Martin 000-15 Streetmaster vs 000-16e

Today we're taking a look at the difference that one digit makes, comparing the 000-15 Streetmaster and the 000-16e from Martin. These guitars are very different from one another, inspiring vastly different playing styles and tonal palettes. Take a listen to Chris' thoughts and demos, and let us know which one you like more!
Demos start at 8:49
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[@dunk23nc]

Man…that 15M is one of the best sounding guitars I’ve ever heard

[@mikeconnor2102]

I bought a 000-15m (not street master) a year ago for my 60th birthday. I absolutely love it. I'm old and you know what it is already starting to look a bit relic-ed because I play it every chance I get. It is bluesy and great to sing with. I like to sing and play John Prine, Johnny Cash, Blaze Foley, Bob Dylan, Hank Williams Sr...in my own bluesy/ bluegrass finger style.

[@eaglewarrior8707]

What about Hank 3?

[@mikeconnor2102]

@@eaglewarrior8707 Funny I didn't even know there was a Hank 3 until last week...I'm 61 and don't pay much attention to the latest and maybe not the greatest.

[@lukegleeson2134]

said it before, and I'll say it again - these guys make gold videos together!

[@uthzone]

Totally agree ... And then you see casino guitars churning out crap day after day!!!

[@Tony_Leonardi.]

I completely agree as well

[@SeanJepson7]

Absolutely. There’s no unnecessary ‘comedy’ like Andersons and they’re just likeable, down to earth guys.

[@stephanematis]

Enjoy you both and the genuine love of guitars comes through.

[@anthonyb2334]

This is a great comparison. I own a 0015, a 00015sm, and SOLD my 00018 because the 15’s hit home for me. After watching I think I need to try the 00016. All excellent guitars. Thanks guys!

[@ed_music1834]

As always guys great comparison. I'm leaning towards the Streetmaster here and Cooper is right the smell of that Mahogany is just amazing. The woody mids ands highs on that was just so sweet to hear and you guys nailed it when you played Blues. Hopefully that can be available here with our local dealer.

[@SiggyMe]

The 00015 bass sound better defined and sounds sweeter whereas the 00016 has a heavier tone and less definition or separation across the strings. Nice demo.

[@BaktaBak3]

Love your video's/reviews. Thank!

[@VaughnFelixMusic]

15M is literally delicious and feels great too. It’s mid-highs monster, not a woof cannon of course, the overtones mesh so good together making chords sound yuuuge

[@sc5759]

I think the Streetmaster looks a lot better than the OM-15. I had a Streetmaster and it sounded phenomenal. Light and very resonant with great playability.

[@denisc.5602]

Well done, thanks for this comparison and greetings from Germany :)

[@davesiler4064]

Guten Tag, mein Freund!

[@pigxstix]

The 16e is for happy music and the streetmaster is for sad music. Cooper nailed it and you can hear it when you play each, even though you're playing the same things on both. The tone on the 15 is darker and more compressed (tone not resonance) and the 16 is bigger across the whole spectrum and more lively. I like the streetmaster better. I also like the relic'd look and the dark mahogany. Good review, thanks.

[@markstrain8989]

wow. good comments that make a lot of sense to me and help me better understand the sounds I heard coming from these guitars. Thank you.

[@pjchurch1641]

That makes sense why I ended up buying a Streetmaster...I love sad music! That said, it actually rocks out really well, too. It's not just good for old-timey music.. that dark tone lends itself well to acoustic "metal" (like Tenacious D.)

[@nellatrab]

That's a totally ridiculous statement ;-)

[@el34glo59]

I think either is great for whatever you want to play

[@SingSurfStrum]

Another great video Chaps, love the authentic Harley charging away outside the store in the first few mins……That mahogany sustain wins everytime. When we can travel from the UK again I’ll be visiting……keep on

[@NighthawkEnforcer]

After having my 000-16e for about 6 months now, it has become my favorite and most comfortable guitar. I do love the clarity and articulation of the 000-15. But I’m really happy I went with the 000-16 first. Now it may be time to save for a 000-15. Though I’d choose the non-relic version, the 000-15m.

[@wheninroamful]

Haha, yes, both are different, and if one can afford, are worth having for different moods/muses.

[@wheninroamful]

Thank you, solid. Beautiful playing at 10:12 and 11:05; and from those snippets, the 000-16e sounds 'better'. My vote has been for the 000-15m Streetmaster in the end and i decided it will be my first Martin after 20 years of wanting one. The dude on the left's breakdown of each at 7:25, before they are played, is spot on. The 000-15m is a blues machine from the past. The Streetmaster 'wear" may be gimmicky, but after playing one, to me it's art like a tie-dye shirt. Both may end up in my collection, who knows, but crazy how different woods create a whole different sound.

[@texhaines9957]

Thanks Chris and Cooper.

[@janrandles8683]

I have a 000 Streetmaster and love the lightness, smell and sound. Just like the look of it. Yes I am too old to wear a guitar to that look but not why I bought it. Just attracted to the above comments. Yes fingerstyle blues!! Exactly Cooper. Love the simplicity of the guitar and still get a good feeling and sound when playing.

[@RjBenjamin353]

The smell?? Does it smell like ass or what?? 😂

[@janrandles8683]

@@RjBenjamin353 Guess you have never experienced the fine fragrance of mahogany. Too bad. The mahogany has no coating on it so when you open or hold the guitar you get the mahogany fragrance, Smart a**. Something you have obviously never experienced but perhaps you sniff your own a**. Ugh!!

[@teofiloljubisavljevic7943]

@@RjBenjamin353 wow ur quite simpleminded.

[@janrandles8683]

@Matt_Dylan I have had this one over a year. Initially it smelled like fresh cut mahogany. It still does to some degree but the sound has just improved over time, as I am sure any Martin does. My father was a woodworking craftsman and always had an assortment of woods in his shop. Cherry, walnut, mahogany and many others. Guess it just brings back fond memories for me of walking into his shop. He would certainly appreciate many of these models, although a furniture and clock maker, not a guitar luthier. But the man could do anything he set his mind to!

[@zororosario]

I like the street master,, I prefer no pickguard on my guitars. Glad you highlighted the lightness always seems more responsive! Thanks great review as per usual👍

[@andreapasillas5803]

I really like the warm tone of the 15M Streetmaster. I've been thinking about adding a mahogany acoustic guitar as all three of my current acoustics have solid rosewood back and sides.

[@jamesmeyer4076]

Streetmaster, I didn't want to like it, but after a very long search (downsizing from a D-35) it was an easy decision. I bought it, have been playing it for three years, and I love it.

[@rinneeeee3092]

“parking your truck next to mine and stuff… you got a 16 i got a 15…” bro got me laughing so hard

[@billmiller9763]

I got the street master. I been looking at them for a few years . Had to get one when the payment option was easier and they changed the brige color , if you look at older ones. Grate for jams it holds its own with other guitars at jams. The looks Is kinda how long I been playing . The lite part makes it easier to carry. The gig bag makes it like pillows around it.

[@karlwalker6648]

I own a 000rs1 and a 00016e and love both of them , the rs1 I prefer for blues and the 16e covers everything else so the answer is get both 😀 ! Great video as always guys 👍

[@corneliuscrewe677]

The old school 000-15’s were the shorter scale. Not sure why they switched them to the longer scale. I love mine, but I would have preferred the shorter scale. And the smell of the wood is positively the best thing about opening the case.

[@MrMewsique]

Street Master. Definitely. I own a 00-15 and I thought it was short scale, but after hearing your conversation I checked and was surprised to learn it's not. It plays easier than my long scale Taylor (which I think I'll get rid of.) Learn something new everyday. I too, love the 15 series Martins. I play my 00-15 more than my more expensive acoustics. I love the vibe. Those are my random thoughts. Thanks for the review

[@wheninroamful]

maybe im confused, but the 000 and 00 are same scale, just different body size?

[@MrMewsique]

@@wheninroamful 000 and 00 are short scale. OM is long scale except in the 15 series. The 15 series everything is long scale

[@randyrandleroloson3246]

00015 hands down winner of this shootout to my ears

[@chapmanscreekrevival]

I wonder if people will be talking about those pre pandemic Martin's in 75 years?

[@donaldboyett7682]

I have a 000-15M and I know the smell that Cooper was talking about. I heard they used Spanish Cedar strips for gluing inside. I have had my nose to the sound hole many times.

[@nicolen.9642]

Same here lol👍

[@gregorymchutchison1878]

Same😏

[@el34glo59]

That's what the smell is. Spanish Cedar

[@ronmann1398]

Nice comparison, I'm partial to the 00016e, I played one recently back to back with a Taylor 327e, I'd have to toss a coin to choose between the two.

[@Randorita]

I liked the way the 15 sounded. Just checked, and Martin no longer makes an 0M-18 that I could find. I love my 0M-18 Authentic 1933! It is light and smells great! It has a very balanced tone and what I think would be a singer/songwriter dream guitar.

[@CoolCat11]

I have a few Martins. I also have your OM-18 1933 Authentic and a 000-15m. "Ours" as in the OM, is magnificent but much more pricey. It has an Adirondack top. I picked up a used one and I would never sell it. The 000-15m is a beautiful guitar (that comes with a hard case) but is not as "special" as the OM-18 1933 Authentic. When I first played the 000-15m I was surprised at its great tone. I'd sell it (reluctantly) but the OM stays. The 000-16E I found to be a bit "uninspiring" for want of a better word and put it back within a few strums.

[@fabianherzog7083]

They still make the OM-18 but only in the custom shop. You can select it on the custom shop website.

[@el34glo59]

000-28 Custom Authentic 1937 all day

[@2628064379]

I'm kind of surprised a company like Martin hardly offers any 12 fret body connection models like other guitar companies.

[@guybross1200]

Yeah guys nice job, I have had my 00015me for 3 yrs. now and you cant take it out of my hands. It just keeps getting better, and it still has that great smell. Finger style blues is my thing and with the factory pre amp in it, it cant be beat. For me.

[@robtrivetti-salvat7359]

I liked the 15 better. I played both of those earlier tonight and was surprised to prefer the all mahogany over the spruce. The 15 had more personality for my ears. The 16 sounded more refined but I already have a similar tone in my Yamaha LL-TA so the 15 would be the right match for me. I hope Santa reads this! LOL

[@bishopk99]

I have a GPC-15ME Streetmaster (GC special I believe)... I put a sticker -- very nice and removable - gold leaf tribal design on/middle of the headstock, and added a beautiful amber pick guard -- removable black/red sound hole sticker.... now it looks like a burst.. It looks very nice.

[@UserConn]

May I ask where you acquired the pick guard I have been wanting one for mine.

[@cd8145]

I wish the 15 had a short scale…

[@11KT11]

I've been gigging with the Streetmaster D-15m (Dreadnought) for a few years now and I absolutely love it. Highly recommended it. I'm running an LR Baggs Anthem in it.

[@peabodymartin5201]

I’ve got a 15gpcme and I love it.

[@zazz63]

that comment about you only have twenty years is pretty much spot on the money for this finish ..personally im cool with it.

[@robynstanley8598]

I choose the 15 m love going to try and get me one soon old soul sounding and bluesy love it 😍

[@margiesplace259]

Sounded very Bhumi good base in Midstate I'll love the triple Lowe's so I'm a little bit bias I think I'm just wondering is this guitar made with hide glue one of the issues I've had with Martin our findings that come off or after 10 years pigs become loose so I prescient the modern deluxe build a lot more for 2022 and I just purchase a triple low 42 but would love to have a kick around guitar like to 16 and it has a great sound

[@lindyloulie80]

15M all the way. It has a warm sweet tone with the depth I crave. The 16e is very lively, but too trebly for my taste. Borders on being irritating to my ears. Might have to play it with nearly dead strings. :-) Love the mellow tone of the 15M, and I also LOVE the relic finish. So cool!

[@williamcatalano1762]

I love Martins, the street master looks kind of cheesy. haha I do love the tuning machines though. The 17 series is also really awesome.

[@aaronwilson8966]

Great review as always. Any chance of doing a review on the new 000-16 Street Master (Adirondack VTS and Rosewood)?

[@AlamoMusic]

Coming soon!

[@davidstevens2555]

I think the 16 shines a little more when finger picked. I notice the same thing on my Taylor 412e compared to my 322e. Having said that, there’s just something about mahogany.

[@clydeortego8332]

What do y’all think of Peavey Composer parlor Guitars?

[@texhaines9957]

I could tell the difference without looking. I liked the sound of the street master BUT have opted for a 000-28e

[@laurabarajas9014]

I’m new, could anyone tell me the last two demo songs he plays? Been looking for them.

[@jerryfrench2981]

Just wondering how you would rate the new 000-16 street master compared to the 00-15 M street master. I have a 000-15M S/M & looking maybe to get the 000-16 S/M as well.

[@jessedax7333]

Love the relic vs age comment ( 3:16 ) My thinking exactly ... but I hate you for it!

[@sharonreilly1856]

Love my 00015 Streetmaster. I like to sing and I have a high voice. This guitar is a beautiful compliment to my vocals.

[@mariodriessen9740]

I don't know if you still read new comments on these old video's, but if you do, please try and make a comparison video of the 000-15 Streetmaster vs the 000-16 Streetmaster. I can't find one anywhere. The specs of the 000-16 Streetmaster are so good, if it would have a gloss finish and some binding it would probably cost almost twice the amount of money. That's crazy! For that reason alone I feel tempted to save for the 000-16 Streetmaster. But I would love to hear it side by side with a 000-15m (Streetmaster). I know they both sound great. Another comparison video I'd like is one of the 000-16 Streetmaster vs a Gibson LG-2. I know, two completely different guitars, but still, I love them both, they're both smaller sized guitars, they both have that vintage '30's vibe and they both have a unique voice in the world of acoustic guitars (actually, I think the LG-2 is a bit more unique than the 000-16). Anyway, I just hope you guys read this and are willing to react to my comment, so I can finally get me some sleep. Thanks! 😎

[@GuitaristTech]

What song is that first comparison

[@timnewman1172]

I own an 0-18 that never leaves the house, and an Orangewood Rey... bottom line, I MUCH prefer the shorter scale & wider nut of the Martin! My question is I want a guitar to play out with, is the 000-16 enough better to warrant the extra $400 over a 000-13 Road Series for playing live?

[@TheKingdomChef]

Excellent question want to know myself!

[@ryanbloom1738]

I prefer the 16 but the playing was great on both.

[@randydurham9928]

The 000-16e is no longer available. However, I truly love the sound of finger picking blues on the 000-15!

[@diezelvh4133]

Sm15 is something special. Has a grinding, rich, textured and almost German sounding low end.

[@kenmcf]

I keep trying to force myself to love Rosewood guitars..but when I look at what I own...and what I sold..its all Mahagany...including the 15M (as well as FG5 and J-45)..that said...I have been looking for a deal on a D-28...some guys just never learn.

[@marcscordato4385]

I have a 00015 SM I traded in a Taylor 324 that I loved but the warmth of the Martin won me over

[@Tigerex966]

how is the playability for chords on the first few positions, and speed of the neck on the martin compared to the taylor.

[@zororosario]

Good choice the slotted headstock is so classic. And for sure thee 12th fret neck attachment has it's own qualities not found in 14fret guitars. Cheers

[@MrAndCad]

I love the 15 series but the nut is smaller

[@stevemayo8896]

What strings are on the beautiful 15 series? I love mine!

[@edwardwood6127]

martin 92 phosphor bronze

[@josephmccabe2013]

You guys forgot the martin 000 rsgt, it has om scale length and string spacing

[@BluesnG]

00015 is so good. Is like it has its own soul, so rebel.

[@colakeith1]

I love the 15 and is a GREAT value. But, the sound is not really what I am looking for. On the other hand, the 16 has the sound within the spruce/rosewood overtones-ish and snap I like.If I would have to try the 15, I might like it ehough to buy. I already have a 2011 D-16GT and it was a cannon(still can be) but is a sweet sounding guitar as it has aged. A true poor man's D-18.

[@nicolen.9642]

I have the Martin 000-15M (by the way Cooper is right, it smells good ⚘). Yes, I'll be long gone before my Martin looks like the Street Master. Never understood this worn out concept... Thanks guys for this great video 🎶🎶🎶

[@IndigoJo]

The 00-15 has the longer scale length as well.

[@DBMangum]

question: when I bought my 000 16e, my seller emphasized the need to keep it humidified. ( I live in the high desert ) I've had delicate guitars before. the 000 seems to hold up well, but I keep it always in its case, and humidified. Is the streetmaster "sturdier"?

[@nathanmiller9785]

The street master is probably less sturdy- it’s even lighter built. Definitely humidify.

[@peterdeboer8924]

My 00015m sounds and plays the same as the street master. Mine is a black burst, better looking, I think. Yes, they smell good and they are light. Plays very well with monel/retro strings

[@bigtrevw7923]

Monels on a mahogany guitar all the way.

[@andrewarevalo8838]

Review the GPC 15ME! 😎😎😎

[@arkadyromanov7803]

Hey Chris, 19:40 I knew there was a reason my mahogany top Taylor was my favourite and now I know why! 🤣🤣

[@michaelaiello9525]

I love my 000-15M .. kinda wish it had the streetmaster finish,,, but I’m working on that honest wear. Sweat seems to be the key. PS: let the “kid” take a demo here and there.

[@DavidJosephBoth]

I like the 15m, but i like shorter scale wider nut width. :(

[@BaktaBak3]

Like both :-)

[@dean8842]

StreetMaster, hands down, it's the StreetMaster for this old picker.

[@texhaines9957]

I will put my own weathering on a guitar. 000-17 is my favorite.

[@pauljohns4484]

I always thought the streetmaster was intended as a good sounding road or street beater . No frills so no worry about dings dents .

[@DonTheMyth]

I like the 15.

[@audioruss]

I wish they would make the 000-16 without the pickup and give it a good hard shell case.

[@WebertRLZ]

they do, I have one, the 000-16GT

[@WebertRLZ]

or they did at least

[@Ron4president09]

16gt but i dont think they make it anymore, if they bring it back they’ve got 2 sold already…

[@Hexspa]

@@WebertRLZ I have that and they haven’t made it for about 20 years

[@WebertRLZ]

@@Ron4president09 Ah alright I didn't know that they didn't make it anymore. I got mine a few months ago this year, second hand.

[@JesseDylanMusic]

They both have scalloped braces. The 000-15M does not, but the Streetmaster variant does; it’s made the same but on a different setup with machine-scalloped braces, which the regular 15s lack. And I disagree that this is an OM; that bracing difference is way important! :) the scale is too don’t get me wrong

[@nedludd3641]

$1399 USD for the Streetmaster in Texas? This is strange. In the UK I've been quoted £1599 GBP ($2,223.01 USD). Have II got this wrong? Am I missing something? Plus, the Martin's guarantee doesn't operate in the UK?

[@johnlord1399]

I would imagine shipping, import duty, and VAT all increase the price in the UK. Also, if/when you’re ready to buy, don’t forget to negotiate for your best price.

[@nedludd3641]

@@johnlord1399 - thanks, but they don't need to haggle coz new guitars are a bit scarce atm

[@johnlord1399]

@@nedludd3641, yeah, markets are different around the world. My local guitar store knows I’m an easy mark, and will offer me discounts if they think it will close be deal. I had similar warranty issues over here with my Avalon. They would have honored the warranty, but I would have had to ship it across the ocean at my own expense.

[@MrAndCad]

Dang… what about the 000-17

[@anthonyb2334]

I have always liked the 15 series, and own a 00 and 000. Great guitars. I have NEVER understood the street master version and the “wear” they do to it. I just picked up a 21 year old 00016GTR. I think my 16GTR is similar in construction to the 16 you are showing , with different tuners and rosewood back & sides. (Mine has been “aged” with 20 years of playing). I love both my 000 Martins but like Cooper and Chris say, the 15 is something special. Thank you for another good video.

[@Orion1205]

They charge you less for the Streetmaster version because it comes with a gig bag and the regular version comes with a HSC.

[@zeroceiling]

I find it a bit odd that those who will slag you for playing a Road-Worn guitar…accusing you of not having “earned those scars”…as you should have..playing gigs in smoke-filled bars…though by day you were actually an accountant..”doesn’t matter” they rail. Yet these are the same people that will sit in awe while you play a chewed up pre-war Martin…which you just bought from a guy three weeks prior to this…and you clearly did not earn these stripes either…but yet somehow that’s ok?

[@crismon43]

Cooper sounds like a Jedi.

[@sledge1960]

Both great guitars but getting a ding or a scratch on the M15 would be less worrisome than the Streetmaster, on the M15 it might even add a touch of 'character'.

[@joelpanettaonline]

Looking for a 16e. It is too bad that Martin discontinued them.

[@cglass8277]

I think the new 16 street Master is the same specs minus the electronics and plus the relic finish

[@staleyexplores]

I really like the streetmaster personally, I have a d18 that I really love. I'd wanna get a used streetmaster personally at hopefully around $800

[@ThePonDePon]

I can't stop smelling mine

[@vocalion9519]

I really feel like it’s the current 17 series that is best suited to finger style blues. On a side note, the 16 sounded like a Martin, and the Streetmaster (despite the mahogany top) had a more Taylor-like zing to the sound.

[@johncahill1985]

I bought the000-15 street master over a d 18 it was best feeling guitar and sounding I fell in love bummed no hard shell but outher then that shes perfect I have my 1972 Sigma dm5 And it literally sounds exactly like A d18 That's another reason I didn't get the 18 I saved money too a lot of money and and my Sigma is Japanese and literally sounds exactly the same and feels exactly the same as the D18 And it's a 50 year old Japanese guitar Actually it's funny because I took it for a setup And the guy to guitar shop put a blindfold on and played the 1980s D18 and my Sigma and he picked my sigma dm5 as the 1980s d18 that I almost bought so happy with my street master I'm good on guitars till I'm dead

[@twilliamsusmc]

It’s not actually relic. It’s just a different finish. Those 000-15m gets polished where your hands rub after many years of playing. Martin was trying to make it look like it wasn’t taken care of and out in the weather all the time.

[@el34glo59]

That's relic

[@youdagoob]

19:23 I'm a sinful man. It sounds like I could use an all mahogany guitar like that 15 beauty.

[@BeardnScars]

They both do different jobs. I feel like the 15 has way prettier mid and high range, while the 16 sounds good but kinda basic. Like a musician tracks for a commercial job with the 16, but writes his heart out on the 15, and performs it for his family.

[@SuperEdge67]

OOO15m is the winner for me. 00016 sounds thin compared.

[@ianplaysbass]

I got so lucky, my streetmaster doesn’t look like it was burnt.

[@johncahill1985]

Dam to be honest maybe it's my phone but They literally both sound almost the same I've had my guitar for a year now and the mahogany has already changed change the sound Maybe it's just because they're new guitars

[@festushaggen2563]

Both are fine guitars to be sure. I’d probably go with the 16 between these 2. It sounds better to me and because I hate artificial aging.

[@RickFoxx777]

I honestly have not liked a single Martin guitar under 4k...However, this Streetmaster 000-15 sounds pretty good to me. I think it's worth a try. Peace

[@shawnsponds]

You had some seriously overpriced martins. Lol

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Not even close….solid mahogany

[@austingal9869]

I bought a D-15 street master. The tuners are a deal breaker for me. They aren’t very accurate and fragile. I’m taking it back and getting the D-15 M. The D-15 is cheaper btw and comes w a hard case. Street master does not