Martin 000-15SM Guitar Review

A quick review of the Martin 000-15SM acoustic guitar. These are little diamonds in the rough, made right here in the USA. An all solid mahogany acoustic guitar that's just fun to play, at a reasonable price (at least it was reasonable at one time).
Specs:
String Type: Steel
Number of Strings: 6
Body Shape: 000-12 Fret
Body Style: No Cutaway
Color: Natural
Finish: Satin
Top Wood: Solid Mahogany
Back & Sides Wood: Solid Mahogany
Body Bracing: X-bracing
Neck Wood: Mahogany
Neck Shape: Modified low oval
Radius: 16"
Fingerboard Material: East Indian Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlay: Dots
Number of Frets: 20
Scale Length: 25.4"
Tuning Machines: Nickel Open-Geared with Ivoroid Buttons
Bridge Material: East Indian Rosewood
Nut/Saddle Material: Bone/Bone
Nut Width: 1.75"
Strings: Lifespan 2.0 92/8 Phosphor Bronze, .012-.054
Case Included: Hardshell Case
Please feel free to contact me directly:
[e-mail]

[@HaltnHustle]

I’ve been researching for my forever acoustic for the last few years, and this is the exact model I landed on! I’m finally pulling the trigger in a few months and this video made me so excited! Thank you Randy, enjoy! 🤘🏻

[@randysrhythm]

After I posted this video, I looked around on the net and found the retail price has bumped up a few hundred. Still, I think there are deals to be had. At some point I hope to also pick a Harmony H165 that has been under the Baxendale surgical hands. It’s also solid Mahogany. As Doyle Dykes says, and I’m in 100% agreement, I’m guitar poor, and only need one more 😱. Glad it helped you Michael! Thanks for the comment.

[@johncrane6673]

I purchased my 000-15SM about 4 months ago. For me, it's everything you say it is and more. Thank you for the excellent review and your playing.

[@randysrhythm]

Hi John, my wife loves this guitar more than I do and she doesn’t play 😂. I think it’s the retro look that has her so captivated. She has begged me not to sell it, but I have no plans to do so anyway. Thank you for the kind words, brother man 👍🏻

[@Bradnick930]

The 000-15SM is my "Someday, Baby" guitar. I just have to stop buying lesser guitars long enough to save the money. Thanks for the review.

[@randysrhythm]

Brother Bradlee, do I know what you're talking about (?), yes I do! Believe me I get it my friend. It is a cool little blues/folk box for sure. You are certainly welcome and really happy you stopped in and said something. I always enjoy hearing from folks. Stay safe out there and come see me again sir.

[@tomkeagy3648]

I see I’m not the only one that has been on the journey to find a guitar like this one! Thank you Randy for a wonderful video. Gotta get one. ✌️

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Tom, they are great little guitars. They are very comfortable to play, for sure. You are most welcome, brother man 👍🏻

[@mariojavier1623]

I love the review. I am considering this one for my birthday.

[@randysrhythm]

They are great little guitars Mario. Appreciate the complimentary input as well. Hope to see you around the channel again.

[@mariojavier1623]

@@randysrhythm is it a hard case or gig bag?

[@randysrhythm]

@@mariojavier1623 Hi Mario, it is a hard case. I should have shown it in the video, but forgot to. It is a very nice little case. It was a 3 latch across the front.

[@52goldtop]

Got to play one of these recently and fell in love. You make her sound great, also the new cam looks fantastic brother :)

[@randysrhythm]

Hey there brother 52! It’s great to see your smiling face. They are cool little folk/blues boxes, right? Always appreciate hearing from you and hope all is well with you and yours. Thanks brother man.

[@ed_music1834]

I like your video Sir. Everything about the 15SM is simply awesome. It feels like you have a piece of Martin history. I've found online before that this was a Depression era guitar so I think it's really a must for us Martin enthusiasts.

[@randysrhythm]

Fully agree, Eric. I only own 2 Martin guitars and love both of them. Appreciate you stopping by, sir.

[@jeffr985]

I have the 000-15M, went back and forth between the 15M and 15SM. Both are absolutely great guitars.

[@randysrhythm]

I couldn’t agree more, Jeff. Very well stated, brother man 👍🏻

[@HayesTech]

I'm going to have to ask my brother in law if I can borrow his Martin to do a video on. Great video and good to see your new camera equipment. My favorite guitar of all time is a Martin D28 but I could never afford to own one but it's still nice to watch videos of a Martin. Keep up the great content.

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Hayes, much appreciate the kind words. I’d be interested to see you do a video on it, so looking forward to that.

[@HayesTech]

@@randysrhythm Lol... Let's see if he will trust me enough to bring it to me recording studio. I would hate to have to set everything up at his place. But we will see and my fingers are crossed. Looking forward to watching more of your content too. Keep it going.

[@zororosario]

Beautiful playing, love your finger picking style. This 12fret guitar is still the best bang for the buck Martin , sounds rich and gorgeous. Thanks for the demo, Cheers.

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Zoro, very much appreciate the kind words and surely agree about the 12 fret 👍🏻.

[@philkaelin9779]

At the factory they confirmed that they use the same finish on all of them they just don't buff them. Your fingers and arm will polish it in places over time. I love these guitars. Once had one and looking for another. Nice finger style playing. That's where they shine! Cheers sir.

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Phil, appreciate the additional insight about the finish. Thank you also for the kind words, brother man 👍🏻

[@connorm1817]

Everything I've seen about this guitar has been very positive. It obviously comes with a price, and a wait time to get your hands on it, but everyone who reviews it says this is the ONE!

[@randysrhythm]

If you're looking for that turn of the century feel and enjoy the all hog sound, you won't beat this guitar. Appreciate you stopping in Conner and really appreciate the comment.

[@connorm1817]

@@randysrhythm Does the neck length feel noticibly shorter? Im also curious about the feel to the neck, I know some martins have a kind of lamination or finish that take away from that natural wood neck - but im not sure if this model is one or the other?

[@randysrhythm]

@@connorm1817 The neck doesn’t feel much shorter. That said, I love 12 fret acoustics. I find them a great fit for fingerstyle. The finish feels great on this one and very comfortable moving up and down the neck.

[@LukeMcHale]

randy that's a sweet martin guitar! cool review video! like # 17

[@LEGEND-or4ib]

thanx for the review mate

[@randysrhythm]

You betcha, and hope it helps.

[@marmaladebrah]

Great review, thanks for an honest personal review! Just what we want to hear, what you thought!

[@randysrhythm]

Thank you so much for that. I’ve just discovered that being yourself on the channel helps people more than a scripted video. I’m not much, but I always hope it comes across the way I intend, which is honest 👍🏻

[@335LINZ]

i just bought one today!

[@randysrhythm]

And I’m guessing you didn’t leave a longer message because you are holding it in your hands and struggling to type and play at the same time 🤔. Yes sir, it’s a great little guitar.

[@johnoffutt898]

I'm looking at 000-15m and the 000-15sm for playing the Blues and flatpicking bluegrass. Leading more towards 000-15sm. I now own Martin 0-18 but I did switch out the saddle for fossil walrus ivory and bridge pins to fossil walrus jawbone. A big improvement in the tonal palette, flavors and colours.

[@randysrhythm]

Hi John, I can imagine that it did make a big difference. The 15SM has a vibe all its own. Appreciate the insight, brother man 👍🏻

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Great review and great picking, I have a couple of 15 series myself they are great little guitars...

[@randysrhythm]

Very pleased you enjoyed it. They are great, as you say. I'm not a huge "all mahogany" guy, but everyone needs at least 1 or 2, right :)? By the way, my email address is in the description in most of these videos. Would you mind sending me your KZbin email that you sign in with? I'm going to do the extra video on the Excellente over the weekend, but it will be just so you can hear it (too many posts, if you know what I mean), as I don't want to bother everyone else with a notification. Once I have your email, I'll share it with you privately, if that makes sense? I have a few things to get done today, so it may be tomorrow, but will get it done over the weekend and send you the link. By the way, can you share your first name with me? I don't know what to call you :).

[@WysteriaGuitar]

@@randysrhythm I just saw your noodlin video where you are playing the Excellente. Wow, yeah that sold me nuff said AND done. You do not need to trouble yourself further with a vid. Thanks, name is Pete BTW. I am waiting for sweetwater to get some back in stock.

[@randysrhythm]

@@WysteriaGuitar Great Pete! Couldn’t be more pleased, sir. I greatly appreciate you coming on board and especially the interaction.

[@WysteriaGuitar]

@@randysrhythm BTW Randy did you get a epi case for yours if so which one please? Thanks

[@randysrhythm]

@@WysteriaGuitar Yes, but I got the SKB. If I had it to do over again, I’d have gotten the Epi case. The SKB cases that I have, all tend to be difficult to latch. My IBG Hummingbird is in an Epi case, which also fits the Excellente. It’s a much nicer case, IMO.

[@markmartin3221]

That’s a whole lot of people in your audience laughing! The room must be huge! I happen to be lucky enough to own this one too, in a 2021 year model. It is so nice to playing amazing Grace especially harmonically! You are correct so well made mine was $1650 had it shipped to me where I live in Mexico. They are making them still but on back order. I own two Acoustics both Martins and let me tell you friend this one is my favorite. Enjoyed the post!

[@randysrhythm]

A good sense of humor goes a long way, Mark :). I really appreciate the feedback and I know others will as well. And yes sir, you should see the audience over here, they are the best (wink/wink). Great to see you here and hope to hear more from you! My Mexico experience is Monterrey. Love the food!

[@markmartin3221]

@@randysrhythm I am not of any faith. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. So I guess what I’m saying is I go to where that is believed. I went to a Lutheran Church here in Mahahual and the Pastor played a Spanish guitar amplified through a PA then at Bible study he played Amazing Grace and I mentioned I can to the lead Harmonically, he was overjoyed. So I’ll bring my OOO15SM for the next study. This is truly a gem of a guitar

[@randysrhythm]

@@markmartin3221 Hi Mark, I’m completely with you, I belong to the King’s faith and no other. Maybe you’ll do a video where you do that song harmonically?

[@markmartin3221]

@@randysrhythm Hi Randy, sorry for the late reply, buying a home here in the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico yesterday was nailing some things down. Yes I certainly will do a post of the harmonics of Amazing Grace. I inter mingle harmonics with single notes to follow vocal lines to give a broader dynamic probably in two weeks. I’ll send you a head’s up 🆙 Till then, keep playing and keep praying 🙏🏻 😎🤩👍

[@michaelroff9950]

I own a Martin Custom Shop 00 12 fret in Black Walnut, and honestly, it looks like something Robert Johnson would have played, for finger style blues it can’t be beat!

[@randysrhythm]

Black Walnut, eh? As you may know, and if I remember correctly, Maton uses Black Walnut and they are just killer guitars. I’m certainly happy for you, brother man and thanks for the information 👍🏻

[@michaelroff9950]

@@randysrhythm Hi Randy and Happy New Year, this little 00 12 fret is really sweet and though it came from the custom shop it was really a bargain ($1700), however, My next purchase is the 000 15sm 12 fret hog you are masterfully playing.

[@randysrhythm]

@@michaelroff9950 A very kind observation, brother man. Hope you hang with the channel. I enjoy these visits 👍🏻

[@thekycoffeebean]

Randy , i am not a Martin fan but it is a good looking little guitar , thanks for sharing ! I too have a beater parlor but with the boycott I will not mention the brand.

[@randysrhythm]

Yes sir, "beater parlor" - I like that description. Between Gibsons and Martins, I'm more of a Gibson fan. I only own 2 Martins, but I've owned several Gibsons over the years. The Gibsons always had the bottom end that was looking for out of a guitar, whereas Martin, not quite so much (great guitars though). That said, I think the more educated we get on guitar construction, the more options open up to our specific taste/application, at a reasonable price. A good example of that is the one I have from Scott Baxendale, the 1969 Silvertone 319. It's a 000 style, but an amazing sound after he gets through rebracing them. I wouldn't trade that one for a torrified Gibson J-45, and I love J-45s. As always, much appreciate the interaction, thoughts and you sharing them.

[@thekycoffeebean]

@@randysrhythm I have a neighbor who build guitars on the Martin size but he has his own brace pattern also which makes then unique!

[@randysrhythm]

@@thekycoffeebean Love the individuals out there crafting these instruments, simply because they love to. Feel free to drop in their website, or contact info for others to check out.

[@thekycoffeebean]

@@randysrhythm I would but he is not in good health and will be forced to quit what he loves. He told me he is going to try to make something for his grand kids even if it is a ukulele.

[@TommySG1]

Hi ya, I just purchased one myself here via Sweetwater. I purchased this model because I only have one other acoustic which I love although it's a much larger model and that one's a Martin as well. I like the way it sounds from the recordings I've listened to and it certainly looks like a no frills vintage small bodied guitar and I'm suspecting I'll be playing this one far more than my GPC-28E.... just for the comfort aspect. Great video and great picking as well sir, thank you for sharing your thoughts. Tommy~

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Tommy, I really appreciate the insights and the compliment. You are correct, it is very comfortable to hold and play. It almost feels like an old friend. The tone is also rather inspiring. Also appreciate the thumbs up on the picking 👍🏻. Hope to get your input on some other videos as well. By the way, “the older I get, the better I was” makes so much sense. I think you’ve nailed it 👍🏻

[@TommySG1]

I just got the guitar a few hours ago Randy, I removed the strings and brought the saddle down some to lower that action, the nut was cut perfectly though 👍 I also use a lighter gauge string than the 12’s it came with. The guitar plays beautifully, I’m very happy with the purchase Randy, great guitar! Thanks so much for the kind words too, I’m glad you commented because I had forgotten to sub your channel and I just fixed that this moment too here 😊 Have a great day man.

[@NetMillionaire]

Great review sir, I have 5 Taylors and no martins but I’m seriously thinking about buying this one?

[@randysrhythm]

Well sir, this little Martin is just a great addition to those Taylors. It’s got some punch with a very warm sound, not to mention it is beautiful. Great to hear from you, brother man 👍🏻

[@jakerowsell8752]

Have you experimented with different strings at all? I have a Gibson G-45 Standard which I really like, and I've recently bought this guitar too. I absolutely love the look, and the wider fretboard makes some things easier for me, but I've not yet fully mastered it. It's a joy to play though 👌

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Jake, I have used a few different strings on it, but always end up back at Martin Retro 12s. They just seem to ring. I am also a fan of a wider fretboard. I’ve owned many Gibsons over the years. My favorite was my J-45 Regal. Appreciate the comment and the question. You are welcome here, anytime 👍🏻.

[@ibew1951]

Great review Thank you

[@randysrhythm]

Thanks Joe! Appreciate you saying that.

[@2628064379]

Hi, Randy. I really enjoyed this review primarily because you played fingerstyle which is how I play. And I think your review gave the instrument a good sound example as most reviews of the 15 series are primarily done with a plectrum. I am considering purchasing this instrument or 2 others, the D-15M or the DSS-17 which you have also reviewed. For the 000-15SM, does the extended upper bout give the instrument a more dreadnought sound compared to the 000-15M? Comparing the 15 series to the DSS-17, which works best for fingerstyle, the mahogany top or a spruce top? My current guitars are spruce/rosewood, and I am considering purchasing a mahogany tone wood instrument but am unsure if the top should be spruce or mahogany. Great review and thanks much.

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Bill, the SM screams and begs fingerstyle. The DSS-17 is more versatile, so to speak, with the kind of punch you’d expect from spruce paired with mahogany. I typically use the SM for noodlin out some fingerstyle challenges. The slope on the SM adds a bit of something that I can’t positively identify, but if I had to, I’d say it gives a bit of a compressed punch to it. As you’d expect, it’s small, so you won’t get the boom you’d get from a slope shoulder dread, but it will still drop your jaw a bit 🤔. The last thing I’ll mention is how comfortable the SM is. It is very comfortable to play.

[@2628064379]

@@randysrhythm Thanks for your reply, Randy. I agree with you on the SM regarding the sloped upper bouts on the instrument. When comparing it with the 000-15M in videos, it does seem to have something extra. I guess I will be leaning towards the DSS-17. The spruce top probably is better suited to the repertoire I play. But I do have an urge for a slightly different tone color so that's why I was considering the 15 series. Finally, the SM does look very comfortable to play. I was just wondering if its elongated body gave the same surface area as a dreadnought. But I do hear more sound coming from a D-15 if I go that route. Thanks again for your reply. Have a great week, Bill

[@2628064379]

Just to give you an update Randy, I purchased the Martin D-15M and the Martin DSS-17. I love dreadnought's and these two are keepers and probably my last instrument purchases. I wanted to experience an all-mahogany instrument and ultimately went with the D-15M as I still can't get over the fact that Martin doesn't move their bridges back on the lower bout of their twelve fret models, they just build the upper bout up to the twelfth fret. My Larrivee SD-40R (12 fret Dred) has a noticeable bridge placement difference from my Larrivee L-40R (14 fret Dred). Comparing the two Martins while I like the D-15M, I prefer the tonal and volume possibilities of a spruce top. The DSS-17 is so responsive for fingerstyle play. Now I have rosewood and mahogany tone wood instruments. Your videos helped me decide on doing this. Love your videos.

[@randysrhythm]

I have to apologize for the late response. This notification must have came in while I was traveling on business. I am more of a fan, as you seem to also be, of spruce over mahogany. But it sounds like you now have every base covered. I really appreciate the kind words and hope you’re still enjoying these great guitars. Always appreciate this level of feedback, brother man 👍🏻

[@ScottStites]

I have the Martin 000-15sm and I absolutely love it, for all the reasons you mention. It is one of those rare guitars one can actually form a bond with. I listened to a lot of comparisons to other Martin Mahogany's and the tone of this one always jumped out at me as the one... I got exactly that NE Arkansas train station feel from it listening to those demos. If this video existed at the time I purchased it, I would have purchased on the strength of this video alone. I really like your playing. What brand of humidipaks to you use? Do you just use one underneath the headstock? Thanks for the great video!

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Scott, what an absolutely wonderful comment. Very, very kind of you to say that, and thanks so much for showing up on the channel. I use D’Addario humidipacks. I put one under the neck and saddle the other two, in the sound hole. Since destroying my first J-45, I have confessed and repented 😁. That, like all sin, was an expensive one 😢.

[@ScottStites]

@@randysrhythm Thank you! I'll definitely grab some of them and start using them. Oh, but I know the pain of accidentally harming a treasured guitar. Around forty years ago when I had less sense than I (hopefully) have today, in the dead of winter I brought my Gibson SG in to show it to a gal where I worked. Opened the case up and was rewarded with tiger stripe cracks all around the guitar in its once impeccably clear finish. I still cringe when I think about it.

[@randysrhythm]

@@ScottStites That’s not the first time I’ve heard someone tell that story. Yes sir, a sickening feeling.

[@kimseniorb]

12 fretters definitely sound different from 14 fretters. to me they sound absolutely much better. more full and more mid punchy and “orchestral” for the lack of a better term

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Kim, I agree about 12 fretters. Someday I want a 12 fret Gibson J-45. Glad you stopped in and visited us 👍🏻

[@HamHavoc]

This guitar doesn't come with waverlys. I wish it did. I think the tuners are the weakest part of this guitar. I replaced mine with some aged nickle ones and it has made it better to look at and improved it it a lot. This guitar is amazing and you would be lucky to get your hands on one. They sell out all the time.

[@randysrhythm]

Hey Ham, I never looked at the tuner spec till you mentioned that. It simply says “Open Gear” tuners. Great catch and thanks for pointing that out, brother man 👍🏻

[@lamar1423]

I love mine

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Lamar, you and me both, brother man 👍🏻

[@LEGEND-or4ib]

sir i have been wondering that is there better option out there in the similar price range and size like someting in taylor or gibson

[@randysrhythm]

Perhaps the Gibson LG 0 , if you can find a used one out there, and I think you can. However, the sloped front of the body on the Martin really adds an element to the sound that I haven't found in other guitars. Someone else reading this question may have further insights. I only own one mahogany top, back and sides guitar, so it's difficult for me to run comparisons.

[@LEGEND-or4ib]

@@randysrhythm thanku so much sir for your time.wish u good luck

[@anthonytomeo6950]

@@randysrhythm Yea, I own this guitar and I also own Gibson's and one Taylor. They are cut from different cloth's. This guitar is not even similar to my other Martin's.

[@randysrhythm]

@@anthonytomeo6950 Thanks Anthony. This one is a bit unique. Appreciate you getting back to Legend on this.

[@Jasper_Yay636]

Wish it had turtle shell binding to match pick guard.

[@randysrhythm]

Agreed, Fog. I think they just sprang for simple 👍🏻

[@HoldenHayes-gw5vz]

Do you know what brand tuners they use on this guitar?

[@randysrhythm]

Hi Holden, they simply called it out as Nickel Open-Geared. I’ve never had an issue with them.

[@HoldenHayes-gw5vz]

@@randysrhythm I have this guitar as well and never had a problem with them. They hold tune very well actually. I just never could find exactly what brand they were. Maybe Stewmac?

[@randysrhythm]

Either that or Waverly? They look great as well 👍🏻

[@HoldenHayes-gw5vz]

@@randysrhythm They do the job. I may replace them one day with some bronze with the butter bean knobs. I think that bronze on that mahogany guitar would look great and even more vintage.

[@douglasboyd8475]

I never see one of these that is electric? Why is that?

[@randysrhythm]

I think money, Doug. If they eliminate any electronics, they keep the price down on them.

[@williamdeisler464]

Been trying to keep myself from spending money on one of these for a few months now, and this definitely isn’t helping

[@randysrhythm]

Hey William, that's pretty funny! This is pretty cool little guitar, for sure. It plays like you'd expect a USA Martin to play and as odd as it may sound, it is the one guitar that my wife doesn't want me to ever sell. In fact, I think she loves looking at it more than I love playing it. All of that said, you do need one more guitar, brother man 👍