Is Made In The USA Worth $500 More?! | Martin's New 000-15E VS 000-15M

[@anthonyb2334]

I’ve owned SEVERAL different Martins made in Mexico. I think they are very good guitars for the money. BUT, every one I’ve owned was heavier and more muted than my Nazareth guitars. The 1-3/4 nut is my preference but the good old 00015 USA made will never disappoint. Thank you. Excellent video

[@dalecoffing8655]

Cool demo guys! I play a D10E. I have received many compliments on how it sounds. First was my wife and then a piano play I work with a lot. The point being is that the made in Mexico produces some really good sounding and playing guitars from Martin. This 15 series sounds really good. I to like the rolled edges on the fret board. Feels really nice, especially when jumping from my Tele to the Martin. They both play very much the same. Playing for musicals you can switch back and forth several times. I really like your comparing cheap -vs-expensive vids. Thanks guys!

[@Bradnick930]

000-15 SM owner here. I suspect that "made in the USA" is the least important difference between these two guitars. Send the 000-15M machines and materials to the Mexico factory and the output would be indistinguishable from the Nazareth product. The 000-15E is a completely different instrument. It's much closer to the Taylor AD22E.

[@ronmoore1219]

I always enjoy your showcase pieces, Chris. They’re relaxing and soothing, and clearly demonstrate the guitar’s tonality. Of those two, I was drawn to the 000-15E because of its brighter tones. And I like the 1.75” nut width. The shorter scale length is also a benefit for me. But the $500 higher price for the 000-15M would not be a deal breaker for me-nor would the narrower nut width and longer scale length. I’d take either one.

[@ia5662]

I see no issue with this new model - great price point and build. Martin should never ever end the production of the classic 000-15M, which is a top 3 standard Martin for me. I actually wish they'd rerelease the DM and bring layered back and sides to the USA line again, or at the very least, add it to the Road Series lineup with rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Could be priced at like $799 so it's above the X-Series, but below the solid woods.

[@zacharyking929]

Not to be overlooked is the change from those sweet open backed metal tuning machines. Some of my favorites, I much preferred them on my D-15m vs. those on my D-35.

[@geoffreycarter3981]

I have always considered the 000-15M to be a part of the "standard series" of Martin. Because it's its own model that Martin has been making since, i guess, the 1930's with the same formula. It came with all solid woods, hard case (no longer), and had just as much integrity in my mind as an other standard series guitar in the lineup. I've NEVER heard anyone complain about the price for the USA made 000-15m and I think it's a mistake for Martin to dilute a mainstay item in the lineup in this way. IF they kept the 000-15M in the lineup with a hard case and genuine mahogany and increased the price a hair I would understand the need for a mexican made option, but this is not the way IMO. It might make Martin some dough in the short term, but I wouldn't take the trade-off personal in the way that it harms the brand.

[@JB-lp9xr]

If you ask me, it’s the first step in Martin pushing all 15 series production to Mexico. It is beyond stupid; it is suspicious.

[@mikedovsky]

Katalox, or Mexican Royal Ebony, is a dense Central American hardwood - Swartzia cubensis. It is listed in several USDA publications as a suitable substitute for African Gabon Ebony in stringed instruments (usually fingerboards and bridges).

[@cliftongardner4367]

It's actually interesting listening to this demo, because I can tell, based on the woodiness and resonance and overtones on the M, I would prefer the M in a room - but the E sounds better recorded. Stronger fundamental tone, more balanced, a little brighter. The M sounded very soft and muffled on the recording, but the E sounded bigger and more strident on the mics.

[@ChiefGuitarOfficer]

We think it’s fantastic to have the option for players to spend a little less for a very quality instrument. Great comparison video. They both sound fantastic (yet different).

[@CameraLaw]

I am a biased and happy owner of the 12 fret 000-15SM. That model is a beaut, and I write to mention that it has a 1 3/4” nut. Just something to consider if you’re looking for that combination. In the demonstration, I loved hearing Chris put the guitars through their paces. I leaned toward the 15M, but wouldn’t kick the 15E outta bed, as they used to say in a less politically correct time slot.

[@jeffberdin]

@@CameraLaw by far the nicest of the 15 series. I love the 1-3/4” nut width and slotted headstock

[@colinclement2752]

It even has a hole

[@rinkydinky-ob9pe]

i have a 00015 made in the usa that i bought in 2010, a most excellent choice , id never played a martin until then , in fact i sold my j45 and bought a d28 because it set the wheels in motion for my martin journey, the 500 issue, if you have the extra yes if you dont it doesnt matter, the guitars made in mexico are fantastic

[@rbadum]

You guys are the best! I have a 10E and I love it- GREAT VALUE!!

[@ForTheLoveOfGuitars]

Well, I was already sold on the beauty of these guitars, but Chris's playing here is superb...saved this video for reference so I can learn that song. Great job, Chris! Cooper, step it up! jk

[@pauldanner9037]

The D-15 has always been my dream acoustic. When the D-15E came out, I was excited about the price, but the guitar, while beautiful, was underwhelming to play and hear. Even my wife, who's only been playing for a couple years, could feel and hear the difference. The 15E is really nice at a nice price, but the 15M is wow. Worth the extra $ for me. Hoping to get mine soon.

[@robbiecleighmarks3088]

Mmm that 15M has a color and resonance that speaks to the soul. The E is nice, but much more rounded and brighter.

[@tubetime345]

I dont know if some of it is due to youtube compression, but the ringing sustain on those things is insane, which i think is a helpful feature

[@DanielMartinez-cs8fg]

I bought the 000-15E and returned it, just better to get the 000-15M and add the pick up. its what they should of done from the beginning.

[@lindsayheywood7195]

Yes they should have

[@shaneroberts9466]

I don't purchase any guitar based on where its made, I judge the instrument itself. I'm not ashamed that most of my guitar collection is not USA made, although most are made by USA companies and I am super proud to own a couple guitars that are made in the USA.

[@BruceKensil-ue2xq]

I agree, I have a few as well, my Gretsch's are made in Indonesia, and so is my D'Angelico's yeah I am a slight off beat... I do own a Martin, US as well as an inexpensive Feesley, which I was surprised sounds nice...

[@ukestudio3002]

Try the Chinese made guitars . I was surprised how resonant Eastman’s are . Pretty too.

[@johngalloway7018]

Several of us keep asking what that fingerpicking song is. Appreciate you telling us and thank you for

[@christinepratt4656]

I have the 000-15SM, which is a solid mahogany, 12-fret guitar intentionally designed to look and play like the mountain guitars of yesteryear. I love the full, loud sound and the 12-fret style, but I do wish the nut was the wider, 1 3/4 width and that the neck edges and fret ends were more rounded for comfort. These more modern touches would make this a perfect guitar (but I still like it a lot). Thanks, Chris and Cooper, for your many comparison videos.

[@Metro_Gnome]

I have a Mexican Martin and a Nazareth Martin. I love them both. Imo, Martins mexican dreadnoughts are amazing sound and playability for the price, in the '0' range the price difference isn't as large so I'd get the American small body Mexican big body That's just me and I do not regret that buying decision, at all. D-18s sound a lot like my Alvarez md60...and for the opposite side of the dread sonic spectrum....I have a Larrivee D03 I gpt for $500 twenty years ago used ... Acoustic prices are amazing no matter what you buy these days but there are ways to stretch your money and still get pro level gear

[@za4310]

I got to sit down with one recently. Its way more legit than their less expensive import guitars. Its a proper instrument. In quality id categorize it with USA stuff more than road series or X series. If it fits your budget better i dont think itll disappoint. It would fit in a collection of USA martins. The things that stuck out as cheaper to me were the tuning pegs and bridge material. They're by no means bad though. You could leave everything as-is and not feel the need to swap parts out. Martin has made similarly priced and constructed guitars in the past and those are good too, but this was the best example ive played.

[@aaronwilson8966]

I'd like to see how the 000-10E compares to the 000-15E as they have the same scale length and the Richlite vs Katalox. Haven't see Alamo's review of a 10E yet

[@rustinhamilton2772]

Love your playing. What is the first song you're playing on both guitars?

[@biggusmikus]

I did a similar comparison when looking at the D-15M and D-15E. Despite the electronics, I still went with the D-15M, as I'd rather have that tone and projection over the stiffer sounding D-15E. Still a nice guitar, but it's not the same.

[@mickymillersson4376]

I’d stick with the 000-15m every time

[@donaldcameron288]

Like so many others, I really wish that Martin would make an all-mahogany short scale with a 1 3/4" nut. I wanted to like the 15e here, but I hear the difference. If I'm willing to sacrifice some tone I might as well get the all-sapele 10e which to my ears sounds similar to the 15e. Thanks for interesting side-by-side demo.

[@dynasgitarrer6236]

They both sound good. Chris and Cooper might hear something in the room we don’t. The 000-15e seems to be livelier, louder and more well balanced. Reminds me of my D-15M in that respect. I also have a 00-15M which is quieter than both these guitars, but with lovely intimate tones, great for recording. I have the new soft case for my D-15. It’s sturdy and light, very easy to carry. I like it.

[@wesleyhudson2028]

Was going to buy a D10 Mahogany. Got a DSS 15. Big sound difference

[@timnewman1172]

I have a 000-15m and it is my favorite guitar, period. I love my 0-18, but the 000 is just more comforable and has a warm, mellow tone that you can't explain unless you play it.

[@timnewman1172]

Also, dropping the case instead of raising the price is a kinda dumb move... all of my guitars have cases, even my $100 cheap-a$$ Orangewood that I bought used is in a case with a humidifier!

[@parallelpost]

Nationwide is on your side 😊

[@lynguist]

that was some nice playing

[@Mr.PhatsVarietyVibesShow]

I'll only get the more expensive one depending on how many Gigs I am lined up for this week ,& how much & get paid for each of my shows...

[@reauxdom255]

Could be my reception, but my perception is the "E" guitar had more clear highs. The "M" seemed muffled and less defined. I wish the "M" was made in and shorter scale.

[@GenghisDaniel]

Guild as the M-20 shorter scale full mahogany and American made albeit with a little smaller body size which is in my opinion as good as any M-series Martin guitar that I have ever try (I might say much better in terms of equilibrium, but I guess it is somewhat subjective). You should try it ;).

[@mariodostie5218]

000-15SM is a short scale Martin, 12-fret though.

[@ibew1951]

​@@mariodostie5218 I have one and love it !!

[@dansmith8558]

I have been waiting for this video since the 000-15e came out. listening with my BOSE headphones on, the 000-15e was much clearer tone and actually louder than the 000-15m. i own a 00-15m (2019)and a 000-10e.(2021). I would like to see a video with the Martin 000-10e vs 000-15e. thanks..

[@PeteA54]

I was wondering what strings were on each guitar. I assume they are the same strings as that has a big impact on how they sound.

[@ABBYDOG26]

I thought the difference was striking. The 000-15M was so much warmer and full sounding where the 000-15E sounded more tin like.

[@peterdeboer9620]

The one from Mexico sounds good. I like the wider nut width. It includes a pickup. The one from Mexico is very nice.

[@jeffberdin]

Can we not challenge Martin to “reimagine” the 15 series to give us 1-3/4”? C’mon Martin, get on it already! 😂

[@ed_music1834]

Agree with this!

[@GenghisDaniel]

It will probably be the opposite if they reimagined the 15 series, it is becoming harder and harder to find a 1 3/4’´ nut in the standard models. They are pushing it out, and at the same time pushing out the standard tapper with it is roomy width at the bridge (which is often overlooked and is as much important as the nut width) and go for the modern taper for most fingerboard now width it’s small spacing at the bridge and the smaller difference between the nut and the bridge spacing for the same model.

[@texhaines9957]

The 1-11/16" nut sold it for me. My wounded fretting hand does not like 1.75! For you other folks, I hope and pray you are never run over (from behind) while walking on a sidewalk. Ruins your day, probably your calves, and in my case, fretting hand.

[@JB-lp9xr]

Agreed. If the 000-15M had a 1.75 nut I would own it already.

[@RodrigodeAbreu-i5g]

Both sound great

[@LuckyInCards]

yes!

[@brucerichard2904]

I honestly can't notice much difference in some videos, but back to back, the M sounds much nicer. It had a nice rich sound whereas the E was bright.

[@bradleybunk6463]

Based on what I heard, I prefer the 15E, price not considering. The 15M has a beautiful tone as a solo instrument but it would not cut through the mix when playing in a band. In an ensemble a guitar fits in the midrange of audio spectrum. The 15M has a big bottom and shimmering highs, while the 15E has a strong midrange.

[@robertmoretti1464]

This is exactly how these guitars sounded to me, too.

[@johnfoti7956]

I have a 000 15M...bought it years ago. As it has aged...the sound has become even more resonant and warm toned. If you really get on it...the sound will blow you away. If you want a Martin...buy American made Martin guitars ! Period. Spend the extra money. You will never loose.😊

[@dantedimaano9556]

I like the warmer sound of the 15M

[@BobDorfman]

They both sounded good to me, but the 15M was my favorite due to the fullness of its sound.

[@GiveMeGuitars]

Great video, loved the comparison! The 15E looks so much better than the 15M and seems like it's way more comfortable to play with the rounded fingerboard and nut width. I think of it the same way as Gibson vs Epiphone: sure, if you pay extra money, you'll get a better guitar in most cases, however the more you spend, the less of a difference it seems to make. Like a $1500 Gibson LP is probably going to sound and feel pretty similar to one of their $3000 LP's that's double the price. All that said, the 15M does sound better, more pronounced and a bit more full. Is it worth an extra $500 dollars though? Not for me, I'd probs go with the 15E if I had to buy one.

[@parallelpost]

Both sound nice. I have a D10E, hencho en MX ... 🇺🇲 um, the other Mexico 🇲🇽

[@rmzzz76]

Listening to the 000-15m I hear a remarkable guitar, there's that mahogany warmth and clear under tones. There's a depth missing the 000-15e, it's very close but to acclimated ears listening through high quality headphones or buds, you're going to hear it, I believe it's there. I think it's very bad for C.F. Martin to build a guitar in the 15 series in Mexico. 15 series is iconic and deeply tied to the USA factory. I believe C.F. Martin's value is in their tradition, while they build some very good "for the money" models in Mexico, they've always kept branding and series distinctions between what's built in Mexico and what's built in the USA, I really hate (strong word, but that is the correct emotion I'm feeling here, along with disgust) that C.F. Martin are building, objectively subpar versions of their 15 series in Mexico, putting value oriented pickup in these guitars and trying to position them against Taylor 100/200 series.

[@cph630_Chris]

I’m wondering if the mahogany used on the OOO-15m is getting more difficult to source? That could be an underlying issue.

[@johngalloway7018]

A lot of us keep asking what is that finger picking song you play on these comparisons. We would appreciate knowing and thank you

[@oracleboix]

sounds brighter to me ears.

[@BruceKensil-ue2xq]

I like the tone better on the 000-15M, its all about personal preference. I like to pluck and pick, and that one sounds like a perfect fit for that style of play. 000-15E sounded light it was a slight bit brighter. What you like to play, the style you play will influence your choice.

[@TomZola1]

Great comparison! I found the USA 15M very warm but the Mexican 15E has more clarity - so easier to record. If the pickup is half decent, that would be a big plus. Did I understand correctly that it's the USA model that's got an open-spore (cheap) finish? That's a big negative for comfort of playing, especially given the rolled fretboard edges, shorter scale length and 1 3/4 nut width of the Mexican. The descriptor "made in the USA" wouldn't tempt me to buy the cheaply-finished pickup-less 15M, but then I wouldn't buy either of these guitars; they're both too expensive for guitars that, according the the Martin website, have no binding.

[@CarlandGrace]

I had a Martin d10e with Sitka top. Traded for D18 satin and no doubt the D10E is a great guitar and a great performer but it’s not really nearly as clear of a tone or as loud and resonate as the D18. Is worth double the price? It was to me and I’m not a musician just play for fun.

[@BenAdam-om2hr]

I preferred the sound of the 000-15M in this comparison. I bought one of the first 000-15S when they came out. Replaced the synthetic nut and saddle with bone, added a Fishman under-saddle pickup (which was one of the best options at the time), and I couldn't be happier with my choice. I wanted the slotted 12 fret with the wider nut combined with all mahogany, and it's a winner IMO.

[@texhaines9957]

You sold me at 1-11/16" nut. AND made in USA would make my Dad smile. HOWEVER, I like my 00-15M deep body with ebony fingerboard, bridge, bridge pins, and scalloped Adirondack Golden Age bracing.

[@meowitzzer767]

I noticed a very similar difference when playing a Taylor 214 vs a 314. It’s like the string noise is louder than the note produced and resonating from the guitar.

[@adam_michael540]

The 214 is rosewood laminate, maple laminate, or zircote laminate back and sides and the 314 is sapele. All different tonal properties. If you’re comparing American vs Mexican made Taylor/martin you should be trying to compare a guitar with the same properties.

[@ektalon1]

Both are very nice guitars but the American-made M series has bell-like highs that chime and ring out. The range of the E from Mexico is narrower and more constrained. Often when I listen to comparisons like this I can't tell the difference or I don't have a strong preference. In this case, the different sounds were obvious even to my 75-year-old ears. I would pay the $500 extra for such an obviously better-sounding guitar.

[@rainypath96]

are the backs and sides on the 000-15m real mahogany, or sapele like the 000-15e?? I have seen some conflicting arguments about this on comments online

[@the.communist]

Whats the name of the piece of music at 10:20 ?

[@gillessprecher4674]

Two great guitars ! One is clearer than the other: Gives us more choice ! By the way, could you tell what is this piece you are playing at 7:58 ? It's beautiful, and I'd like to learn it. thx

[@ForTheLoveOfGuitars]

Probably best (and better for you in the long run) to just save the video and learn from watching him play. You can slow down the video to 50% or 75% to help out and maybe chart the chords. I plan on doing this myself when I have time. If I am successful, I'll post a video of it. These dudes play so damned good, it's hard not to want to learn what they play in these demos.

[@gillessprecher4674]

​@@ForTheLoveOfGuitarsThanks for the advice. Tried that with the slower speed. It's indeed a good way to transcribe. I love how this man plays.

[@Richy880]

First,, I read hydrox cookies were before the Oreo..who cares…both good…Second,both guitars sound good with the katalox sounding brighter ..Third,…to both of you: think about yer hands when doing whatever…you are such great guitar players…would hate to hear ya can’t play anymore and deliver these awesome reviews…Finally…have a cookie👀😀👍

[@timnewman1172]

Most "cookies & cream" ice cream use Hydrox cookies, Oreos are kinda dry in comparison...

[@cmcg5788]

To my ears, the 000-15E sounded more open and articulate, while still being warm. The volume and resonance difference you talk about didn't show up so much in my headphones...I would have to play them both in person, but based on this video, I would definitely go with the 15E, especially since it's 1 3/4"" nut and 2 5/16" saddle spacing, which is what I have on my CEO-9 and I love.

[@PGrizzy91]

They really need to make the nut width 1.75”.

[@geoffreycarter3981]

I've lost interest in Fender guitars from a collectability standpoint because the mexican made guitars have become SO good and basically identical to the USA made ones that I can't get my head around the extra cost associated with buying a USA made one, which is really the only one I WANT to own. A Fender is a Fender and should be made in California. The brand dilution that comes with outsourcing to another country has severely lessened their appeal to me. I'm sure they're making a lot more money by doing what they're doing, but the appeal of a Martin is not just getting a good guitar at any pricepoint, but its association with the past and with the heritage that makes Martin special. Nitrocellulose finishes and the construction that is consistent with all the guitars I've ever heard or seen played on stage. I'd rather aspire to owning a few expensive Martins than have virtually identical options made in multiple countries for a bargain.

[@TVsBen]

The difference is even bigger than that, right? Because the 000-15E has a pickup where the 000-15M does not. Yes there are some other differences, but the pickup is the biggest difference. It's weird that the 000-15E is cheaper than the 000-13E, just because 15>13

[@ia5662]

also the 13 has the solid spruce top which is more expensive to make, but I hear you. I think the 13E is also laminated back and sides as opposed to the solid sapele, but they include some really choice ziricote showy veneers. I see the 15E is a the professional grade model and the 13 as more built tougher, but less toneful and more showy.

[@darrylzimmerman]

@@ia5662 The Martin 000-13e does have a solid spruce top, but it also has solid Siris back & sides. Regarding the laminated back & sides you mentioned, maybe you're thinking of the Martin 000-12e, which is solid spruce top, with laminated koa back & sides.

[@Prajnana]

Honestly, on a superfical listening, I thought the E sounded better than the M; the M is "warmer", but the E has a more balanced tone across the spectrum with better note separation. In contrast, the M sounded more compressed - i.e., less dynamic range - almost muffled. I want to listen again with decent headphones as I might then change my mind....

[@dg111fu]

The E sounds more articulate on the recording. Maybe you are picking up something in the room we aren't, but I would buy the E over the M.

[@russfitzgerald]

Heretic here - I came to this video after playing a new 000-15E in my local music store yesterday. I acknowledge I am primarily a Gibson guy who adores J-45s and LG-2s, but I appreciate Martins. I keep trying 000-15Ms, and they never quite do it for me. I had been pleasantly surprised by the 000-10E, but the 000-15E I played yesterday was (ahem) the Martin that I liked better than any other mahogany or sapele topped guitar I have played - with the exception of a 40s )-15, but that really IS apples to oranges. Seriously, I found myself thinking, "T/hrown on a set of pure nickel wound strings and this would deliver an amazing smoky sound." Maybe it was just that one individual guitar.

[@mikemcquade5431]

The E sounds much brighter. The me sounds muffled

[@TVsBen]

Yeah for sure. The E was brighter, as is my 000-13E which uses a laminate. I thought for sure listening that this was also a laminate but Martin says it's all-solid. Kinda wild.

[@drcrankenstein]

Definitely strikes me as a slow move toward the 15 series exclusively being made outside the US. Can't remember the 000-15M price a couple years ago, but I know the D-15M was $1349 with a hardshell, then it was $1499, now it's $1699. And not only did they get rid of the hardshell, they got rid of the Grover open gear tuners as well. I think Martin really doesn't want to make sub $2000 guitars in Nazareth anymore, and they're moving slowly away from it...just slow enough not to draw too much attention. I can't say what their operational costs are or if these are necessary moves on their part, but it definitely seems like the direction they're going. As for sound, I thought they both sounded comparable in this video. Have no idea in person, but I couldn't tell much of a difference here. I'm with Chris in preferring the wider nut, though.

[@PowersBenzoCoaching]

This is going to sound crazy but I recently played a D15e (made in Mexico) and it sounded better than the 15m which was $500+. I can’t explain it. It might be choice of wood.

[@mikeward2922]

flipping back and forth in the video several times, the 000-15M just sounds a bit better.

[@audiebeimer3825]

000-15M. All day every day. Hands down.

[@lhvent]

I like both

[@fredviancos2948]

the M seemed to sound warmer and lower in tone. thanks.

[@BaktaBak3]

000-15M - USA made sounds warmer than the 000-15E. Woods are different so they'll sound a bit different. Both sound good (IMO). The musician needs to be happy with the instrument..........audience can't tell the difference.🎸🎸🎸 Does the 000-15E have battery access at /near the end pin ? That would probably sway me towards it for a gig out guitar.

[@standinkler5356]

What I think the bigger difference is the material changes. That it is not made in PA makes the quality another variable. To me it's not the price of the US guitar, but that the MX guitar is not worth only $500 less. Personally I would not consider paying that much for such a diluted Martin. I'd look at something else even cheaper.

[@richardharding9975]

Sapele b&s. A heavier, stiffer wood. Heavier and stiffer?

[@Hexspa]

They almost sound voiced inverted from one another. The M has elevated bass and ~7kHz snap wheres the E is all about that 1 kHz. They should have called it the W.

[@Chuckster73]

Excellent video guys, thanks! I would love to see you add the SC 10E Sapele version to the comparison along with the 000-10E. I really like the look, sound, and feel of the Mahogany/Sapele Road Series, but a good comparison review like you did here would be much appreciated. I have one of the original D-Jr's in all Sapele and like it, but I keep thinking about adding either the 000-10E, or the SC-10E Sapele or, this new 000-15E. Having those 3 directly compared would really help a lot!

[@richardharding9975]

Some time compare with the ooo10e. Almost the same with mahogany top vs sapele top.

[@dalestoots998]

The e is brighter. The way I play it makes more sense to me. The m sounded muted.

[@BruceKensil-ue2xq]

Spirit of Halloween: I wanted to remind everyone what Cooper mentioned that their local Sam Ash was going to be a Spirit of Halloween store... He is prophet. My Sam Ash here in Philadelphia is now a Spirit of Halloween store... Not to mention there are no local Guitar Stores around me, I have to now order things from the internet. :(

[@scouser2230]

I agree with other comments that the Mexican E sounds brighter.

[@scottf2199]

Much warmer on the 000-15M

[@skateborg]

It would make gobs more sense to name the one made in Mexico "Martin 000-15M" and the one made in USA Martin "000-15A" but no, let's keep with the program and perpetually confuse everyone who looks at these guitars. Question: If the wood on a guitar comes from Honduras or Madagascar or Bali or Ukraine, is that guitar really 100% "Made in America"?

[@GiveMeGuitars]

If that was the case, 99% of guitars "made in USA" would not be able to describe themselves as made in the US

[@DaveDalton-fi9zt]

000-15M all day long

[@iocomposer]

I paid $1000 for one of these guitars 8 years ago. Strap came off and it hit the ground from waist height once and it smashed to pieces. Never again on the Martins.

[@Hexspa]

Did you check it prior to playing? Strap buttons are on the user, imo. It sucks when they fail but it’s not that unordinary for a flap of fabric or skin to fall off a tiny, smooth metal knob. As far as smashed to pieces, were you humidifying it correctly? Those issues can weaken the joints.

[@otherwiseguy]

Fun fact, Oreo cookies are actually a copy of Hydrox cookies. Hydrox was the original.

[@aaronlarsen7447]

I liked the sound of the Mexican guitar.

[@divindave6117]

As far as Martin Guitars go, there is a psychological intrinsic value to them. Is it worth 500 more for a US made one? Martin has been at the top of the heap for more than 110 years and building guitars since 1833. Martin invented the Dreadnaught guitar and the rest of the world followed their lead. And Nazareth PA is the Mecca of acoustic guitars. No other manufacturer has contributed to the acoustic guitar world like Martin has, and that is important. Every guitar player in the world knows of Martin guitars and has aspired to owning a Martin guitar. Does a guitar made by the most renound maker in the world, and made in the Mecca of acoustic guitars deserve a 500 dollar price bump? Its a laughable question.

[@bend1499]

Considering that Yamaha's Indonesian factory is producing higher quality instruments with less quality control issues, I'd say no, it's not worth the extra money.

[@DomCAFC]

Hate to say it, but the 15E stuff is just a different guitar to the 15 series. Wish they would call it a different name. I would have far less issue with it being made in Mexico with Sapele if it was made in the same design as the actual 15 series 😢

[@flaelna]

I prefer the sound of the M

[@chippsterstephens6800]

USA labor matters. Think!

[@timnewman1172]

This!

[@le_th_]

This is simple: the cost of doing business is significantly more in the US then in Mexico, especially wages. You guys are comparing these guitars like the cost of doing business is equal in both the US and Mexico and it's not. That said, in 68 days, when trump takes office, that MIM guitar will have a shiny new tariff on it.

[@zitfril]

For me there is a substantial $50 difference in sound. Not enough.

[@simonsmith2642]

Yes. If only because you live and work in the USA.. So its in your best interest to support American jobs.