Martin 000-15M vs 000-15SM - 12-fret vs 14-fret Comparison

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[@fleadoggreen9062]

Going crazy ,can’t make up my mind,just gonna get both, try and fool the wife it’s the same guitar she keeps seeing all over the house!

[@sasquatchlife8836]

hahaha, I can't believe this comment hasn't gotten a ton of likes and comments. Absolutely hilarious, I bet you could pull it off if she didn't see them both at the same time hahahaha. I may have to do the same

[@pattisimonini5800]

When i ordered mine, the guy said i hope your husband loves it??? Totally MINE. We women go through the same thing.

[@cathalwhelehan]

I bought the 15SM about 3 years based on this comparison and have never regretted it - absolutely a dream to play and own. My neighbour (who loves my SM and is constantly over at my house playing it) has just ordered himself the 15M version as a birthday gift to himself and even I'm excited about it. Really look forward to hearing them side by side.

[@robertcoggin3366]

I thought this video might help me make a decision but instead it has only complicated things. I guess I need one of each, lol

[@Crashoverall]

+Robert Coggin Go to any store and just buy whichever feels better to you. You really can't go that wrong, they are pretty much alike sound wise, specially if you`re recording. The thing is you do feel they do react differently when you`re playing them, but its probably only noticeable in person and mostly to the player. Go try them and get the one that feels better.

[@morrisonreed1]

if yer still looking get the 12 ;warms the room better ....to each his own but the 12 looks more beautiful

[@phillecompte3438]

HA HA ,yes exactly .

[@johnvanwie1345]

I didn't think I'd say this, but I think I like the openess of the SM better.

[@DanRigg96]

I use the 000-15m and thinks it's the most balanced guitar money can buy Full saturation of the eq spectrum with so much more mid than a spruce guitar But retains enough treble to shape the notes, as well as not sounding muddy like a D15 can

[@luckyluke9160]

Oh man that SM sounds gorgeous🙂thanks for excellent video!👍🙏

[@marvinpayne]

These videos are the best I've found for really learning how things sound--thank you!

[@goorackerelite]

I have to say from owning one myself (000-15m) these guitars sound pretty congested the first few months, and one day, it just opened up and now has a beautiful tone.

[@NovakTheEnjoyer]

Same experience here. Bought an SM and after 3 or 4 months, I witnessed a really beautiful and very noticeable transformation.

[@xDooksx]

Tried both of these out couple weeks back. Thought I was gonna instantly go for the SM. Ended up buying the M and love it. Smells like cinnamon!

[@jamesderoc6717]

i played an m and loved it, then learned about the 12 fret 1.75 nut version and thought perfect, but its not perfect sm is only better on the spec sheet

[@guitarsid]

I would mention of the difference created by a slotted vs the solid headstocks. This is a significant difference for replacing strings, but more importantly, the slotted geometry creates more angle of the string going across the nut, resulting in firmer pressure on the nut, which contributes to sound. Another thing that contributes a difference in sound is the location of the bridge due to the 12 vs 14 fret neck joint. The 12 fret neck places the bridge more in the middle of the soundboard, which many believe is a better location for the sound.

[@flylippfantom8425]

I like the 12 fret 1.75 nut and sounds better

[@RandySchartiger]

I just finished a repair/setup on on a D15 (video to come) and was shocked what a powerful little guitar they are!

[@mike982]

Both great, surprisingly liked the 000-15m best in this comparison.

[@matterask]

The Glorious Beard makes me want to buy. Well done!

[@jpcampos]

I've never laid my hands on a 000-15SM. I have played and know the 000-15M very well. Now I have a custom 0000-15M that I got from Gruhns. That guitar rocks. The sound is fuller and more complete IMO. It's better for singer songwriter style because it covers more ground sonically. It sound's fuller and bigger in those types of acoustic only sessions. The guitar doesn't sound thin. It gives you meat. There isn't that tinny treble the smaller 15M like the 000. This is even more present in the 00. There is also a substantial amount of bass but not so much to get muddy like D-15M. I think gruhn has a couple of these customs more for sale. Y'all should check them out.

[@danielflores3343]

Love the vids. Its a great idea to do the same bits of songs for all your videos. Easier to compare a vast range of guitars built up in your demo library over time. You cover all the techniques ie; finger picking, strumming, flat picking etc. Short and sweet. Great job. My personal favorite is @3:35 and 4:20. Anyone tell me what the name of the song is @ 3:35? Here's an idea for you at the end of the regular demo, how about a song that best represents the tonal personality of that particular guitar, to finish off the video? Your fans would love it! BTW just bought the 15SM.

[@IIVVBlues]

If you use an open tuning such as DADF#AD, you can really hear the bass. I bought the 000-15SM and it sounds utterly fantastic. Warm and woody plus it looks great. Very vintage, but with a modern rounded neck, it plays like a dream. I think the larger sound box makes the difference. This guitar just sings.

[@dan3r354]

Thanks for the review Tony, I always enjoy m a lot. Maybe it's my speaker system, but the strings on the OOO-15M sound a bit flat to me.

[@BabyBoomerChannel]

I miss Tony doing these comparison reviews - he was the perfect balance of playing, product knowledge and facial hair.

[@teodelnorte]

Under-rated comment

[@PotPoet]

The OOO-15SM sounds more full of harmonics and it has a slight edge on sound volume as well. The bridge placement is more responsive. The 12 fret string tension is less than the string tension on a 14 fret guitar. This lower tension makes bending a note on a string a LOT easier and it improves the general ease of playability. High notes on a 12 fret have more lower note harmonics and sound more sweet and full as a result (more thick wooden sound and less thin metallic sound). The slotted headstock looks great and it provides better string tension on the nut and it hides the ends of the guitar strings. The 12 fret version is best IMHO.

[@kevinlucken8558]

Thank you for the great info:-). I’ve been down the rabbit hole in search of my first quality acoustic. It turns out that I enjoy the warmth of an all mahogany guitar and the vintage aesthetic. Bonus, the OOO15-SM isn’t $5,000 either.

[@LLulu145]

I like the 15SM 12 Fret the best!

[@kimlindblom6964]

nice guitars. I think I like the 12 fret slightly more.

[@auramac]

I liked the 15SM. Also, thought I'd mention I love the Martin strings on my D17M, though I use Elixirs on my other guitars.

[@magnuscrunnymede9622]

I prefer the sm, especially for fingerpicking. I love these comparison videos

[@pjmuck]

I hear the mid range bump in the M vs. SM you mentioned, Tony. The SM sounds a bit more open to me, though I have to wonder if the 15M would achieve more openness over time too.

[@morbidrockgod]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@jamespadgett2537]

12 Fret for me! The mahogany makes it sound so woody and I love it.

[@markmartin3221]

Mine is the 2021 000SM but this is because of my usage of the SM pero, quite honestly they are both great guitars!

[@Velobus]

J'hésitais entre les deux, maintenant je sais quelle choisir. Deux guitares exceptionnelles. Merci.❤

[@teodelnorte]

Great video, thanks!

[@brkmrtn6495]

Ive had the 15m for about a year and a half and love everything except the neck at the nut, it feels too compact. Playing the Guild M-20 the other day I fell in love with the neck which is 1 3/4 so now im hunting for an SM to compare the 15m to it. Ill probably never find one to actually play though... All that said I think sound wise(according to youtube) the 15m edges out the SM by a tiny amount.

[@jamesmorrison2063]

Like the strumming on the 000-15M and the fingerpicking on the 000-15SM. I must consider a 12 fret fingerpicker!

[@RascoH12]

Excellent

[@afshinPROF]

they both sound great.....but which one is more comfortable to play....?

[@jixxxxer17]

I love the look and the smaller body size of these guitars but i'm guessing the volume of sound coming out from the smaller body will be very noticeable if playing alongside someone with a more full sized acoustic body ? Does this question even make sense ? Great video btw, very pro !

[@MoyzeVid]

I have a Martin OMC-16E ctf, I'm looking to maybe selle it to buy an 000-15sm... Is that a good choice i'm making ?

[@julkitan3017]

wow ... Both sound really good in their own way... so hard to choose...

[@leatherdardoretromovil6779]

Hi Chad! thanks so much ,I too think its better the j15 ,but prefer ask you ,cause you had play on many diferents ,also think its the best choice for that money thanks again!

[@mikegraham4513]

Listen to Tony's demo of the J-15 and make your decision. J-15 wins hands down.

[@BadMofoMusicCritic]

nice comparison. have you guys considered recording in stereo? nice to get a bit more of "the room" in there. I suppose mono has advantages too.

[@aditparida1]

SM owner here. BEst guitar I have owned

[@lordjeff2201]

good sir, what is the song at 4:50 you were playing. I hear it on many acoustic reviews and I wish to partake in learning it, sounds fun

[@TheMrWillje]

What's up with changing the studio recently? Both are great guitars. 12 fret for flatpicking and finger style.

[@JesseDylanMusic]

Great idea for a comparison. Tony, don't you mean the 12-fret is the "classic" look, though? :) 14-fret is a "modern" innovation... :)

[@clevertrevor7360]

I recently bought a 15m . I had to return it because the action at the 12th fret was horrible. I took it to a luthier who said it would have needed the bridge removed and shaved down because their was nowhere to go with the saddle. Unacceptable on an instrument of this price. A shame because I loved the sound and neck profile. Having said all that I am still planning on buying a 15 , but maybe the sm. I will just have to find a really good one.

[@rosslynemrys5829]

I have the sm and it is one if my favorite guitars. I did take it to a luthier who specializes in Martin guitars and he made a very small adjustment to the nut, filed it slightly on the low e side which made it perfect.

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

I'm trying real hard to decide between these two particular guitars currently (well, the 000-16GT is kinda also in the running, but not really as I just don't think it gives you as much since I don't need or want electronics, and costs more). I really want to like the 12-fret more, because bigger top=bigger sound plus I LOVE a slotted headstock, but this particular comparison really makes the 14-fret sound better, more open, balanced, and alive. I have to ask, were both of these guitars strung with the same and same age strings? I just don't understand what would make them sound different, otherwise, aside from probably a little more low end extension on the SM.

[@AamirKhan-xz9zf]

is 12fret guitar better for heartbeat style playing please help

[@rtgray7]

Both sound good to me but I prefer the SM...

[@clevertrevor7360]

I'm torn between them, but to my ears the M sounds a little sweeter for strumming.

[@flylippfantom8425]

The string angle from nut to the tuner is also different. More so on the slotted head of the sm is why the sm nut is wider

[@Ravenscaller]

I screwed up which set of a S....orme. The 15SM is still available. I played one yesterday at the local music store for $1899 , a Hundred more than Reverb. I was referring to the 17SM which are on Reverb at times and the new 000-17 is a completely different animal and as far as I know the there are no 17SM being made. It's the same guitar but with a Spruce and varnished top. I bought this one because there was a time in Covid when local stores had no Martins at all for a time and this one came in used but like new. So yes 15SMs available both new and used on Reverb. It isn't as bright as the spruce top but I think now that I've played it that I would buy the Mahogany one. I think the 15SM has a more complex tone if that makes sense. The only downside is I have small hands and the neck is a bit wide.

[@fazooleq1523]

Thanks Tony - best comparison yet!

[@wilmah8565]

What kind of playing is this? Sounds good.

[@MythicGuitarCompany]

I personally think the sm sounds better, but I don't like that I'm sort of losing 2 frets. I do however like that the string spacing is wider. I spent a few hours playing an M yesterday, and it felt too cramped for my long fingers. The Martin's with wider nuts felt better for me with finger picking. Dang. I wish I could play an sm. The really odd part is that I prefer these over a D-28. I had every plan of walking out of the store with a D-28... then the 000-m changed my mind and prompted more research

[@jimmy5634]

For me. it's the 000-15 SM. The difference is small but the SM has more bottom and the mids are warmer but less defined than the M. Same with the highs. I almost always opt for the louder strummer but that's just me.

[@Theguitarwhiz]

I bought a 03 Gibson J45 about 3 weeks ago and I'm really thinking of selling it for the 000 15sm...

[@mw80858]

Theguitarwhiz so did you end up selling it

[@dungvuvan7657]

Thank!

[@Ghanzo]

What's the song at 3:10?

[@twilliamsusmc]

My 1500m is 21 years old. My 1500sm is on the way. Just ordered but, apparently is still being built in Pennsylvania???

[@CarlosCandidoMusic]

Love the look of the SM, but the pokey midrange of the M... Where can I find both in a small bodied guitar? Slotted Headstock, 12 fret body joint, brighter sound than the mahogany of the 000-15M. Sigh.

[@pluralist1]

Was that Freight Train by Elizabeth Cotten?

[@lordjs9726]

14 fret version all the way for me.

[@bobaldo2339]

Easer to play - easier to change the strings. The slot head does sound ever so slightly better though.

[@BabyBoomerChannel]

Why??? What makes the 14 fret easier to play?

[@kaylacourson611]

^^^

[@emuhunter1]

BabyBoomerChannel easier access to higher frets.

[@mississippi-son]

@@BabyBoomerChannel easiest explanation is to try to bar an E chord on the 12th fret of a 12 fret guitar versus a 14 fret guitar, which is why 14 fret guitars exist.

[@Tull1996]

They sound quite a bit different to me...but is that partially because you're using the same mic position for both (I'm thinking since the bodies are a little different, optimal mic position might be different for each?

[@damianrjames]

great comparison reviews. very helpful.. i dont have a martin guitar. ive got a taylor 522e but i think the martin 000-15m would be cool too! anyone know f they make 'em left-handed?

[@charliehutchinson4196]

They absolutely do come lefty!

[@Skwid-Lives]

I’m trying to decide between this and a Taylor 12 fret. The all mahogany 322ce

[@OsloBlack]

I don't know if this is common knowledge or if you've said it a million times already but what's the song you play at 3:56? You play it often and I love it.

[@walterbrancatisano8598]

everything is reduced to scale lenght. Less tension, more vibration, more "ringing", less strength and steadiness. I used to play much strumming, now i'm playing figerpicking the most, therefore I am a big fan of short scaled guitars

[@timforsythe5372]

They both have the same scale. 25.4. But the SM has a wider nut and string spacing and a longer body.

[@blumenthol]

nice job

[@goorackerelite]

also D'addario ej16s really shine on hog topped guitars

[@StiggyMcQueen]

minyan Zhu If I’m not wrong, John Frusciante used EJ16’s on both his 0-15s.

[@donklink4571]

Why are there double inlays on the 9th fret on the SM. I would look down and think it was the 12th fret. My bad! LOL They both sound great and Tony rocks.

[@skaybaltimore]

No one seems to be talking about the $300 difference between the two. Personally I prefer the warmer, bassier sound of the SM but is it worth $300 more? Judgment call, and might depend on one's playing style (i.e. lead/pick might work better with the M, while fingerpicking might work better with the SM).

[@lordfluxington]

That's my issue as well. Both use identical materials, yet a huge price difference.

[@leatherdardoretromovil6779]

Hi Tony ,first of all ,thanks for your videos! they are really great ,me question its simple ,Martin 00015m or Gibson j15? I know its not so simple ,but if you are right know in the store wich one you take home? really thankyou!

[@musicvilladotcom]

+Leatherdardo Retromovil Hi there, this is Chad not Tony but if it were me..... I would got for the J-15. It's the best deal right now in the Gibson line and I feel is way better than the 000-15M. -Chad

[@rodolphep0nthus555]

That is an akward answer.. The J15 is way better than the 000 15? They are totally different guitars, not even close concerning the woods, construction, scale length, size.. I'm quite surprised with this answer coming from a "pro" point of view.. Well, supposedly "pro".

[@MoyzeVid]

Any suggestions for a pickup for either one of these Martins ? Thanks

[@musicvilladotcom]

We like the K&K Pure Mini. Great acoustic sound!

[@charlieallan2979]

4:02 What's that piece called? Or is it just something you came up with?

[@charlieallan2979]

+Charlie Allan nevermind, Last Steam Engine Train

[@ianplaysbass]

I own the 000-15M Streetmaster. Best guitar I have played.

[@batman48195]

Hi Tony, great video. I’m new to playing guitar. What thickness of pick are you using when strumming? I’m using a thin and it’s seems too flexible, but when I use a thicker pick the pick seems to get stuck in the strings. What pick should I use and how should I alter my technique? Thanks, Brian

[@GUITARTIME2024]

try dunlop nylon (grey). try the .73 mm and the 1.0 mm. for picking, try Dunlop Jazz picks (red).

[@russellcook5490]

This is a common problem until you get your grip on your pick better (a thicker pick give more control and won’t get hung up once your technique improves) - I had been playing for many years and had this problem until recently sitting down with a teacher who helped me get my hand and arm mechanics worked out. A couple of the main things that helped me - when you grip the pick, put the bone of you thumb that you can feel under your first joint right in the middle of the pick - don’t put your thumb pad in the middle of the pick where your thumb knuckle has to bend to hold it - your thumb should be straight and fully extended. This helps you to be more consistent in your attack because your thumb joint won’t move around and change the pick attack angle. The second big thing is to make sure your upstrokes come away from the guitar - this is called escape (not getting hung up on the strings). There are quite a few vids about pick escape on KZbin - check a few out and do some drills, this will definitely help.

[@batman48195]

@@russellcook5490 thank you for the detailed instructions. I’ll give it a try.

[@donmunson4802]

According to Martin literature, the fingerboard and bridge are east are indian rosewood. Is that a change since the video was done?

[@musicvilladotcom]

This video was made over 3 years ago so yes, it does appear that the specs have changed since then.

[@DoriGmusic]

I liked them both equally, but I will go for the 15 M model, simply cause have 2 more playable frets or 12 notes more to play with.

[@DH-og5yr]

Or 2 more notes if you just go a string up and 4-5 up. ;)

[@BreadLightPray_EWFMgtr]

12-fretter body all the way ❣❣ also the open slot/headstock looks way better ❣❣💓

[@adamjenniferbrockman2661]

Sound the same to me. Bridge position looks the same. Looks like the bouts are higher to create the 12 fret rather than placing the bridge lower.

[@onionoilx9299]

The songs he plays sound really good. Hope I can know the names

[@Robert-ch8hf]

He plays a couple Elizabeth Cotten songs, sounds lile frieght train and vestapol.

[@nicholasrousseau736]

The SM sounds slightly better than the M but they both sound great.

[@noquaz]

what is the song called at 3:57?

[@tele100]

noquaz Sounds like Big Bill Bronzy "Hey Hey"

[@marcusvaldes]

I thought the S was for slotted headstock.

[@user-xu8wc8ty9z]

15M은 스트로크에 기울어져 있고 15SM은 핑거링에 치우쳐 있는것 같은데 맞나요? : )

[@ishadawaher-bakhos1048]

What mics do you use? Thanks!

[@musicvilladotcom]

We use the same Neumann KM184 in all of our Guitar demos. Thanks for watching! -Chad

[@augeight]

Hi Tony, I don't know if its because you are holding older models of the 00015m and 00015sm , but the 00015M on the Martin website is East Indian rose wood. Also all the 00015m guitars I have been looking at are rosewood as well. And actully that fretboard looks like its rosewood from here. I don't mind the looks of the "morado" It's just I'm not a fan of plastic fret boards, and to me its a deal breaker to me.

[@tuco8734]

augeight morado is a real wood , slightly denser than rosewood and longer lasting.

[@tengobotas]

SM seems like its targeted more for fingerpicking. M seems more like a jack of all trades although it seems to do all very well.

[@martinwhittle7894]

Excuse my ignorance, what is the song you are playing @ 3:12 - 3:35

[@martinwhittle7894]

Does anyone else know?

[@davpat2112]

12 fret all the way!

[@danielbrunner5878]

12 fret had more of the 5th overtone sing out and 14 fret had more 3rd it sounded like

[@augeight]

Sorry man. I just educated my self on morado. I had no idea it was a real hard wood. I thought it was a synthetic plastic wood simulation. So your right man! This also makes me feel better about Martin guitars. When I was younger Martin guitars were the best hands down. They didn't have any entry level guitars and if you had a Martin, you were the man. So when I read Morado Is a real hard wood It made me feel way better.

[@Zod741]

+augeight AKA Bolivian Rosewood

[@tomformanek3312]

It is harder than traditional rosewood but not quite as hard as ebony. Traditionalists (many of whom live in denial of tonewood scarcity) may blanche at the lighter color, but it is a great wood. Many want Honduran mahogany, but sipo ("African mahogany) specs out virtually thr same as SA mahogany.

[@lloydyt1]

i wouldn't bother compare when it comes to wood, just accept that both different and even if you got one it may not sound like these depending on the quality of the build and the environment , both lovely organic guitars though, i own the 2015 000-15M i love it so much. ;0)

[@Rinty145]

There's very little difference between these two guitars if any. I played a HD 35VS during the summer and it sounded beautiful compared to a HD 28.

[@pattisimonini5800]

I just got a 000-15SM and it arrived without a strap button on the bottom? Is that normal?

[@JohnDoe-cu2hl]

in the case? mine was

[@padmarley]

I just bought one. Would you recon a K&K trinity pro systems, LR Baggs anthem or Fishman Infinity for this? Help! :)

[@musicvilladotcom]

I'm a fan of the K&K myself..... very natural acoustic sound. -Chad

[@padmarley]

Hay thanks. Its becoming a tough decision. Have you tried the Lr Baggs Lyrics? Any opinion about it out of the options? Cheers man.

[@musicvilladotcom]

We've installed many LR Baggs Lyrics for customers. Great pickups but I like the simple K&K myself. You really can't go wrong with either one.

[@tomformanek3312]

@@musicvilladotcom why mess with saddle contact with the bridge. K&K will keep the acoustic sound un-miked.

[@squidwardjtentacles]

Is the 000-15sm too big to be a couch guitar

[@adamhewesacoustic5498]

Hi, love these reviews. can anyone tell me what mic is used for these tests?

[@musicvilladotcom]

+Adam Hewes Acoustic It's a Neumann KM 184. -Chad

[@vicpnut1]

+Acoustic Letter holy moly , I was wondering this myself....saw this comment and was excited, till I saw their price! Wow

[@Soccernz007]

5 min 41 secs does it for me. The upbeat strumming was a big difference - SM wins..IMO

[@TRICK-OR-TREAT236]

IS THAT A REAL BEARD OR JUST ONE YOU GOT OFF EBAY ? THANKS !

[@LUCKYB.]

Dont you know anything !! he Buys all his Beards off Ebay ..the Amazon Beards look just to Cheap ..

[@glenrappold5393]

SM all the way. Richer fuller sound.

[@nekorincosplay4772]

Both are amazing guitars. Just in my opinion, but I feel the 15sm has too much bass for me. I played both a few days ago, and the 15m just sounded better for my style of playing. If only I had the money right then and there.