments favor a certain type of bracing? I have heard Taylor's that are quite powerful, but I'm not hearing it on this instrument. Or is it the weight of the instrument causing the less open quieter sound?

[@diezelvh4133]

When I play my super light Martin 000 15sm, the entire guitar vibrates and I LUV it.

[@joebloggs8636]

What strings would be recommended for the Martin?.. Thanks!

[@pecosnick45]

Can you guys please compare the AD27 to the Martin D15 please

[@climber7565]

How does the Taylor AD22e compare to the Taylor GS Mini?

[@markreams3192]

More mid range response on the Taylor. It’s warmer. I really like the sound of this guitar. I played the Taylor last week. It’s great! Cooper is such a good player. He’s probably my favorite guitar review player. I now own the AD22E. Love it!

[@macfawlty]

Your comments on sound were spot on. The Martin is very open, vintage and woody. A lot of 000-15 players would never part with theirs. I admire the 000-15’s unique sound, but not for me. The Taylor is tighter, less open, not as loud.

[@edgirovasi8596]

Martin has been using Sipo (an African mahogany substitute) for the 15 series back & sides for several years now.

[@Pikearea]

Correct, it is Sipo or Sapele NOT Mahogany! Martin cannot or will not tell you whether you paid $1500 for mahogany, sapele or sipo! Yet, Martin will sell you a sapele for 899!

[@jessd1952]

I preferred the taylor which might be a first for me. 000-18 is probably my fave.

[@texhaines9957]

Why couldn't you compare the AD22E to a 000-15sm with the shorter scale & 12 frets?

[@trickyninja4020]

I’m debating on buying one of these two, amazing comparison, i’m leaning a bit towards the taylor now, i liked the vocals a little more, but the martins definitely has that original sound to it, definitely a tough choice

[@lorenzricardo2883]

So what did you go for? I am considering the Taylor since I'm gonna be playing fingerstyle much more.

[@toddcagle4245]

I would like to know the comparison between the Taylor AD22e vs Martin 000-15sm

[@billderinbaja3883]

The 000-15m is lush and powerful in the bass range.... the AD22e shines in trebles... both are strong in mids, with the Martin presenting a mellower personality. For pure instrumentals I like the Taylor.... for vocal accompaniment I like the Martin. Get one of each? : )

[@toddlancaster5990]

I have both, and I pick up the 15 10xs more often than the 22.

[@johnlord1399]

Don’t know if it’s my age or what, but in the past year and a half, I’ve really become a Taylor fanboy, and I heard nothing here to change that.

[@masteroogvvay]

Here's a pretty crazy thought, perhaps the Honduran mahogany is mahogany that from Hondura.

[@mr.astrophysics9115]

I'll stay with my Gretche falcon Rancher jumbo it's a incredible Accustic guitar

[@lhvent]

I like the sound of the Martin better

[@peterzuehlke]

I don't have the exact comparison, but I own a Taylor GS mini in mahogony (with an even shorter scale length) and the Martin 000-15m, with the same strings, generally in standard tuning. (just for reference I don't like Dreds especially in Martin because of the low end boom). I use the same DR Rare strings on both. Playability seems the same. I find the Martin brighter and more balanced. (both guitars needed a LOT of set-up, so that can effect some of these comparisons.)

[@Bicyclekelly]

Chris or Cooper, I'm wanting to buy the Martin 15 series. I'm on the fence between the 000 and the dreadnougt. In your opinion does the 000 feel easier to play since it is somewhat less bulkier or no difference?

[@lancewhiteeagle3203]

I have a D15M and a 000 in a different model. I don't find the dreads uncomfortable, but I am 6ft tall. I have heard others say the dread is a bit too big for them. My 000 is noticeably smaller, but as far as depth goes, there is only about 3/4 of an inch difference. If possible try them out. It may be hard to find them in person, but most dreadnoughts are the same size, so get a feel for a similar body size then decide. As far as ease of play, either Martin size has wonderful playability.

[@JoshuaC923]

The Martin sounds good but wow that Taylor

[@edwardwood6127]

have you guys considered doing a podcast?

[@scouser2230]

I enjoyed listening to both, but on sound quality I would choose the Martin over the Taylor. I do prefer a wider 13/4” nut length and I wonder why Martin doesn’t offer this guitar in this wider nut length. If anyone knows the answer to this question I would appreciate knowing.

[@scottduell2416]

You can get it in a 1-3/4” nut width if you do some research. I know LA Guitars has them, Alamo might be able to get them too. Google OM-15…

[@jabomiles6947]

I am a diehard Taylor fan, but I give the sound tip to the Martin on this one. But both are great sounding.

[@ben-jammin2284]

That Martin sounds delicious!

[@dxcman1]

These are nice, but I'd like to here a Yamaha F series compared with them as well. I honestly think Taylor and Martin guitars a great, but they get too much air time. There are so many great guitars and I get these 2 + Gibson are Icons, but I personally want to see more of other builders. Just my 2 cents.

[@tomformanek3312]

Throw in the new Guilds. I have a D20 and love it. Wish they made an American 000.

[@kjvtruther6374]

I'll take either one if the price is right.

[@PageMarker1]

Not much a comparison sound wise, at all! Nice playing there, Cooper...))

[@rizkykhan5257]

7:06 8:40 Thank

[@chro1843]

I've been looking at the martin for a long time but would prefer a 1 3/4 nut width. Just a question for you all. Would you say the taylor is more versatile? I'm leaning towards the taylor slightly now because of the nut width and it appears to be more versatile. I've played tye martin and enjoyed it, im yet to try the taylor, anyway all comments and suggestions welcome.

[@Heybigsambo]

000-15sm has that nut width. It’s great if you fingerpick and strum with your fingers. I hate the sound of it with a pick tho. I’d go for spruce top and rosewood back and sides and smaller nut if you play with pick

[@chro1843]

@@Heybigsambo appreciate it, couldn't find the SM anywhere in ireland, so got the 00015m, it's been fantastic, just needs the action lowered and I'll be a very happy man .

[@stoogler180]

That’s a hands down win for Martin. Just so much more range. Taylor lacks the low end.

[@anbuninjagod5507]

ive been a recording engineer for 10 plus years and I have to say the martin wins hands down, I will tell you why it just sounds superior to that taylor, that taylor sounded louder over the martin and the tone of the martin is better. In my humble opinon. Also I think that WA 47 Junior suits the Taylor more than the martin, If you ask me a Lewitt LCT 440 Pure, would benefit the martin better. Ive listened to it on a Lewitt and I believe different mics sounds good on different guitars. As an engineer you have to understand not all mics will work on all sound sources for example you can spend 10 grand on a mic and it could sound terrible for a singer but a rode nt1a will sound better for that singer it all depends on what sounds best. Steven Slate had a similar experience when he bought a super expensive mic and it didnt work out for one of his clients. I have experienced the same, it all depends on what source your putting in front of the mic. So try a lewitt microphone for Martin 00015M I promise youre gonna completely be surprised at the difference. I own a WA47 its a very big and bright and large sounding mic, and the junior 47 are no different theyre tube mics. Martin 00015m is best played for intimacy its a more sweet and gentler sounding guitar. Perfect for sitting on the porch playing, and recording. So try using a Lewitt LCT 440 Pure cant go wrong.

[@paurelius885]

It’s so hard to choose!

[@VaughnFelixMusic]

00015m all the way, although the Taylor sounded good too

[@babylons317]

There both are Sapele back and site . Don’t know why they don’t go stray to the point. They are easy to break . My 22e already have a little line of wood open in the back . sound amazing . But for me today , the Martin wins . Now there’s in Guitar Center an Ad 22e binding but cost 2,000$ . 😮

[@maximumaverage]

Martin for me mane!

[@BertSperling1]

Both have 1.75” nut?

[@danielmillan8264]

What’s the name of the piece he played?

[@nellatrab]

The Martin wins hands down for resonance, projection and balance....the Taylor is just too glassy and thin toned through my headphones....close your eyes and listen! Although the Martin is for sure louder, it also has much more color and rich dynamic chime over the Taylor's focused midrange sharp drab.

[@user-wf6gb4rb6k]

100% accurate

[@smandez2023]

I love when Chris says "Spanky".

[@lanes58]

A couple of seconds into playing the Taylor gives a true comparison after listening to this Marin, because as time goes on a person’s ears adjust to that particular guitar. Immediately, I could hear the warm woody tone over the Taylor, which is definitely a sharper with more mid ranged tone I don’t like the fact that Taylor uses a three-piece neck, with tongue and groove joints at the nut heel. They claim that the three-piece neck is stronger than one piece neck. I think everybody knows, they do it mainly to save wood. I like the tone of the Martin better, that’s just me.

[@ComicKish]

greatMusic i like the martin mayeb i shoul return my taylor

[@philkinzer6486]

Y’all should have included a Guild M20 or M25.

[@luisangel8035]

SALUDOS ASTA TEXAS

[@donaldholman9070]

The Taylor seems to have a very small pick guard?

[@ScottRandall31]

Big Martin fan but the Taylor was cleaner sounding here. I played the Martin live a few weeks back and was blown away by the earthy sound. Couldn’t hear that here for some reason.

[@cloguitar]

Hello! I play the 00015m guitar! I have a KZbin channel with covers… if you want to listen it!

[@jeremybezinque3357]

Little MAC from punch out! :)

[@terrymattingly6843]

The other classic to put into the mix is the Guild M20. Build quality on new the California made Guilds are stunning. The M20 and AD Taylor are really 00 size. Other comment: That Martin model needs a 1 3/4 nut for fingerstyle. Truth.

[@donaldcameron288]

Yeah, I love the sound of the 000-15 but the nut width is an issue. I love Martins, and own a 000-18 but I just don't find the nut width Martin has on most of the 15 series quite as playable. Might try this Taylor for that reason. I'd love to try the M20, but impossible to find one in person where I live.

[@smartmammal9926]

They do sound very different. That would be a tough choice....not for me, cuz I am a Taylor owner :)

[@tommysixstring5094]

Would take a Larrivee over either in a heartbeat. Martin has nice low end (which can be overrated btw), Taylor is richer in the mids / highs. 50/50 between the two.

[@altabox1]

Both guitars are nice but at this price Guild M20, the "Nick Drake" guitar is the top of the tops.

[@IndigoJo]

The Taylor sounded really quiet compared to the Martin. Perhaps that's why Martin use the longer scale length on their all-mahogany guitars including the sizes that are normally 24.9in. (The Taylor scale length here is 24.875in.)

[@adamscottv]

It also has the narrower 1-11/16" nut.

[@BeyondXXY]

What is the name of the song?

[@ryanrogers7595]

Jim from the office grew his hair out and learned guitar.

[@harrynixon9493]

I think the tone wood on the Martin is Martinhogany.

[@cloguitar]

Hello! I play the 00015m guitar! I have a KZbin channel with covers… if you want to listen it!