Martin vs Sigma - 000-15M vs 000M-15 | expensive vs cheap? 2200$ vs 400$

[@morrisvanson3015]

I bought a Harley Benton CLA 15MCE in September 2023, all solid woods and based on the Martin 00015, a nice guitar all solid mahogany top back and sides, mahogany neck, pau ferro bridge and fingerboard , X and scolloped bracings snowflake inlays bone compensated saddle bone nut ,all the goodies of a high end guitar for £239 gbp or $302 usd ,shipped to my home from Germany to the uk nice guitar with a rich warm sound great value for an all solid woods for around an 8th of the price of the Martin. No disrespect Martin have the name and service etc . I went with the cutaway version B stock (no issues) which includes a fishman presys 2 electrics & tuner very pleased now it's all played in amazing & quality value ....👍

[@jamiguitar]

Thanks for your comment, There are lots of good quality guitar with affordable costs.

[@AndreRMeyer-ns6gw]

The choice of strings make an enormous difference as well. On my newly bought used Sigma 000-15m, I have fresh AUTHENTIC ACOUSTIC SP SILK & STEEL Guitar strings (MA130) On my newly bought used Martin 000-15m, I am still playing the guitar with the same strings, it came with namely; Martin 80/20 Bronze (MA175)

[@jamiguitar]

Thanks for comment! Yes, need to try different strings also!

[@AndreRMeyer-ns6gw]

JamiGuitar I have both guitars as well. The Sigma is a bit heavier, and has X-bracing as well 2:14.

[@jamiguitar]

Thanks for comment, you are right.

[@fugalibrana]

I'm looking for some of those. In the video Sigma seems to be more focused sound than the Martin, but maybe it's only my impression. I need to compare personally in the guitar shop. Thanks for sharing!

[@jamiguitar]

Yes, it’s important to go shopping and find the best one for your hands and ears. And always remember to test as many as possible to get the best piece of the same models. There are lots of differences in the same models, they all sound a little bit different.

[@ComeOnPeopleThink]

I have a 000M1st bought it new for under 400.00 Cad. tax included I live in Newfoundland so it was more expensive here than mainland Canada …the sound of that guitar is amazing and it’s a great looking guitar as well…

[@jamiguitar]

Yes, I think I have played that model in a guitar shop also, very great for the money.

[@waroftheworlds3173]

I think both are amazing. Martin is brighter and I can understand why people prefer it. However the sigma has an old feeling to the sound it makes. Less brighter, expected from a well torn but still usable guitar and old string set. Can someone else notice that?

[@jamiguitar]

I can. Martin has maybe a little newer strings. Both are great with a new string set.

[@tontrenner]

I own the Sigma for many years now. Tried the HB-CLA15M also and must say, it is sounding really good, more sustain, more open and fuller sound than the sigma. I only played the Martin at guitar stores, and think it's not much more than the Name on the head stock. Own several Eastman all-solids also, and 5 Guitars are cheaper than 1 Martin. People spending months to decide which body size or which tone woods they want to buy. I decided to buy them all and forget the Martin brand. If there is really a bit of a small difference in frequencies if any, then I can try some different string gauges or materials or play a bit softer or more dynamically. These small differences are not worth thousands of euros or dollars. Just my opinion. :-)

[@jamiguitar]

Thanks for comment! You are right. In Finland we can rent quality instruments for studio sessions, so no need to own an expensive guitar.

[@tontrenner]

@@jamiguitar Yes, definitely a sustainable and ecologically sensible decision. 👍

[@AndreRMeyer-ns6gw]

I truly enjoy both (000-15m guitars, the overall feel of the Sigma is heavier, especially that of the neck. In comparison I also have a Sigma SG-SGM 15E - CH, and it's neck feels, compares, more to that of the Martin 000-15m, in feel. Greetings from the sunny climes of Basle, Switzerland N.B. Trying out different strings makes 'cents' Caution GAS may be hazardous to your wealth's health.

[@jamiguitar]

Nice one! Thanks for comment! Just planned to go to Switzerland! Beautiful country!

[@ImLeuff]

Martin is better but I have to get my hands on that Sigma. Been refreshing local classifieds for a while. Also if you get a chance to try it - I got myself an Alvarez AP66SHB. Wonderful little mahogany top guitar. It's really affordable and I ordered it on a discount just to try the mahogany top 12-fretter and planned on selling it on but I kept it, it also impressed my guitar teacher.

[@jamiguitar]

Sounds worth a try, I’m not sure if they sell Alvarez guitars nearby, or even if they have a reseller in Finland. Have to check the market.

[@ImLeuff]

@@jamiguitar Yes, I'm from Croatia and couldn't find them locally but ordered it from Andertons from UK. Now after Brexit is probably not worth it because of the import taxes

[@AndreRMeyer-ns6gw]

bought a used Martin 000-15m [s.n. 2358042], a week ago for CHF 990.-. Next Friday I am going to pick up a Sigma 000-15m for CHF 200.-. Greetings from the sunny climes of Basle, Switzerland

[@kevincrouch3956]

That is another confirmation of why I bought he martin 00015m. Not that the Sigma sounds bad, they are great guitars for the money. It's just that the Martin sounds so much better and the Martin 15 series is very good value for money

[@jamiguitar]

Thanks for comment, you are definitely right!

[@jayobhoy248]

How would you compare the sigma 15 against against the martin 10 please?

[@jamiguitar]

I would say that the price and the sound have a difference. The guitars fit both perfectly to my needs and I would recommend

[@KevinFernie]

Great sound for the money with the Sigma, the Taylor GS Mini is hard to beat though I'd say for smaller acoustic guitars.

[@jamiguitar]

Thanks, you are right about GS mini and the little Martins are also good.

[@rogerledoux4741]

Martin sounds better to me, however over 1000 dollar difference its not that much better

[@jamiguitar]

Yes, Martin sounds better, but still the price difference makes you think…

[@ComeOnPeopleThink]

The Martin do sound a bit better to me but the Sigma sounds pretty dam good for the money..

[@jamiguitar]

Yes, especially good guitar for travel etc.

[@AndreRMeyer-ns6gw]

@ComeOnPeopleThink "and it makes me wonder..." - Stairway to Heaven bought a used Martin 000-15m [s.n. 2358042], a week ago for CHF 990.-. Next Friday I am going to pick up a Sigma 000-15m for CHF 200.-. (Train fare not included). Greetings from the sunny climes of Basle, Switzerland 👍, ✌& 🙏 JamiGuitar

[@КостяЧирко-к4х]

Мартин очень красиво звучит тепло ,но за эту цену можно купить furch blue om-mm и еще вдобавок martin 000cjr 10e который похож на мартина побольше )Получится одна гитара для дома,а вторая для путешествий)

[@jamiguitar]

Thanks for comment, it’s good to have one for travel also.

[@mandrew20111]

All the Martin fans are mad lol. I’ve heard very few Martin guitars that weren’t muddy. One of them was from the 1940s and worth $50k so value for money just isn’t there with Martin in my book.

[@jamiguitar]

Thanks for the comment. I have also tested one Martin 000-28 from 1940s. That was something special. The only problem with that old Martins is the lack of truss rod, so if the neck needs to be adjusted, the only solution is full neck reset.

[@Stratster68]

Mad? Nope...Just happy we have great guitars.................The sound is NOT EVEN CLOSE...The Martin wins easily and that's NOT a great Martin either actually!

[@OurgasmComrade]

Guild OM-120 sounds way better than both the Martin and Sigma mahogany models, and it's super affordable!

[@keithsnowdon8672]

Bern looking at Sigmas. Changed my mind. Chinese manufacture.

[@jamiguitar]

Thanks for comment. Some Sigmas are worth of money spent, and some are not. Some Martins can also be a little bit under the expectations and quality you would prefer for that big and famous manufacturer.

[@MrBallynally2]

Like with most copies, the mids are not the same. Usually have less character and are brighter. Some people like that. And 'mahogany' is very generic unlike say Sitka spruce. Ive played quite a few budget hogs and they all have the same issues. Just lower grade top wood. Safer w Sitka..

[@jamiguitar]

You are right! Thanks for comment!

[@fabieng6864]

Sigma ❤❤❤❤❤

[@jamiguitar]

Sigma works fine.

[@KevinColt]

Dont care what you say, Sigma is school guitar, Martin is for life.

[@jamiguitar]

Thanks for comment.

[@johnfitzgerald4206]

I bet you wouldn't know the difference without visuals.

[@SuperEdge67]

@@johnfitzgerald4206Played them both ………a big difference in tone, Sigma sounds good, Martin sounds sublime.

[@zensational.]

​@@johnfitzgerald4206 lol dead wrong. Probably cant tell the difference between an old martin and a new one, or tonal differences from different capacitors. Trolls find it hard to believe but some people actually have good hearing and can play well enough, that it actually makes a huge difference. The recognition really separates the okay-players from the greats. It's like being colorblind and trying to correct / nitpick someone with impeccable vision. No two humans are the same, and no two guitars.

[@Folkgrunge]

Moi, et tarvitse martin d-15 koska on Studiossa + mastering+laulut+instrumentit Sigma se on parasta. Miksi? Sigma Ääni= 9 Hinta= 300 eur Martin= 10= hinta 1990 eur Ennen minulle ostanut paljon martin,gibson ja opin yksi asia: Snobism se on iso paska milloin sinulla on tiedä. Katso oma kuvia se on Sigma sj-200, olen ammattilainen ja tehty historia on independent musiiki on Suomessa ja 31 maat, Sigma se on parasta malli nyt -1000 euroa mutta ei koko mallit d-15,sj-200 ja d-28 tossi hyvää. Tervetuloa!

[@jamiguitar]

Moi, totta puhut!

[@Folkgrunge]

​@@jamiguitaretsit martin d10e, ääni se on parasta tai martin d15... tiedätkö sapeli d10e se on parasta tai d15? D-15 tänäänn ei ole oikein hinta... 1990 eur !!

[@ExtremePlantGrowing]

000-15m is $1700 not $2200

[@jamiguitar]

Maybe it depends of the area you are in? In Europe we have to pay 2150 euros from 000-15m.

[@philmansfield8825]

In Canada over $2000

[@aaron.debattista]

No it isn't.

[@AndreRMeyer-ns6gw]

@ExtremePlantGrowing it all depends, on a lot of factors. N.B. as your user name @EPG suggests. ( I am a nurseryman / Baumschulist by profession) I bought the Martin 000-15m (used) for CHF 990.- + train ticket CHF 40.- I bought the Sigma 000-15m (used) for CHF 200.- + train ticket CHF 53.- Greetings from the sunny climes of Basle, Switzerland

[@peterpulpitpounder]

Martin all the way.

[@jamiguitar]

Martin is great

[@bjwzwart]

Martin sound much better and tighter than sigma but for the money the sigma ain’t bad but I avoid china made guitars

[@jamiguitar]

Thanks for comment, Martin is better than Sigma, for Sure, but I really like the Sigma also.

[@Synic08]

Not all sigmas are chinese, most arent.. i dont think this one is either.

[@JB-lp9xr]

000-15M is $1700 list.

[@jamiguitar]

Ok, thanks, the prices vary a quite much in different areas.

[@rabhapigfarm6271]

I sigma sounds very thin, light.. no 👎 good

[@jamiguitar]

Thanks for comment, Sigma is decent but not the best.

[@ralphdrees4413]

The question isn’t which sounds better really. The question is does the Martin sound 4-5 times better. The answer is objectively no it does not. I can guarantee you that not a single person listening to this on KZbin will be able to distinguish between them in a blind test. The same test has trained concert violinists choosing cheap violins or German made violins from the 1940s and 50s as the one that is definitely a Stradivarius from the golden era. Simply put, the technology presently exists that can produce identical copies or nearly identical with virtually imperceptible to the human ear tonal differences. The reality is with Martin you’re paying 200 dollars per letter on a head stock for a guitar that you can buy for 500 dollars from a company Martin started and clearly took the baton and ran with it. Next time put a sticker over the headstock and play it blind, even to yourself. The difference is that you know by looking at the headstock and that’s literally the difference. If you told me the sigma was the Martin and I couldn’t see the head stock I would have believed it.

[@jamiguitar]

Thanks for comment. You have a point there!

[@sebastian6736]

I don't think this is the case. The difference is audible, 100%. I'd be happy to take such a test, if you have a link (for guitars).

[@jamiguitar]

@@sebastian6736 Of Course Martin is Martin and Sigma is Sigma, I should have done the test with new similar strings and with a studio quality recording in a pro studio. I'm sure that in those circumstances the Martin would have sounded much better.

[@vincemincevince]

this argument is common but i think it’s not just the sound but some ones paying for a lot nice guitar to play as ive found cheaper guitar harder to play for longer list as well better dynamic response

[@zonakmahanta]

Fcuk, cheaper one is better

[@jamiguitar]

You might be right!

[@aphilipecrypto]

Dude, are you high?

[@jamiguitar]

Yes of course, I’m high on life!