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

SETUP
Interface: Audient ID44
DAW: Logic Pro X
Mic: Lewitt LCT 440 Pure
Strings: Martin MA-540FX Light Authentic Acoustic Flex Core Strings 12-54
Please click the LIKE and SUBSCRIBE button if you like what you see and hear and wan't to support my channel
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Thank you
//Chris Effort
Find me on instagram @Chris_Effort
- Timestamps -
00:00 - Intro
01:20 - Playing with a pick
02:44 - DADGAD Tuning
04:26 - Playing with a Capo
06:27 - Fingerpicking

[@AndreRMeyer]

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

[@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.

[@damonlove8]

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

[@justguth]

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

[@christophecatteau]

Quelle superbe moment. Merci à vous.

[@j.dtruths5577]

Fabulous playing Chris and excellent videography!

[@jasoncooley8150]

Glorious. Thanks for sharing.

[@LuckyInCards]

Beautiful sound and played beautifully.

[@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.

[@mikeyankie9594]

Awesome, thanks Chris...

[@novicabozunovich]

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

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@pablorustic4115]

Fantástico sonido y gran ejecución, gracias señor!!!

[@sandywinfield9406]

Great tribute to the skilled people who build such a great instrument and the talented people who play them

[@MattB-dt6ux]

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

[@tastedup]

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

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you so much

[@markmorrell3494]

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

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you Mark, sincerely

[@steveweiskopf2129]

An extraordinary guitar coupled with extraordinary musicianship. Cheers

[@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.

[@robynstanley8598]

Beautiful

[@markush.573]

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

[@ChrisEffort]

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

[@thetoneturner]

Well this is bloody beautiful from start to finish.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you Benjamin!

[@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!

[@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.

[@TheHenkka65]

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

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks bro!

[@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…😊

[@philliplahue2042]

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

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks a ton Phillip!

[@superhotbread]

I own a 000-15sm lefty. It sits nezt to my bed on stand. My other Martins D-28,45 sit in cases. The warmth of all that mahogany is a blessing. Plus, the guitar smells like chocolate. Definitely my go to acoustic. Lovely playing again! Cheers from Toronto.

[@daedalusjones4228]

That guitar sounds exquisite.

[@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 😊

[@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.

[@martynlewis936]

Nice work. 🍻

[@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.

[@alphasportstv]

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

[@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 🙂

[@martinsongs]

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

[@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 ..

[@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?

[@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!

[@kevinpeat3721]

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

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks bro!

[@dalehamon4295]

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!

[@truthray2885]

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

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you so much man!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@FKlein-xi7ud]

Great👍

[@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? :)

[@t3br00k35]

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

[@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.

[@jeffrey3498]

Great guitar; great playing 😎👍

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you Jeffrey!

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@pvalaci]

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

[@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.

[@aaron.debattista]

This guitar is so goddamn beautiful.

[@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!

[@melvin7914]

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❤

[@gonshocks]

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

[@Mrsaittout]

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

[@andrewcoffey4694]

Been in love with this model for quite awhile. Found a D-15S (12 fret dreadnought mahogany) locally and I’m interested to see how it compares 🧐

[@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.

[@smflyboy]

Wow, that really sounds nice. I have a few really nice guitars, but I just bought a D18, which is basic, but I just love it so much. I didn’t know how much I was going to love mahogany. Now I’m wondering what a solid mahogany top would be like. Your OOO-15SM sounds lovely. You’re a great player too….very relaxing to listen to. Thx!

[@valentijnbenard2256]

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

[@tbonet859]

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

[@ChrisEffort]

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

[@borisv432]

Nice sound to the begenning 👍

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks man

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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

[@devindoyle5138]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@matthewsomers4569]

So glad I subscribed to your channel, it's a real inspiration to me to hear all the wonderful things the guitar I own can do in the right hands. I read in some of the comments about your string preferences, I've been using Martin Retros or Monels, they're round wound nickel strings, they're pretty slinky too and make bends easier, I like the way they sound and feel on my 000 15 SM, they're not too expensive and seem to last quite a while too. Check them out if you haven't already, they seem to be very popular with with musicians that play all mahogany guitars especially and D18 bluegrass players too. I think they were brought back into production after a long absence, due to a request from Tony Rice, as he couldn't find the tone he loved growing up, in spite of the endless supply and variation of strings available nowadays. Good old fashioned nickel did the trick.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you Matthew! I’m grateful that you find some inspiration here. The retros are really nice and I’ve been using them a lot, but I do prefer phosphor bronzes on the SM for some reason, they sound a little more balanced maybe.

[@matthewsomers4569]

You stick with the strings you like most, they sound great in your hands, thanks for the excellent content, stay happy and healthy and keep up the good work 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@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.

[@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.

[@weaselpopper]

Sounds great Chris. I spend most of my time playing my Eastman OM size.

[@NetMillionaire]

WOW what a great intro! Had me hooked ❤ great playing ❤️. How much is this guitar to buy?

[@jaelee6563]

I own one, too, and love it. Awesome video and tribute! I have mine strung with Martin Retro strings. Try 'em if you haven't already.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks man! Yeah I love the Retros also

[@danpapagno3419]

@@ChrisEffort I strung my 00015sm with Santa Cruz dadgad low tension strings they sound new forever. worth a try. Nice playing !

[@MississippiDave]

When you went in DADGAD, I was like DADGUM! So pretty! I got the 15m, but I've been second guessing myself lately watching all these SM vids. Such a pretty sounding guitar. I think it might have a slight edge.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thank you Dave!

[@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!

[@jhaneyzz]

I've started getting back into my acoustic guitars and LOVE the stuff you play in your Martin XX15xx videos. Where can I find chords or tabs for the songs you are playing, and/or songs like them? All the stuff that is easy to find are freaking taylor swift or Ed Sheeran....

[@cmoreno12345]

Wonderful as usual I wonder if the string tension is the same as the regular 000-15m.

[@theSuperdave501]

Love your style .I have this guitar and wonder what strings you are using for this ?

[@JahJahBruh]

this model is the best in the series

[@mandohat]

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

[@ramz118]

Beautiful playing, as always! Is the second song on the capo section also an original? Stunning composition.

[@ChrisEffort]

Thanks Ramz, yeah it’s an old composition - I kinda forgot about it, but returned when I sat down to record the video.

[@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

[@PointZabriskie]

Wow no wonder you are inspired. Beautiful guitar and wonderful playing my friend. I have the Eastman E1D which I'm very happy with, this Martin is 3 times the price. How do you think it has the edge over the Eastman in sound? I may be looking to upgrade at some point. 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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@waynechurchill7212]

You got a jem

[@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.

[@MaorHassan]

Loved the video. i own a 00015SM as well and love it. what strings you have on yours?