Martin Expands the New Standard Line with New 17 Series Guitars! 000-17 and D-17

[@zacharyking929]

Need that 000-15m vs 000-17 comparison now.

[@natemeister9559]

Still got my D-17m spruce gloss top and after 10 years it sounds amazing!!

[@rmextorf]

I love mine, too !

[@ForTheLoveOfGuitars]

Those sound great. As always, great playing on the demos. Love his sense of humor too.

[@Gibsonsrookie]

I do enjoy your your videos tremendously. Basically all of the guitars you review are awesome sounding instruments and that being said, as you are aware, sound is subjective. However your awesome consistent guitar playing for every different manufacturer, remaining neutral between manufacturers in as much as possible, presenting the facts about each instrument and allowing your viewers to decide if any particular guitar is the one or another one for them is the right approach. Keep it coming

[@falibaba]

Superb playing as always.

[@rmzzz76]

They could have given these appointments to the 15m series and raised the price a nominal $100 as they did with the new D18, D28, etc... My speculation is that but because it's become so difficult to build a made in the USA guitar for less than $2k any more, they've decided to add these minor changes to the 000-15m and D15-m, rebrand them as the new 000-17 and D17 and now, as this usually works, we'll see probably six to nine months of crossover where the 000-15m and D15m models co-exist and then either they will be phased out / discontinued or they will move their production to Mexico with slight change to spec. The 000-15e and D15e are already being built in Mexico, the D17 and 000-17 now built in the USA (and a premium price hike of about $600 over the 15m models). Martin has what they need now in place to test the waters. If the 000-17 and D17 sells hit a certain threshold, the USA 15m series will be discontinued.... That's just how these things work and a harsh reality of the brutal guitar market in 2025 and crushing inflation.

[@teleguy5699]

Glad I bought my SM in the last year. Especially a lefty.

[@2speedy4u22]

i think you hit the nail on the head. Cheap American series guitars are being replaced with more expensive alternatives. Taylor did the same thing dropping the American Dream line for the Studio line. Glad i bought my D15M 3 years ago when it still came with a hard case and grover tuners for about half the price that these D17Ms are going to be now.

[@EvanSchmeits]

Big differences here, not just $100 worth. Genuine mahogany vs sipo etc. Golden era bracing. Genuine, hand-fitted dovetail neck joint.

[@rmzzz76]

@@EvanSchmeits 000-15m is Genuine Mahagony NOT Sapele. Golden era bracing has nominal if any build cost difference. The 000-15m came with a standard dovetail neck joint and hard case from it's launch in the late 1990s all the way until the early 2020s when C.F. Martin decided change it to the "simple dovetail" and include a gig bag instead, yet C.F. Martin still hiked the price of this lesser spec package from $1200 to $1699. So those would be the facts you're looking for... The Mexican made 000-15e which sells for about $1k is an entirely different guitar, that one is Sapele, different nut width, different scale length, different bracing, etc... yet C.F. Martin decided to use the 15 series branding on it, no doubt as a setup for eventually moving the entire 15 series to Mexico..

[@JesseDylanMusic]

@@EvanSchmeitsright, that’s the thing. Standard, GE bracing instead of modified, and a full size true dovetail neck joint, are a huge deal and are what set the standard series apart. The 15s were not receiving those.

[@softsouthernknight]

Martin charges $800 for Golden Era tapered braces in the custom shop so this is a pretty good deal.

[@EvanSchmeits]

Plus a genuine dovetail neck joint!

[@flaelna]

That D-17 would look great in my collection.

[@mariodriessen9740]

As long as they’ll be adding a 0-17 I am fine with it. Having said that, I’m glad I ordered a 00-15m in 2022, when they still came with a beautiful hardshell case for a price that’s three quarters of what you would have to pay for one now. I love that guitar. ❤

[@martymcpeak4748]

the guitars sound really sweet, but what impressed me most was your playing. i'm lucky enough to own 3 American Martins, my last find was a 000x11 that was made before the production moved to Mexico it sounds fantastic and plays just as well. Cheers

[@nicklewisofficial1487]

I played both of these guitars the other day and they were hands down the best sounding Martins in the shop and there was basically everything to choose from. I liked the D17 way more than the brand new D18

[@akelly1983]

Thanks for all the videos! Interested in hearing more about the new Martin Retro Plus models because I haven't seen any other videos on those models yet.

[@roloah27]

Yes please.

[@artrogers3985]

Great job of explaining Coops. 🎸

[@lhvent]

I am happy with my Alvarez AD66SHB. It has that sweet Mohagany sound. The 17 series looks great.

[@scj_mcm84]

A good discuss about African mahogany and honduran mahogany will be necessary. Because if you revise pictures about 15 series in websites, some models look khaya and another ones genuine mahogany... very noticeable specially in the backs/side Pricing of both woods is not the same and don't know about sound... But at the end you pay the same for different specs.

[@Guermantes29]

owner of a Martin OMC-15E (actually the 15M with a cutaway, not produced anymore), I've been thinking about getting a SM. Do you think they gonna do a kind of 000-17SM ? Don't want to buy an 15SM if a 17SM is on the way

[@davidstevens2555]

No more binding on the top side of the 17 series. In my opinion, I’d take the new upgrades over the binding. Now all I need is a 00 12 fret, 1 3/4 nut short scale. Solid head stock would be ok. But slot head works too.

[@nic0vide0]

They can't glue the binding properly anyway, save the headache

[@davidstevens2555]

@@nic0vide0 you got that right!

[@randolf711]

Martin finally fixed the name. The 17 has been, and always should be, an all-HOG guitar.

[@walterwhiting9970]

Any one will be perfect… fantastic sound!

[@seanhenry4752]

Man I paid 500 for my d-15 and $100 for a case 20 years ago. I had to replace the plastic on it for bone. It’s such a killer guitar made in USA.

[@brianredmon378]

How does it project compared to the 00015M?

[@lanzo1976]

Now make a D-17M streetmaster and I’m all in!

[@dr_lulz]

Let’s hope they don’t leave out the single 0! If they make a 0-17 I’ll pick one up. Haven’t bought a guitar for a while now as I’m satisfied with my rather ridiculous collection of super high end stuff already but an 0-17 would be a no brainier for me even though I have a custom 00-15 and a guild M20vsb and a custom built 00 sized 12 fret slotted stock all hog.

[@VolkerLindenau]

Both 17 series Martin are good sounding guitars!

[@anthonyb2334]

The 15 series are/were such great American made instruments you could get under $1500 for a longtime. I love mine, and won’t ever sell. I get it, things change. Thanks for the video

[@20111ncaa]

I am a Martin traditionalist but a 17 series mahogany should be gloss

[@JesseDylanMusic]

The thing about the 000-17, it does have the traditional 000 scale now, but it still has the OM bracing (1/4, assuming forward-shifted), similar to the 000-18. Traditionally, it would be like the 000-28, rear-position 5/16” bracing). They should just have both a 000-17 and an OM-17. But whatev! These are amazing either way. It’s about time the all-mahogany gets a true dovetail neck joint and standard bracing, and switching to GE bracing is very smart. Should have done it long ago.

[@hjmmjh4566]

The tone is beautiful. Playing not so bad either. 👍

[@BW_Maher]

Interesting. I’ve been pretty close to buying a 000-15m so I guess I’ll give the 000-17 a play first. Hard to tell without a side by side. It sounds a little different to me. A little more bright and scooped vs the mid tonal compression of the 15m. Great sounds but maybe not quite what I’m after. Thanks!!

[@SeanSullyy]

Playability will be the major difference. I’ve owned a 000-18 and 000-15m and the nut width and shorter scale length make the 000-18 feel much better to me personally. Now, if you like the longer scale and smaller nut-width, I’m sure you’d be partial to playing the 15m over the 000-17. I ultimately sold the 000-15mg because I couldn’t put down my 18 series. This 17 series has me very interested….

[@grandviewguitar]

Binding is necessary on a 17 model

[@rex8958]

That’s what I was thinking, and a proper gloss finish not?

[@Evil.Turkey]

Is there going to be a more affordable 2025 standard model from Martin?

[@MatthewCuda]

I was out at 2299

[@imdaroger]

Guild seems like a better value

[@clientmark]

What guitar made your intro music?

[@clientmark]

000-17 or 000-15m thqt is the question. I have played the 15m and love it. So the neck is taller on these, better for big hands?

[@KT-fn6me]

The nut is wider on the 000-17, so that would be a benefit for someone with bigger hands

[@GenghisDaniel]

Watch out, the 17 has indeed a wider nut width but, but it also has a high performance taper, which mean it will not be very large at the 12th fret or have a spacious width at the bridge which is, in my opinion bad for finger style playing. Whereas the 000-15m has a smaller but width but also a standard taper which mean you will have more room for the right hand at the bridge on it… So in my opinion, both are bad because the way too go will have to be a 1 3/4 nut and a standard taper, but since the introduction of the standard line Martin is progressively phasing out the standard taper for the smaller high performance one. People always consider but width but bridge width is also very important in my opinion…

[@TheDhmcompu]

I wish you would have played the same music, so I can hear the difference between each model. That would have given me more confidence in my choice as to which sound I like better and for the sound I’m looking for.

[@BluesDan321]

Hello. You and Chris have the most informative vids. on acoustic guitars on YT. You’re both very knowledgeable and talented as well. What is your opinion of Martin coming out once again with the venerable 0-17? If that happens, I AM DOWN!!!

[@Cigar_Golfer]

Are you sure this is all genuine mahogany? The backs seem a bit odd (sapele?) and it does not say geniune on martin website like last years models.

[@yigthekid]

It seems like Martin is going with a slightly lighter stain on these than the 15 series. Actual raw mahogony is quite a lot lighter than the color Martin usually stains them to be. Also, Martin stopped using the term "genuine mahogony" completely (see the current 15 and 18 series), opting instead to modify the non-genuine ones with extra words (see the 000-15E top wood). All of this is to say, yes, it's genuine mahogony. Martin wouldn't put something in their "standard series" that isn't.

[@teleguy5699]

@@yigthekid What is the difference in that? Must be cheaper I assume.

[@keestoft250]

I wouldn't be surprised if we'll see paired back traditional style all mahogany models from Furch and Eastman shortly. Pitched at an honest price where the 15 series used to be. Brand loyalty has its limitations.

[@GenghisDaniel]

And they are already some American made all mahogany that are cheaper than these new 17 : Guild makes a D20 at 1699, and a M-20, which is closer in size to a 00-15 which are very very good guitar. And if you take guitar by guitar the voicing is better on the Guilds because they know they have to do better than Martin if they want to compete, whereas Martin, if you try different instance of the same model, some will sound good, some not so good…

[@jeffberdin]

@@keestoft250 that would be cool. Furch’s Blue OM-MM still relatively affordable though, no?

[@peters219]

Playing the 000-15M, I always wished it came in a shorter scale. I tune it down so it gets easier to bend strings but it's a compromise in the sound. I've wished it came with a shorter scale and 1 3/4" nut. I'm thinking the new bracing helps its sound and sustain. This seems like my wish came true. Now I need to sell my 000-15M. The other thing is the neck on the 000-15M is narrower but has the rounded edge fingerboard/neck and outward bend on the nut like they describe on the new 000-17. The rounded neck/fingerboard feels really good compared to my 000-18 with a flat edge. It sounds like they took all these things into account and delivered in the 2025 versions.

[@isaacolguin8689]

Damn!!! All Hog sounds great and super balanced! Wtf!?!

[@isaacolguin8689]

Factory EQ’ed?!?

[@terrymattingly6843]

OK, the question is what happens to one of the five classic Martins IMHO - the 000-15SM. What is the news there?

[@teleguy5699]

Glad I got my lefty model a few months ago.

[@roisinmccauley2075]

Hello, is the 000-17 similar in body size to the Grand Concert or the Grand Auditorium in the Taylor guitar range 🎸

[@exit44joe]

I had a feeling this was going to be happening ... all 15's to Mexico. It's nice to see some hogs still being made in the US, though.

[@jeffberdin]

I know that Martin recommends PB light strings for the 000 on their website but are PBs the strings demo’d on these 2 guitars?

[@terrymattingly6843]

Retros are amazing on hog tops

[@jeffberdin]

@ agreed. I do also like the Luxe Kovars as well.

[@terrymattingly6843]

@@jeffberdin That’s interesting! Using the super expensive modern strings on a Depression era hog design.

[@jeffberdin]

@ no one needs to know! 😂. They’re fundamental strings, similar to retro in that respect

[@PeteA54]

From the color of the wound strings it looks like these are phosphor bronze. I prefer Retros on Hog guitars and even more so the Luxe Kovars. I just received a pack of the new Flexible Core Luxe Strings and can't wait to try them out.

[@pecosnick45]

I really need to hear it compared to the American D15 and in a mix to see if it cuts

[@sonofboar13]

Can’t say that I’m disappointed there won’t be a made in the USA Martin

[@kevin339]

This is actual comedy to me. I literally just purchased a 00-15 two weeks ago after a year of saving up. If given the choice I would have gone for a 17.

[@yigthekid]

on the bright side, the 00-15 is cheaper, and there is not a 00-17 (yet).

[@nic0vide0]

You could buy the Grover tuners and you are mostly there.

[@kevin339]

@@yigthekid true. I do prefer the 00 size, as i also own a 0000. It's nice to have variety.

[@teleguy5699]

@@nic0vide0 My SM stays in tune, no need for an upgrade there. Maybe I'll get bone string pins?

[@LegsON]

​@@teleguy5699Wooden pins are better.

[@lhvent]

I love my Alvarez AD66SHB Mahogany. It has a sweat sound for the money.

[@ramz118]

The bracing on the new 17 series I'm sure makes a difference and is a nice upgrade, but for perspective, just 3 years ago, the significantly more affordable Martin 000-15m that I bought in Nov. 2021 (MSRP $1299 at the time) had what appear to be many of the same appointments as this 17 series (which, in the 15 series, have since been downgraded and now added back as "improvements" in the 17 series)--namely, the same hardshell case, bone nut and saddle, ebony bridge pins, and grover tuners. The 15m had already seen a dramatic price increase from $1299 in 2021 to $1699 in the past couple of years, while downgrading these features. Reverting to 2021 15m features but selling the bracing upgrade, dovetail joint and a few "nice to haves" as a major "standard series" upgrade at $2299 seems somewhat disingenuous, albeit inflation, CPI , etc. have of course skyrocketed. There is also no indication that the mahogany used on the new 17 series is "genuine" mahogany, as opposed to the mahogany used on the 15m series, which I understand may be sipo or similar woods. All that being said, my 000-15m is a joy, and I'm sure the new 17 series sound and feels great, but I can't help reflect on how much has changed in such a short time...

[@kevincrouch3956]

Yes, totally agree, my 00015m came with a hard case, Grover tuners, ebony pins etc....before they downgraded the specs on the newer versions of the 15's. This really comes across as a very shallow marketing exercise by Martin to scam more $'s. I'll stick with my 00015m- it's a great guitar, but this leaves a bad taste in my mouth about trusting Martin in future. They are starting to reflect Taylor with their sad attempts at releasing all the different' tricked' up versions of the GS Mini then charging premium prices for what is essentially a cheap laminated back guitar.

[@roymeyer6837]

The blurring of lines between different series is just so weird. 17 Series guitars are Standard Series...except when they're not, like the DSS-17. American-made guitars with all solid mahogany and understated looks and simple finishes are 15 Series...unless they add a few features and promote them to a series that justifies a higher price point than any other 17 Series guitar has ever cost. A Mexican-made guitar with a solid sapele body is Road Series...except when they put a mahogany top on it instead of sapele, then it's a lower-tier 15 Series, even though some Road Series models actually cost more. I love all 4 of my Martins, but they seriously have no cohesive marketing or standardization with these models! It's as if someone looked at the confusing history of the 16 Series and said, "HEY! Why don't we do that to our whole lineup?!"

[@benedekgabor.]

Inflation is a bitch, and someone have cough up the money. So the 17 series will be the made in america all mahogany series while the whole 15 series will move to mexico.

[@guitareveryone]

The only disappointment in cost cutting measures that I’ve read regarding Martin’s new Standard series models are the thinning of their fingerboards on their new standard line. You can bevel edges on a regular thickness fingerboard without thinning the fingerboard itself. So for once I see Martin cutting cost and touting it to look an improvement. That’s a little disappointing and sad really. And the price increase and lack of cases are not good. Martin acoustics are my favourites. Some of the other features are actually quite good in my opinion.

[@teleguy5699]

I asked this yesterday on another page. Why should I give up my 00015-SM to buy this more expensive model? I read comments that Martin is sending all their 15 series to Mexico. Any truth to that rumor? The SM has is a 12 fret and has a 1 3/4 inch nut. Still special imo.

[@vernonyates8408]

These are not 17 Series Martins. They are Style 17 Standard Series Martins. In Martin-speak Series defines structure and Style defines trim and woods. These two models have all the structure of the new Standard Series guitars and are in that grouping in Martin's catalogue, price list, and website. The Whiskey Sunset and Black Smoke 17's still have the Simple Dovetail and are grouped with the 16/17 Series.

[@weed491]

2299 and no binding ?

[@chrisanastasia4361]

Am I the only one who wants to see more American made Martin SC guitars

[@GenghisDaniel]

Watch out people, the 17 has indeed a wider nut width than the 15, but it also has a high performance taper, which mean it will not be very large at the 12th fret or have a spacious width at the bridge which is, in my opinion bad for finger style playing. Whereas the 000-15m has a smaller but width but also a standard taper which mean you will have more room for the right hand at the bridge on it… So in my opinion, both are bad because the way too go will have to be a 1 3/4 nut and a standard taper, but since the introduction of the standard line Martin is progressively phasing out the standard taper for the smallish high performance one. People always consider nut width but string spacing at the bridge is also very important in my opinion and Martin is not really doing a good job on that side since a few years…

[@GenghisDaniel]

For my all mahogany guitar I will always prefer my Guild M20 because of that. It as indeed a 1 3/4 nut width and a spacious string spacing at the bridge…

[@GenghisDaniel]

Regarding Martin, the last one standing is the 000-15 SM which does have a 1 3/4 but and a standard taper. At least for now, since it is not part of the standard serie, hence have the standard taper (it is very sad to see that what had been the standard regarding string spacing at the bridge for decades is no longer now the standard because people want their acoustics to feel like their electric…)

[@EvanSchmeits]

The most expensive upgrades are: •Hand-fitted dovetail neck joint vs simple dovetail •Scalloped, golden era bracing •genuine, South American hog vs African hog/sipo

[@imdaroger]

Nice

[@BeachLife66]

What happened to that Chris guy?

[@chullerism]

I would like to thank Martin for not bringing the 12-fret all hog 000 into the 17 Standard series. I just don't need that temptation. I'm also glad Martin didn't include an om, for the same reason. Martin continues to almost offer guitars that I want. Discontinuing the M-36 is very disappointing.

[@paulbanner9612]

Had one ..Had to go back high e string slips off end of fretboard much to close ...Faith naked mango 😊👍🎸

[@teleguy5699]

You had one of the new ones?

[@paulbanner9612]

@teleguy5699 YEP brand new ..Had a luthier look at it nut cut on e much to close .Nice guitar but not for me 👍

[@teleguy5699]

@@paulbanner9612 That sucks.

[@GaryBertolo]

Look at BROMO don't be snobby about it just because its an inexpensive import... As usual great (Sean/Shaun), acoustic player you are.

[@sgblues4238]

000-15m comparison to 000-17, please.

[@PatrickOwens-f6o]

So im going to be a nice guy! And im just going to get into music again!❤

[@Todd-h8w]

000-16 is a better buy $200 cheaper and better wood combo

[@TwoFeetDown92]

Nice, first one here for once 😂

[@maxkraus9614]

I really think you ought to have Chris in these red letter releases videos. His input is missed

[@trbr1799]

Why do you all want binding? It'll just fall off like on my d18?! 😂

[@PaulGAckerman]

Sixty percent of the time, this channel talks about Martin one hundred percent of the time.

[@zebfox011]

Only 40%. The remaining time is spent talking about Taylor and fender! Don't like it?

[@aemk6129]

@PaulGAckerman Witty… yet 100% of the time speaking about a certain subject, or brand, is the whole point. It’s not a comparison video.

[@oceantree5000]

Could be way worse- it could be Taylor 😂

[@ianmansfield1112]

Martin just sound better than anything else... Taylor have them on looks but side by side - zero contest on which you'd buy if going for tone.

[@calmain13]

I’ll just keep my Gibson.

[@JamesBond-pu6qf]

This is like McDonald's charging more for a NEW Big Mac (now with different lettuce)- and justifying it by saying you get fries. You always get fries! Acoustics need a case. There is no reason or justification to dictate giving a guitar that had a case, a gig bag suddenly.

[@karlcountry2363]

Dude looks vessen!

[@vonwelch7847]

Maybe Martin is making decision by committee. "Lets do an experiment with the standard series and see if American made plus hard case will sell compared to less expensive south of the border versions?"

[@lhvent]

These guitars sound great, but 2300.00? We shall see.

[@r.a.4777]

i know you have to sell, chris is always "in the market for" d18, ooo18, hd 28, travelling guitar, etc., without finalizing...😇😅 ok, it is your job to sell, but why don't you never tackle the massive quality problems martin definitelly has... just brownnosing this company does not help.. martin has a legacy, well deserved, but these massive and annoying problems, and how they deal (not) with it, must not happen with this background.. ok, let chris, whatever number, martin, be upset, he is the one asking dear money for, in times, shitty quality... stay true, even as a seller... btw. in europe this babes are sharp3k euro, roughly 3.2k usd....think about that..

[@jimross9429]

Martin is making it entirely too confusing and diluting the brand. There are so many great instrumentals available now that are just as good if not better than Martin at very competitive prices.

[@yellowdrops5690]

Another marketing scheme by Martin. Small changes, big price increase. 👎

[@kevincrouch3956]

As much as I love Martin's, as much as I love mahogany, as much as I've always wanted a vintage 0017 Martin...this is just a shallow marketing exercise by Martin to scam more money from Joe public. I own a 00015m and for a few basic upgrades Martin has released this and expect a shitload more $'s for it....not happy Martin