Guitar Tone Tuesday: Ep 202 - Martin 000-15SM - A BIG Voiced 12 Fretter + 15 Series History!!

Guitar Tone Tuesday: Ep 202 - Martin 000-15SM - A BIG Voiced 12 Fretter + 15 Series History!!
Visually Impaired since birth, Lucas Haneman of the LH Express uses his ears and hands to guide him when choosing gear, writing songs and recording parts. Will you agree with his assessment? Haneman gives you experienced tips and tricks, as well as showcasing lesser known gear in this series. Subscribe and follow to let your voice be heard!
When Martin created the original "15" guitars during the Great Depression, the purpose was to offer the most affordable guitar possible. The original prototypes were 2 different body styles with spruce tops, one the R 15 arch top likely with maple back and sides, and the other (the 015) a 12 fret size 0 likely with ash back and sides. In 1940, they released the familiar 14 fret 015 as we know it using all mahogany construction (with the exception of the binding, bridge and fretboard of course). These original 15s' had lighter unstained mahogany tops , backs and sides, while the 17s' of the time looke more like the 15s' we know now with the darker mahogany stained appearance. The original 15 style guitars were made until the early 60s'.
Since 1997 the reintroduced 15 series represents the most affordable all solid wood option made in the Nazareth Pennsylvania factory. The 15s' still hail as the most cost effective way to get into an American made Martin guitar, and the 000 15 SM has been an important part of this modern CF Martin history. Because of Mahogany availability, modern 15s' can have Sepo, Sapelle or genuine Mahogany tops, backs and sides.
The 000-15SM has been played by people like Eddie Vedder and Leo Kottke just to name a few. In fact it has been one of the best selling of all the 15s' since its introduction. The 00015-S preceded the 000-15sm in the late 90s' and early 2000s', but the two models are very similar.
Today's 000-15SM has a sloped shoulder 000 sized body to accommodate the 12 fret neck joint. Construction is all mahogany for the top, back and sides. There are no body bindings, the rosette is a simple 1 ring style, and the guitar has a rosewood bridge and 20 fret rosewood fretboard as well. The inlay pattern is the short diamonds and squares style that has been popular at Martin for quite a long time, and the guitar features a slotted headstalk to complete the vintage package.
Don't be fooled, the 000 guitars in the 15 series are indeed long scale length instruments, even though they have the 000 designation instead of the OM designation. This is not the case in the rest of the Martin line where 0, 00, and 000 guitars all now have the shorter 24.9 inch scale length.
#MartinGuitars #MahoganyTones #12FretGuitars #00-15SM #MartinHistory #AcousticGuitar #AmazingSound #Blues #Funk #Rock #Folk #Jazz #LucasHaneman #LHExpress
Do you own a 15 series Martin guitar, and, or even a 00015 SM if so what do you think of it? Let your voice be heard in the comment section below!
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[@lamar1423]

I got mine 8 months ago and I feel like after searching for decades and owning many brands I finally found my axe!

[@LucasHaneman]

It’s a great feeling when you find that special guitar! Huge congratulations and thank you so much for watching!

[@tontrenner]

Oh boy, in your Hands every guitar grows to a cannon... so sweet and powerful at same time.

[@LucasHaneman]

Thank you so much! That’s really nice of you. I appreciate you checking out the video too

[@peterminson2429]

Ngā mihi nui (big ups) from Aotearoa New Zealand. And thanks. This model is my go-to if I want to fill a large room in amplified (whereas I use an SC13e if I plug in). I tune the hog down one step and it’ll even tolerate dropped “D” tuning. I’ve liked the mahogany so much ive commissioned a 19th century martin style parlour guitar in mahogany.

[@LucasHaneman]

Hey! Cheers from Canada. I’m really glad to hear that you enjoyed the video so much and it’s cool to hear about the Martin guitars you’ve got going on! Sounds like a couple of very special instruments. I appreciate you watching the video and wish you continued success with your performances! P.S if that parlour Guitar hasn’t arrived yet I’m sure you are going to be in for a nice treat when it does. Speaking from the perspective of someone who has a great great parlor. I can’t tell you how much I love the one I own. It actually gets a lot of use, not only for recording and writing but also for gigging. This is coming from somebody who only played dreadnaughts live for many years when it came to acoustic shows. The parlour guitar was a game changer for me.

[@stevenhinton2759]

I have the d 15 m I love it it sounds great

[@LucasHaneman]

You are lucky to have one! Thanks for watching!

[@carlc2597]

Lucas, you play exactly the way I WISH I could play ! BEAUTIFUL!

[@LucasHaneman]

Ah that’s so nice of you! Truly means a lot. Keep at it. On the guitar there’s always so much to learn and the learning process is where it’s at.. one day, one new cord, and one lick at a time :-) cheers and have a good one

[@guyb7005]

I've also noticed the growing use of these guitars by big artists, on more intimate parts of the performances. It brings a genuine personal connection to the individual player and listener. Your versatility with this instrument is astounding! Far beyond the strum & pick variations!

[@LucasHaneman]

They have become very, very popular indeed! Thanks, as always, for your kind kind words on the playing Guy! You’re far too kind my friend

[@Boedi]

Hi Luke! I am a proud owner of this baby since october 2023, and I really love more than my other acoustics (Martin GPCPA4 and Taylor AD22e). Now and then I'm looking after new YT-videos. And everytime I'm excited, when I hear what other players get out of this guitar. Your play is very inspiring for me. And I appreciate your video totally. Thanks very much! Have fun with your BIG VOICED 12 Fretter! ❤ Greetz from good old Germany Jürgen

[@LucasHaneman]

Hey, that means a lot! I really appreciate you checking out the video and I’m glad, but not surprised that you are enjoying your Martin. These are wonderful, midsized guitars, indeed! Thanks for watching and hope you’ll stick around the channel to check out some more videos. Lots of interesting stuff and I’m trying to upload as regularly as possible. Have a good one!

[@ScottStites]

Lucas, this is hands down the best 000-15sm video I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen them all. Your playing is sublime, too.

[@LucasHaneman]

Wow, that’s really nice of you! I truly appreciate it! Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed the video

[@larryg.overton2951]

Sweet! Made in America Martins are my MINO ("Money Is No Object") guitars. And a 000-15 is on the top of my wish list. I've never owned a Martin, but I did have a mahogany flat top. It was the old Harmony brand, their Grand Concert model # H165, a part of their "Flat Top Folk" series. It was a '60s vintage, solid mahogany body, rosewood fretboard, had a solid, not slotted, headstock, and it was a 14-fretter. I wish I still had it, but in a way no regrets, because I donated it to be sold to help my grandchildren fund a missions trip.

[@LucasHaneman]

Hello Larry! I’ve tried some of those old harmonies, and they are surprisingly nice when set up well. What a kind thing of you to help out your grandchildren like that. These martins are certainly very nice and deserve their reputation. My personal preference would be for some thing with a spruce top. If I were to go, Martin myself, but it was nice to demo this guitar and explore all the sounds it has to offer. Thanks so much for watching, as always, and hope you have a good one!

[@sasquatchlife8836]

You're a phenomenal guitarist

[@LucasHaneman]

Ah you’re too kind! Thanks so much

[@NetMillionaire]

I have many Taylor Guitars but this got my attention sounds beautiful ❤. I might be tempted?

[@LucasHaneman]

Cool! Thanks so much for watching. It is indeed a very nice guitar

[@deb8tn]

Hey Lucas. Love your playing and your channel. Guitars like this one had me wanting a mahogany top guitar. I just picked up a Yamaha FS850 for $619 canadian and this guitar is blowing my mind. What you get for the money is unreal even for Yamaha. It's 3lbs 14oz - very light and comfortable. People need to check these out if they are looking for a mahogany guitar. Cheers from BC.

[@LucasHaneman]

Oh, sounds like a great option! I love Yamaha guitars! Certainly a much more cost effective offering when compared to this Martin. The price of this one had me gasping a little. I suppose that’s the way guitar prices have gone in 2024. Haha. Glad to hear you are enjoying your Yamaha! I’ve done some videos recently on the channel on Yamaha and I’ve got to say I’m consistently impressed with what they are putting out there these days. Thank you for your kind comments on the playing and the channel as well!

[@TRNimen]

Lovely.

[@LucasHaneman]

Thanks so much!

[@derekhanna4642]

Great sounding instrument, good looking, too. That price is a little hard to swallow, though. Nice to hear a vocal on GTT.

[@LucasHaneman]

Thanks Derek!

[@JustinHatt1]

Nice playing and review Lucas, I also just did a review of this video 2 weeks ago. Your video came up on my suggested, so I wanted check it out! Cheers, Justin

[@LucasHaneman]

Cool, Justin! I will check it out! Thanks so much for watching and I’m glad you enjoyed the video

[@bennyblanko3]

Beautiful playing and nice guitar! Thanks!

[@LucasHaneman]

Thanks so much!

[@christianl9247]

Sweet guitar; I say that mahogany sounds like chocolate would if it were a tone wood. Beautiful playing, and another great presentation. So, thank you Lucas.

[@LucasHaneman]

Thank you so much for commenting, and for your kind words! I agree with your comments on Mahogany. That’s a great description.

[@Marnikvil]

Great presentation! Greetings from Norway

[@LucasHaneman]

Thanks so much!! Cheers from Canada

[@Josh.Vanjani]

Great review, Lucas! Mu buddy Justin sent me.

[@LucasHaneman]

Oh cool! Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks so much for checking it out!

[@ShalomYal]

Fantastic review - thanks so much. I am on the fence between this guitar and the CEO 7. My next life I won't have to choose?

[@LucasHaneman]

Ooh tough choice there. I’d say it’s entirely subjective and really depends on your playing style/needs from the guitar. For me, personally, as someone who enjoys the snap that Spruce brings to the table, especially Adirondack, and as someone who often goes above the 12th fret it would be CEO7. If you prefer the warm woody, mahogany top sound and don’t need to use the entire fretboard on a regular basis then I’m sure you’d be more than happy with this guitar.. I think the CEO is a more versatile instrument, but this one does sound beautiful if it’s what you are into

[@stringlocker]

All mahogany feel like they have a compressor in them

[@LucasHaneman]

Indeed. That’s a good description.

[@maryd.3456]

Lucas, what strings do you recommend for the Martin 15 SM?

[@LucasHaneman]

Hey there. Light gauge strings would be my preference for sure on this style of Guitar. My favourites include Martin SP phosphor bronze, Newtone strings out of England if you’re looking for something a little more exotic and fancy, or DR Rare phosphor bronze strings. If you want to go for something coated, then the D’Adario XT strings are also a nice option, though a little more expensive than the others I mentioned. Hope this helps.

[@mooseymoose]

I’m a new school post Somogyi guitar lover, mostly. Martin never did anything for me. Played plenty, some were good but never for me personally. My inevitable Eastman fanboy comment follows: better than Martin at a lower price. I’m sure you’re shocked. Lol!

[@LucasHaneman]

Not shocked at all about your Eastman comment. In fact, did you see that video I did last week with the single cut SB 57? Man, what a guitar!! I agree, lots of options out there these days, and I am a fan of the modern thing as well. Though I have to say I have always lusted after a 00042, or OM42 from the late 30s or early 40s. :-) Maybe someday! That and one of the nicest sounding acoustics I ever played was a 1954D 28 that belongs to a Nashville singer songwriter. He played it for his whole life. It almost had no finish left on it by the time I played it, but wow, what a voice from that instrument!

[@mooseymoose]

I’m lucky I have the best guitar I have ever heard 😄@@LucasHaneman

[@LucasHaneman]

Glad to hear it! I’m pretty lucky in that regard now as well. so I can’t complain.