Martin 15 Series Rundown | Body Shape Overview

The Martin 15 Series has long provided some of the best quality all-mahogany acoustics on the market. Check out Chris' full rundown of the body shapes and sizes available! Featuring the 000-15M, 00-15M, 000-15SM, D15M Streetmaster, and more.
SHOP MARTIN GUITARS: www.alamomusic.com/brands/Martin
SHOP GUITARS: bit.ly/3jKZjx1
CHECK OUT OUR PODCAST, the Fretboard Confessional!
Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4UIwHpS...
Listen on Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Listen on Audible: www.audible.com/pd/The-Fretbo...
Shop Guitars - www.alamomusic.com/guitars/
Guitar Buyers Guide → bit.ly/2kssXsR
Interested in a different guitar? Talk to an expert here → bit.ly/findmyguitar
__________________________________________________________________
KZbin: Pianos and Keyboards - bit.ly/YTpianos
♪ Contact us: www.alamomusic.com/contact
♩ Call toll-free: [phone]
♬ Connect:
Instagram → / alamomusic

[@JT-gd7he]

I have the D-15 and the 00-15. The 00-15 is special. Unfortunately I just suffered a stroke and I am learning to play again.

[@chlorine7935]

How’s your relearning journey going man? Sorry to hear about that, you must be a really good player though!

[@jjellen5804]

How so? Interested in the 00

[@DoctorMandible]

00-15m is incredible

[@jjellen5804]

How so?

[@dmar3651]

Can I just say, it is Awesome that we have Alamo Music Channel, with Chris n Cooper, to keep us informed of the changes that manufacturers make to their guitars over time. It saves customers from being surprised when we go shopping for guitars. Keep it up, Chris! Great work!

[@maxwellfan55]

The Martin 0015M is the perfect guitar. If I ever had to hold on to any one guitar, this would be the one.

[@MatthewCuda]

I agree, the 1.75 inch nut is a huge advantage to me. I don’t fat finger or play the adjacent string by accident. I switched from 1 11/16 and I am not looking back.

[@Bradnick930]

The 15sm barely moves the bridge lower at all. Unlike other builders, Martin achieves the 12-fret configuration mainly by elongating the upper bout to encompass the 13th and 14th fret. If you set a 000-15m and a 000-15sm face to face you will see that bridge only differs by about 1/8". I have a 15sm and I will die with it. Great comparison and demo. Thank you.

[@NovakTheEnjoyer]

I agree. I don’t see much of a difference at all, and many people talk about that being one. They’ll also bury me with mine 👍🏼

[@daliborbakac4445]

I own a D-15M Streetmaster 2018 and I just love it! It is one of my 15 guitars and every time I play it, I am suprised how good sounds! And yes, I like all yours reviews, and I learned a lot from you guys and you helped me in some decisions when I was buying new guitars. Keep going, it will be nice to visit you one day... 🙂

[@larschristophersen4497]

Thanks for a very good rundown Chris. This confirms to me why I love my 00-15M so much. It´s just the perfect little singer songwriter guitar for intimate fingerpicking. I´m also impressed with the D-15 Streetmaster, it excels at what it does. No wonder if it sells well.

[@normliwanag5685]

I live in a condo and the 00-15M is the perfect guitar for me

[@DDuMond1]

Nice job Chris! I own both the D-15M and the 00-15, and I thought your initial description of the guitars was spot on. Then listening to you, I heard the same tones as I hear from my own guitars, nice! I think the 15 Series are the best guitar value in premium guitars.

[@srv2534]

I love my 000-15sm and honestly find myself playing it more then my OM modern deluxe.

[@myjunedayya]

I love my D15m with the hard shell case.

[@johnoffutt898]

I play mostly classical music fingerstyle And the 00-15m really stands out with beautiful timbre colours and flavors of each note that blends together smoothly. I own the Martin O-18 and the Cordoba C9 Parlor luthier series has the Spanish Heel Construction. The 00-15m is very sound guitar. Thanks for sharing your talents and views for which model is designed to do.

[@NovakTheEnjoyer]

Great demo! I loved hearing you talk about the series. I don’t find much of a history lesson on these in other demos, so great job there 👍🏼 Black tuners are definitely not my jam. I bought an SM about 8 months ago. I’ll admit that I questioned the tone in the shop but the body shape drew me in. It sounded a little flat, but I got it anyway and in the time I’ve had it, it has bloomed so beautifully. I think the shop was just not a good place to demo it, unfortunately. Sounded better in my home. It sounds better everytime I play it. Completely different guitar from when I bought it. Is the most resonant guitar I’ve ever heard. My wife can’t come into the office to talk to me anymore because it matches the frequency in her voice and starts to ring. I’m much happier now. I also changed strings from D’addario phosphor bronze, to Martin Retro and it brought out the brilliance that the mahogany tends to hide. It took the guitar into dreadnought territory, although the volume didn’t change. But I love the more intimate playing this guitar requires. It changed the game for me. I love it so much. You can see and hear it in my videos as well. Thanks for taking the time!

[@carltonholderjr]

I've had my Martin D15m far 2 years now and it's a really awesome guitar . The best I have ever had the privilege of having one .

[@charlottesimonin2551]

Every time you do one of these comparisons of a guitar series, I learn things about guitars that I didn't know.

[@TommySG1]

I own a 000-15SM and I really like it. I purchased mine about a year ago and I believe they were 1799 then, or close to that. I like the 1 3/4 nut size as well so that would be a deal breaker for me on the other models, aside from that I do like them all. The whole gig bag thing is just a sign of the times, I've heard in the future everything will be coming in either bags or nothing even so it's just another expense on you as the buyer if you want an actual case I suppose. Great video as always Chris, thanks man 👍

[@michaellaverty1844]

I’m with you Chris . I’m a 1 3/4 width guy also. Great guitars, my brother has one.

[@tweedcouch]

I picked up a 2016 00-15e retro... picked it over the 00-28 and all the 000's. It's just the right guitar for what I was looking for. That and the Fishman Aura is so good plugged in.

[@wesleyhudson2028]

I have a DSS-15 SM and love it. So smooth yet full sounding. A bit quieter than my DSS17, but the 17 is REALLY loud. Not as jangly as the rosewood D16

[@IP_Static]

I picked up a D15m in January of this year. It has been my favorite acoustic guitar that I’ve owned. I’ve always been a Martin fan and hope to one day get into the standard series. That said….my girlfriend got me a Taylor GTe for my birthday and that has been giving the Martin a run for the money. Just the playability is really impressive. So I agree with Chris, these US made entry level guitars are 1000% an incredible value for the money. If anyone is interested in these guitars I recommend you get them now. My Martin already had a price hike when I got mine in January, I see it’s gone up again since….act fast.

[@StephenPoirier]

I have the D15M. One of the biggest selling points for me was the nut width! I have smaller hands, and it suits my fancy just perfectly. I love this guitar so much I bought it twice over the years (due to a humidity disaster with my first one...don't ask 😢)

[@joebloggs8636]

I have a Martin 000-15 M with the hardcase,the case is great,its too bad they went to a Gig bag even tho i have seen it and they are really nice.The guitar itself plays and sounds great. I think soundwise its the perfect " Singer songwriter Guitar. I absolutely love it from the size ,the sound and playability....thanks for sharing.

[@robbiecleighmarks3088]

Got a 00015m on it's way to me now and i cant wait. Love the sound (and look) of the SM, but i need those other two frets available to me 😫 what a great line, and will contrast my Gibson J15 nicely

[@DS-nw4eq]

Love the regular d15 and the 00-15. I’m fine with the streetmaster existing, I’d have to see it in person though.

[@user-ry9hl9lx7e]

Hi Chris! I'd LOVE to see a comparison between the 0-15m, 00-15m and 000-15m including the 12 fret series. That would be awesome!!! HUGE fan of the channel and both of you and Cooper's work! Love from the UK, Rich.

[@michaelfreeman6477]

My first guitar was a Martin OMC-15-ME which I love and bought knowing they were going to stop making them for some reason. The tone & size is perfect for me. Don’t care for the Street Master look, but love the D sound.

[@fredericbarbe]

I’ve been enjoying your channel for a while and, as always, this video has been very educational! You guys are usually comparing models or making thematic lists. Is there a somewhat recent video about the best value guitar, no matter the cost?

[@CameraLaw]

Each of these sounded great in your demo. I love my SM, she has a really gorgeous bass and it feels to me like I own a vintage 1930s Martin in A1 condition. The Streetmasters look cool, and each one has its own unique wear pattern. The tonewood caveat in the 15 series is something worth knowing. Martin lists these a made of “mahogany” as opposed to “genuine mahogany” which it uses on the 18 series. Martin is a bit cagey about what this means, but a letter from Martin posted on a blog suggested these 15 guitars may be made of either Sipo, Khaya, or Genuine, depending upon supply. Genuine refers specifically to Swietenia macrophylla (big leaf). I have no idea what my SM is made of, but it sounds, looks, and smells great (like hot buttered cinnamon toast).

[@AlamoMusic]

Similar deal with the necks on most Martin models. Sometimes Mahogany, sometime spanish cedar. - Chris

[@CameraLaw]

This is something that confuses me, Chris. Here we are, guitar nerds, talking about tonewoods night and day. We make our purchasing decisions based on our preferences. And, curiously, when it comes to mahogany, the most important acoustic manufacturer in the world makes it difficult to know what we are buying (or have bought, in my case). I get that there needs to be flexibility due to wood availability, and all these woods make great sounding instruments, but as a prospective buyer, I’d like the same transparency for mahogany (‘cause I love it!) that Martin provides for the many types of rosewoods it uses. And, by the way, the same could be said of Taylor which says it uses “neo-tropical” mahogany which I think (via Google, who thinks for me) may be Honduran big leaf mahogany grown in Fiji (?). Bob Taylor is the most forthcoming speaker on woods and sustainability, including owning Ebony and Koa farms, yet … Taylor’s website is absolutely murky regarding its source of mahogany.

[@gansewurmchen2260]

Martin 000-15SM is my Dream.

[@johnwashburn3793]

I appreciate the opportunity to hear these Chris McKee songs once again. Please tell me why people say that mahogany doesn't have any bass? I have several mahogany guitars and I disagree and prefer the sound. I always wanted the 15 SM

[@kevinlucken8558]

I love my left-handed OOO-15SM

[@artrogers3985]

I’m proud of you for not editing out the clams. Can you point me to a video that completely explains the Martin body shapes and nomenclature. I have an 0-18 which I love (wanted a small parlor guitar) but all the different models confuse me.

[@jshu1625]

Totally agree with Chris... I would have bought one a long time ago....I want one and I will buy one as soon as they give in and make an inch and three quarters nut width an option!! Like that the street master is full 25.4 scale length but again COME ON MARTIN give us an inch and three-quarter nut.....your driving me nuts...lol !!!

[@krismcreynolds984]

Ive had my 000 15 m for 3 years now and ive never even noticed the lack of dots on the neck! Dont let that put you off the best guitar you can get for the money!

[@BaktaBak3]

Bothe these guitars are awesome. Our lead guitarist has the 000-SM.🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@trentobsorne5550]

I'm looking at getting a 00015M. They're $3750 in my country. Thanks for the demo

[@aluminati9918]

Great run through! The new D-15E, although it has pickup, is a somewhat lower spec model. It’s slightly downgraded to sapele back/sides, katalox instead of rosewood bridge& board and other minor simplifications for an even better price. Still looks class though.

[@701Builder]

It’s also made in Mexico

[@PeteA54]

I own and love a 000-15m. The slightly narrower nut doesn't bother me at all as I've owned several other guitars with similar spacing. I guess it's just what you're used to playing. One thing I've found is that these guitars love Monel strings. If you've never tried them on an all hog guitar, do yourself a favor. You may never go back!

[@ed_music1834]

Good to see you back Chris. I love the 15 series and I have 3 of them, 15SM, 00015M, and my latest D15M. The tone you get from them is just phenomenal and the craftsmanship is classic Martin. I agree with you about the nut width, should be 1 3/4 but I'm used to it but could've been better. I'm torn with having the current gig bag, all of them when I purchased had hardshell cases. I like the look of the Streetmasters, especially that Butterbean tuners and I've yet to see a 00-15 in our local and they are really hard to come by these days. The 15SM I think is the "Majestic" guitar in the line. Slotted headstock, 12 frets, Slope shouldered, simply amazing. It also has lots of history that makes it such a favorite and I tend to compare it to the D15M as for me (my ears at least) its also a strummer.

[@joebloggs8636]

So you really like the 15 SM better than the 15 M correct?.. Do you feel it's a noticable sound difference? Thanks in advance.

[@ed_music1834]

@@joebloggs8636 I feel that the SM is a lot louder than the 000 due to the bigger body size and that added break angle of the slotted headstock. The tone of the SM is sweeter and I'd say robust due to these features. The 000 tends to be more focused for single notes attack. The 000 is also an amazing and it really shines at fingerstyle and medium strumming. Both of them have advantages over the other, and its a plus to have both.

[@joebloggs8636]

@@ed_music1834 Thanks for responding and the information like I said I have the 15 M ,I figured the bigger body would give the SM a more robust sound... I will really consider looking into it ,as of now I love the playability of my guitar, again, thanks for replying.

[@ed_music1834]

@@joebloggs8636 You're welcome!

[@NovakTheEnjoyer]

I was told the SM was a finger picking guitar, but I also find that it strums soooo nicely.

[@BaktaBak3]

Wish Martin would make a 00 size streetmaster with 1 3/4 neck. I'd buy it.🎸🎸🎸

[@softsouthernknight]

Me too!

[@LevinLg17]

Love your tunes, Chris. I used to have a 000-15. As a fingerstyle player, I found the narrow nut width and long scale a bit inhibiting. Also a question mark on the light construction. After only three years the action got alarmingly high and a neck reset seemed threatening. As for the changes they are making, it seem very odd that they are decreasing the value of their offering.

[@mbchrono3]

I have been on the verge of pulling the trigger on a Gibson L-00 Standard for fingerpicking. That 00-15M just made me do a double take like the guy with his girlfriend in that meme.

[@lhvent]

I have an Alvarez AD66SHB that has a nice woody sound

[@santi.444]

00015sm is my dream

[@simonguthrun6950]

I have a 00015m absolutely love it, but still having a dilemma if sell it & put the money to a 00028 ambertone. Can’t decide if it’s worth the cost or if I’d regret it afterwards.

[@josephrumpolo7328]

I LIKE THE STREET MASTER, I HAD A D-15 YEARS AGO, I SOLD IT , WAS NOT CRAZY OF THE MAHOGANY SOUND, I AM GOING TO BUY A GUILD D-50 FROM YOU GUYS AS SOON AS I CAN AFFORD ONE, MAYBE SANTA WILL BE GOOD TO ME THIS YEAR, REALLY LOVE YOUR VIDEOS, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!

[@cartoonsandcannabis]

Love my 000-15 I call her Martina

[@walterstreet1467]

The 000-15Sm is the sweetest sound 24:23

[@allend3127]

That’s the D-15M.

[@KASKASM]

Will you do a look at the D15e?

[@MoonBHAA]

People that understand acoustic guitars will understand why the 00-15m is special.

[@kenmoffat3283]

Those 11/16 nuts I just can't play. Big hands. Love the sound of the mahogany. The SM sounds very different, less crisp to my ears, but compelling.

[@jimmerritt1171]

Maybe consider a GPC-15ME Special StreetMaster at GC-...1 3/4" nut per their specs. Or a 12 fret 000-15SM.

[@kenmoffat3283]

I'll check them out, thanks.

[@robertfitzgerald3432]

Will Martin come-out with a 000-15M 1 3/4" nut width? I too have a one tonally great accoustic with a 1 11/16" nut width and find myself using a capo more than I'd wish.

[@sgblues4238]

The first thing I did was put a two dot sticker on the side by the twelfth fret.

[@dangitbobby0001]

I have a 00-15m that was made in 2020. It sounds better every day.

[@Oats57]

I wish the 00015M came with a 24.9 inch scale rather than the 25.5, which is out of the ordinary compared to other 000’s from Martin.

[@badscrew4023]

I find OOs overall (not specifically 15 series) are in a weird position, not distinct enough from either OOOs or O's, "not here not there" sort of. Other than that, I always loved 12 fretters, this 15SM demo isn't an exception!

[@JTAYC]

I got a new 000-15m with the black knobs. I think they’re plastic? Either way, I am definitely unsure how I feel about the look at all… I think I hate how they look immensely but who knows? Maybe it will grow on me… or maybe if a favorite artist is seen with them, that might definitely change my mind 😂

[@edwardwood6127]

they look great in person and i like how they match with the pick guard

[@ClaytonWillisMusic]

Isn't the D-15e mexican made with sapele?

[@2628064379]

Having listened to numerous 15 series videos, I prefer the sound of the D-15. As a fingerstyle player, I have no need for a pickguard and love the looks of the Street Master. Regarding neck sizes, I own both and have no preference. You adjust your technique to the instrument you are playing.

[@BodyjailedBlues06]

Does someone knows the name of the song played from 17:10 mn ? if it’s a song but chris played the beginning at least 3 times !!!chris if you see my message 🙏 greetings from France 🇫🇷 ps: I owned an 00015SM ❤

[@johnwashburn3793]

The Streetmaster? I could take it or leave it.

[@joeacebo9633]

What happened to the O-15? Used ones are going for big money. Probably because they’re not made anymore.

[@johncoops]

I've got a 1949 0-15 which I love. Had to replace machine heads and its had a neck job, but always loved its playability and its projection capability. Sweet sound. Sadly Parkinsons means that I can no longer play.

[@jeffshull]

OO 15M or OO 18?

[@onehundredhourchallenge836]

Where is Cooper?

[@rewstin2770]

no GPC model D:

[@RickFoxx777]

I enjoy listening to this channel most times but honestly, I have played many of the 15's and 15m's (Street master) and was not impressed, they all sound o.k. but every (NEW) one of these guitars I tried out needed a major set up. Even after an in house set-up on several of these guitars, the action was still way too high to be enjoyable. I am not sure if this is a Martin QC issue or what, but IMO these guitars are way over priced for what you get. Just my 2 cents worth. Peace.

[@Mikelennon78]

At least the binding won't delimitate, on that one.

[@JMAX79]

I heard d-15m is made in USA and d-15e is made in Mexico.

[@BaktaBak3]

As long as the tuners function as intended and hold the strings in tune is all I care about. If it's cheap junk we'll have to change out..........then "NO".

[@terrymattingly6843]

Has anyone ASKED Martin why the narrow nut on a fingerstyle 000 instrument? Bottom line: 000-15SM is an essential Martin. It strums way above its weight.

[@allend3127]

I have the 000-15M Street master and the 000-15SM. I do prefer the 1 3/4”. I’ve experimented with strings, and put monels on both. In the same tuning, the monels sounded harmonically richer on the narrower nut. They sounded thin on the 1 3/4”. My observation would be, without the added depth in the bout like on the 000-15SM, the narrow nut provides more harmonic depth (overlap) when the strings are slightly closer on the narrower nut, particularly with the more fundamental sound that mahogany creates.

[@zacharyking929]

Hate that they don’t make the OO and OOO with pickups. Also, shame about the tuner change, they’re without a doubt one of my favorites. Amazing feel, great quality and they look great.

[@joebloggs8636]

I'm glad there's no pickups

[@pecosnick45]

Jesus. I got my D-15 was $1400 back in 2021. The price has already increased by $300 and now they are trying to sell these guitars off without a case and cheaper tuners to “maintain costs.” That ship has already sailed and people are going to be getting ripped off. Buy used or wait a few years for these things to deflate in value.

[@johngalloway7018]

I have heard you finger pick that song many times. Haunting. I have heard it before. I just can’t put my finger on what it is. Any help on the song name?

[@billymorrison23]

would want a hard case for the money you pay would buy Yari over martin anyday

[@allend3127]

Martin NEEDS to change the tuners on the 000-15sm. The plastic golden age tuners are absolutely god awful. They are not smooth, difficult to turn, feel cheap and look cheap. Come on Martin!!!

[@ianreid7791]

I fully agree. One of the first things I addressed when I got my 15sm was swapping the stock tuners for a higher quality set.. It was a game changer.

[@markreams3192]

Fake worn finish👎 The guitar sounds good but if I’m buying a new guitar I want it to look new. The 00 15 is my favorite. I prefer the shorter scale and wider nut on the Taylor AD22e.

[@LifeWideOpen780]

Nice to see you make many mistakes playing, showing the human aspect of playing

[@AnkitSingh-vx4dy]

Nut width sucks on 15 series

[@krismcreynolds984]

I like it