The most inspiring guitar I own - Martin 000-15SM

[@JeffreyMarkanich]

I just added this guitar to my collection today. Your video is superb. Sometimes when driving, I will play this through my speakers just to hear the 000-15SM tone. I would buy your CD, if you have one as your playing is that enjoyable. Thanks so much for taking the time to make this video. Your playing inspires me.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you Jeffrey, this comment means a lot. Sure put a smile on my face brother.

[@Mytwocentsisallicanafford]

Bought this guitar for finger picking it plays and sounds amazing by far my favorite acoustic

[@justguth]

I want to emulate this mans talent with every ounce of my soul. I could watch it over and over. So bad ass…. 🇺🇸👍

[@MattB-dt6ux]

Martin should seriously hire you to market their guitars! Such skill, loved listening. Thanks

[@charlessnyder7624]

In 2002 my wife for our 30 wedding anniversary she bought me a Martin 000 C 15 E i absolutely love it. Thank you for the great. performance.

[@damonlove8]

The king of tones! All mahogany guitar. & The only guitar you’ll ever need in your lifetime. Beautiful playing and feels as always.

[@AndreRMeyer]

and I just picked up a secondhand Martin 000-15m yesterday (June 27th 2024). Greetings from the sunny climes of Basle, Switzerland

[@gansewurmchen2260]

What u paid for?

[@nhewett]

Everything from the videography to the sound and playing is exquisite!!! I have been eyeing a lefty version of this for quite some time. Your video convinced me to order this guitar. I agree completely that this instrument just begs to be played and bring out something special. Thank you so much!!!

[@wistman-folk]

I'm also on the lookout for a used lefty, let's see who can grab it first! (There is one here in the UK at the moment, really overpriced for used though sadly... and new prices are shooting up too...)

[@blackmetalgran7279]

It's talking again. So deep and real. Thank you.

[@gwenandrix]

Chris your playing is awe inspiring. I have the OOO15 M and wish I could play as you do. I find myself watching and rewatching regularly. Martin should be using your videos on this instrument as a product demo. Thank you for sharing these videos.

[@philliplahue2042]

Man, really thoughtful playing here! Well done! This is the kind of highlight reel acoustic guitars deserve!

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks a ton Phillip!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Excellent guitar, well played. My favorite guitars have been 12 fretters and always mahogany. Can't beat a mahogany top for a soulful machine. My first Martin, not a 12 fretter, was a 1939 Martin 00-17.. last year of the 1 3/4 nut widths. I bought it in 1961 for the princely sum of $4 (four). However, I was ripped off, no case. I currently have 2 Martins, 1997 0000-1, one of 370 made.and a 2015 00-18 V with highly flamed mahogany backs and sides. Liked and subscribed.

[@glennjustice2760]

I have owned and played many great Martins. I echo his opinion. They’re all gone but this one. It is by far my favorite. The most amazing $1000 I’ve ever spent

[@timshenk2210]

I have one - it is an awesome guitar. Been playing 40 yrs. I WILL say that it scratches and dings up easy - so handle with care.

[@mikehudgins5764]

Absolutely brought a tear to my eye, between that instrument and your inflection into your playing… man that is beyond “music to my ears” thank you Chris!!

[@maxmelchert7618]

Great playing. You're making that guitar sing! I love my 000-15sm. You're right, such an inspiring instrument.

[@TheHenkka65]

BEAUTIFUL!! And truly a genuine Martin sound. The best there is! 🤩

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks bro!

[@novicabozunovich]

I’m shocked at how beautiful you make this guitar sound. Bravo! Great video!

[@lamar1423]

Every time I take this guitar off the hanger to play it's amazing! All I can say is how beautiful it is to hold and play. It's as light as a feather, the tone is rich, playing is buttery smooth. I have been fortunate to have several guitars to play in my life. However, it's the first guitar I have ever felt grateful to have. It's a WOW. Great video.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks for sharing man, it’s a thing of beauty.

[@joepayne7843]

Big sounding guitar, very powerful. Has a sound all its own.

[@malcognito7210]

I've owned a slot-head 000-15 for about a decade along with a few other nice acoustics, and there is no other sound like it. You sure do know how to make it shine. Thank you very much.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you! 🙏

[@kevincrouch3956]

Thanks Chris, always feel 'inspired' when I come to your pages, and I often steal a few of your easier licks...I own a 00015m and agree, these are great guitars.

[@ChrisEffort]

That’s makes me happy to hear. That’s what it should be all about.

[@gibshall2007]

DADGAD is a beautiful tuning. Great playing man. And this guitar, holy smokes!

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you man, appreciate your kindness.

[@gibshall2007]

@@ChrisEffort From what I hear The 000-15SM sounds better if you finger pick compared to the 000-15M. Any playing on the 000-15M?

[@douglasholdenjr.45]

​@@gibshall2007He has a video comparison between the 000-15SM and the 000-15M on his channel, brother!!! A GREAT video!!! Cheers!!!

[@marklawrence9416]

Beautiful playing Chris.

[@thetoneturner]

Well this is bloody beautiful from start to finish.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you Benjamin!

[@jasoncooley8150]

Glorious. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnh5463]

Just bought one today thank you for the amazing video and inspiration!

[@bobmat54]

I bought my 15SM - brand new - a year ago to have something more robust than vintage stuff to play in bars. Now its the only one I play. Does it all, and inspires me every time I pick it up. Get one.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks for sharing! And I agree, it is so freaking great.

[@jimsanger]

I've been looking at getting the 15M but after watching your comparison I'm going for the SM. This is one of the most beautiful recordings of a guitar I've ever heard, and I've been playing over 30 years

[@terrymattingly6843]

Right. When can I buy the CD?

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you so much Jim, that means a lot!

[@JonathonMarshall12]

I own the SM but I have played the 000m and 00m and they are all great guitars. Beautiful playing here

[@NicholasRichardson]

Same I'm SM convert

[@droppedee5721]

nice prbly subconscious combo licks from blind faith come down off your throne..and soundtrack mc cabe and mrs miller...nice...and john denver stuff ..

[@tastedup]

Fantastic sounding guitar, skillful and soulful playing. Love every bit of this!

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you so much

[@CameraLaw]

Really gorgeous playing. Mesmerized by that double jointed index!

[@ChrisEffort]

Haha thanks! It has some advantages being hyper mobile.

[@kensettle3184]

Just watched this again. Your playing is spellbinding.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you Ken! That means a lot more than you’d think

[@kensettle3184]

@@ChrisEffort Have you seen this Alvarez made out of 50 year old Honduran mahogany?

[@tedboughter-dornfeld5281]

This is beautiful, thank you. I am inspired to buy this guitar after hearing this - you coaxed magical tones out and also recorded it well.

[@LinasPetrauskas]

Buy the guitar that speaks to you in a store, not the one that someone else loves 🙂

[@JRJ2000]

The bass has just the right amount of rattle to give it texture, and the highs and mids are perfect. Good playing as well.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you!

[@aaronlarsen7447]

I love both my Martins. I would cherish this gorgeous instrument. Its simple, easy to play, sweetly voiced. Mahogany is so friendly. That little tune around 5:30 was beautiful. Sound like a lullaby. I'd slap a passive KnK in that. They are way more feedback friendly than huge guitars. I'd get a very well padded gig bag, to keep it super light to carry.

[@mrjamrol]

If you haven't tried this guitar with Martin Retro (Monel) strings, you need to. Buy the MM12 lights (.012 - .054). They really bring out a special sound!

[@ChrisEffort]

I love the retros! Thank you for mentioning them.

[@Jimmyjohnson-x9y]

What strings are you using

[@m.vonhollen6673]

Hi, I like the Martin Monel Retro Tony Rice Bluegrass strings 13-56. I find they sound better than what I used for years.

[@terrymattingly6843]

Amen, brother. I recently found an old original-mahogany Martin 000-15S -- the model that predated the 000-15SM. I put some Waverlys on it, since this is a never-sell keeper. Lovely recording. You may want to try some Martin Retros on it. I think the old-fashioned nickel strings really stress the clarity of this guitar.

[@ChrisEffort]

Hi Terry thanks for your kind comment. I have tried retros on it and I like it a lot - but I do prefer phosphor bronze on this particular guitar, and a big positive, these Tommy Emmanuel strings sound and feel great and are as cost effective as the retros.

[@kensettle3184]

@@ChrisEffort Are you using lights or mediums?!! It sounds so good!

[@douglasholdenjr.45]

@@kensettle3184 Martin Flexible core Tommy's choice strings .12's. Great strings, & your fingers/hand will thank you.

[@terrymattingly6843]

@@ChrisEffort The TE lights are what I use on my Huss & Dalton 00-SP -- they go well with the rosewood, methinks

[@truthray2885]

Chris, you play beautifully. That tune just before midway - very contemplative and almost melancholy, but entirely appealing.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you so much man!

[@John-wr6yo]

The nuances in tone are quite distinguishable between the silvet plated monel type strings and phosphor bronze. I sometimes use the old la bella type silver wound strings. This guitar never fails to get attention and inquired about on stage after a performance. First of all it sounds so good with its rich mids and subtle bass. It adds so much in the mix of the band. In my opinion it is one of the few guitars that are suited for fingerstyle as well as comfortable flat picking. It's just a real joy.

[@Gilles86]

Played on this guitar visiting my hometown, Amsterdam and fell in love. Didn't dare to buy it on the spot, but now it is on its way over here (Zürich). Simply can't wait to play it and your truly beautiful video isn't helping 😉.

[@ChrisEffort]

Amazing! Congrats and enjoy it a lot!

[@mandohat]

This is Martin's best kept secret weapon of a guitar

[@Jam-m7m]

Thanks for doing this video ❤ I’d love to get one of these Martin 000-15sm I’m 68 years old now and I use to own a 1937 Martin 0-17 14 fret…I own two 12 frets now both Gibsons a 12 fret Nick Lucas and a 12 fret Southern Jumbo all hide glue and sound fantastic but there is something about a mahogany top, the warmth and tone of your sound is heart warming ❤

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you Dale! And thanks for sharing. 12 frets are so cool!

[@wjchivers]

Thanks for this inspiring video! I once owned a OO-15 and it is the guitar I most regret selling. I think you just convinced me to buy the OOO. Cheers, Bill

[@ChrisEffort]

Amazing guitars! I think you will be even happier with the triple O. I started my 15 series journey with the 00 - and while I loved that little thing, the 000 just packs a bit more of the stuff that made me smile.

[@BluesDan321]

Chris, the music that comes out of your soul is what I hope to hear in heaven for eternity. Beyond amazing! I really want to buy one of these and I have tried one before for a short time that someone let me try, but I didn’t have a lot of time to play it. I love everything about it, but my question is every once in a while there’s a chord that you have to play in a song from the 12th to the 15th fret or so. But Not with a lot of songs that are Fingerstyle is it required, because that’s what I enjoy the most, but when you do have to play a chord up in the upper register from the 12th to the 15th, is there a few tricks and skills that you might be able to share. That, and that alone is the only thing that’s making me just hesitate a little before I take the plunge with one of these marvelous 000-15sm’s. Merry Christmas and happy new year, Chris, and God bless.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks so much Dan! I didn’t miss the extra 3 frets for while until one day when I needed them for a particular tune. It’s a tough call, but I just gotta say that the 14 fret 000-15 is the most versatile. And sound wise they are not miles apart. The nut width is very different though, so be sure to keep that in mind. Merry Christmas to you as well

[@robertwilson6144]

With a D-28 and an HD-28 I realized I wanted something different, like a small body in mahogany so I tried the 00-15, 000-15 and 000-15SM and decided I liked the size and feel of the 00 and the tone of the 12 fret but found to my dismay that Martin doesn’t offer a 12 fret 00-15. So I had a luthier build me one with Sitka top and some Cuban mahogany that he had stashed. Result - I’ve barely touched the rosewood dreads in 5 months!

[@HaltnHustle]

Favorite acoustic guitar of all time, spent five years researching and buying acoustics. Led me to this specific model, my search is over, all around beauty 🔥

[@ChrisEffort]

Yes! It is a unicorn. So special, glad you also found the one. Take care

[@donklink4571]

I am now inspired to check out this model. A sweet tribute to a well played and obviously well loved guitar. Thanks.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you!

[@phntmrob]

I was blessed to be able to get one this past Xmas, last guitar I’ll ever buy. Now if I could play as beautifully as you…😊

[@terryfitzpatrick5602]

After first seeing a number of these videos regarding this particular instrument I wanted one. Couldn't afford but was able to locate a Sigma version 00015MC. One of my fav guitars. I love mahogany tone.

[@unicorneggspam]

The 15s are just great guitars. I love me 00-15m and would love to find a 000-15sm. Just opening the case and being hit with that smell inspires me

[@ChrisEffort]

Yeah that sweet mahogany smell is something else.

[@christophecatteau]

Quelle superbe moment. Merci à vous.

[@hcdubs]

Excellent playing sir. Such a lovely guitar - so pleased to be getting one in a couple of days (played in and damn cheap too!)

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks Henry! And huge congrats, sounds like the stars were aligned!

[@wheninroamful]

Did you get it? Put new strings on? Are you not on YT answering these questions immediately cuz youre playing it? :)

[@kevinpeat3721]

A truly great demonstration. Not too fancy. Spine tingling.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks bro!

[@bobaldo2339]

My wife bought one of the first of the 000-15M's. It is still absolutely perfect. But, now we are both older and neither of us can deal with the width of the fretboard - (just the usual 1 3/4" nut width). The only guitar she is still playing at all is a very short scale small guitar. The guitars I currently play all have 1 11/16" nut widths. I love all hog guitars. But I don't play my all mahogany 15 series Martin 12 string anymore either ( 1 7/8" nut width). I do play, & love, my Guild D-20 all hog, with 12" fretboard radius and 1 11/16" nut width.

[@steveweiskopf2129]

An extraordinary guitar coupled with extraordinary musicianship. Cheers

[@Mrsaittout]

I’m looking to buy my first Martin! Probably 000-15M il the best choice !!!

[@lhvent]

Sounds great. The sound of a mahogany guitar is stunning. My favorite guitar is my Alvarez AD66SHB dreadnought. The sound and feel can not be matched by a spruce top guitar. One day another Martin perhaps.

[@mikeyankie9594]

Awesome, thanks Chris...

[@melvismusic]

I wish that you could teach me how to play fingerstyle that beautiful! I am trying to play the amazing composition with capo (that starts at 05:00 min), really love it...but the drop tuning compositions are great too....really inspiring❤

[@davidwilliams7552]

Wow this is so inspiring your playing is beautiful.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks David! Much appreciated

[@daedalusjones4228]

That guitar sounds exquisite.

[@j.dtruths5577]

Fabulous playing Chris and excellent videography!

[@t8br00k36]

Came here from your Eastman video which I loved. This guitar should be inspiring at €2500!

[@paulabefumo4577]

Just found your video, and I'm stoked. Mine should be here next week and I can't wait!!!

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you Paula! And huge congrats, you are definitely in for a treat!

[@paulabefumo4577]

@@ChrisEffort I should have mentioned how beautifully you play. Do you perform live?

[@40173k]

A really fitting tribute. My favourite would be a vintage Gibson J45 but I'd have to be selective. If I were buying online without even trying it would be a Martin 00015 SM for pure consistency.

[@markmorrell3494]

Guitar sounds great! Love the tone which would never happen without great, passionate playing. Cheers!

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you Mark, sincerely

[@LuckyInCards]

Beautiful sound and played beautifully.

[@felix72634]

Amazing sound and playing Chris. I have the Martin 00-15M and I love it, but I am looking forward to getting the 15SM. Congratulations and keep it up.

[@gonshocks]

I have several Martins and love them all but I seem to pick up the 000-15SM more than the others.

[@Manny_____]

I put Thomastik-Infeld rope core strings on mine and it from another planet. so warm and beautiful, so easy to play, nothing comes close. try it out, you wont regret it.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks Manny! Im definitely going to try that.

[@pvalaci]

Superb guitar, playing and video editing. That headstock is gorgeous. Wish they put it on the all mahogany dreadnought too!

[@CodyHall-b3e]

Chris Effort, your playing in this video is incredible and inspiring! Did you ever record any of your music?

[@martinsongs]

Hello! You are beautiful in your sound production, it was great to show that such a guitar can .. admire your playing

[@paulkline3011]

Man. I had a D15M and sold it because it felt muted to me. I tried multiple different strings and nothing was working for me. You make this 000 sound amazing!!!

[@ChrisEffort]

I would love to try a D-15, it’s the last one of the 15 series I have yet to demo.

[@rhcp357]

want this guitar reallllllll bad. awesome playing my man.

[@michaelsongs]

They are beautiful sounding guitars for sure, those 000-15’s! ❤

[@ChrisEffort]

Indeed! But if they keep increasing the prices, the value for money will decrease a bit imo. Great guitars but in Europe they have raised the price over 300 dollars.

[@billmcdonald3561]

Wow! These are the best tones Ive ever heard from a mahogany Martin! Do you process the signal in any way? Great picking and vibe too! Many thanks!

[@Wahabroyramzic]

Hey man, your playing made the guitar sound more beautiful. i had a question what process do you use in post production like EQ, Compression?

[@JahJahBruh]

this model is the best in the series

[@tbonet859]

Beautifully played. Gorgeous guitar. Thank you for sharing. This made my day.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you! your comment made my day equally as much!

[@devindoyle5138]

I need you to make some new videos! Love your playing.

[@pablorustic4115]

Fantástico sonido y gran ejecución, gracias señor!!!

[@valentijnbenard2256]

Oof, just wanted to say I'm really enjoying your playing...Please don't stop making music!

[@_ryanriosmusic]

independiente a la guitarra, tocaste mi alma con tu forma de tocar!

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you!

[@aaron.debattista]

This guitar is so goddamn beautiful.

[@Mr_Lightheart]

I recently bought one. It a Martin at great price IMO.

[@dannysieff6960]

What an intro to an understated and beautiful sounding instrument! I had to learn it. I also loved the rest of your playing. I prefer small body guitars and have been looking at the 15 series for some time. This one sounds perfect for playing finger style and alternate tunings. By the way, is your music available to listen anywhere? I'd love to hear more!

[@alphasportstv]

Great playing :) I have the 000-17SM but tempted by the 15 too...

[@danpapagno3419]

So nice For my 00015sm I tune down 1/2 step and string up with Santa Cruz Parabolic Low Tension DADGAD strings. Order from Santa Cruz Guitars on line $25 bucks. Might be worth a try. They stay fresh sounding the longest. After trying every string out there these are best for my ear anyways. You play awesome ! Thanks for the inspiration.

[@davidoffer007]

Beautiful. Ever thought about selling tabs for your songs? Your martin 000 15m video has some tunes I'd love to play. Thanks.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you David, and thank you for the interest in my compositions. I have thought about doing something, perhaps in the future I will create a patreon page. I’ll keep you folks updated.

[@markush.573]

Great Video and nice playing!! Love your stuff!🔥

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks you Markus, I appreciate your support. And likewise mate!

[@gldnedge]

Have one - it oozes character and inspires me to play. I chose it over a CEO7.

[@mabelem3618]

i got myself that guitar too:) its just unbeatable when it comes to warmth and the lower mids

[@ChrisEffort]

Yes! It’s close to being the perfect acoustic guitar tone for me.

[@thisistimwoods]

Beautiful guitar you have there. I sold my 000-15m I had believing I needed the thicker nut width. I was considering this 000-15sm as a result but I later realised I just needed to become a better guitarist lol. That guitar's tone was unbelievable. So I saw a second-hand one two years later, the Streetmaster edition, at a fantastic price point. Finally I could amend my mistake. The seller was looking for a quick sale. And so I got it back. I've just installed a Baggs Anthem in it. These guitars are the best Martin in terms of value IMO. For the spruce top equivalent, you're talking almost double and personally, I love the mahogany top tone. And is it just me or do these guitars smell amazing?

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you for sharing! Happy to hear that your journey ended well. And yes! They do smell amazing.

[@lynchy8888]

Hi Teo, Thanks for your comment! I just got this after coming from a dreadnought and it definitely feels a lot smaller. I’m 6’1, 90kg with decently big hands. How do I know if it’s too small or I need to improve?

[@deanwatson3511]

Mate, love the Yamaha and also respect your playing style. Have watched all your videos and have worked out and played some of the demos you played. Have learnt a few tricks in doing so. Sincere thanks 😊

[@davideade3641]

You should also try tuning to D A D Gb A D and play around with it. It's one of my favorite open tunings. Would love to hear what you create with that tuning.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks for the suggestion man, I will definitely try that out! I love to explore new tunings, so I’m really thankful for your comment.

[@davemiller6884]

15 years ago a bought a Martin D-15 S 12 fret brand new. I've had several Martins and this was a good one. Like a fool, I traded it off. Lament

[@ChrisEffort]

I’m crossing my fingers that faith works in your favor and the guitar shows up for you sometime soon.

[@martynlewis936]

Nice work. 🍻

[@borisv432]

Nice sound to the begenning 👍

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks man

[@robynstanley8598]

Beautiful