Ever since the early 1930s, Blues guitarists and finger-pickers have loved the punchy and dynamic sound of acoustic guitars with a "000" body size, and that is exactly what players get from the Martin Guitars 000-15M. Martin's 100-plus years of experience in acoustic guitar making are reflected in every aspect of this all-mahogany instrument, from the perfect craftsmanship and tasteful selection of woods through to the solid and reliable hardware. The guitar's traditional looks are highlighted by its natural wood finish and tortoiseshell pickguard, and the "A-frame" style X-bracing provides optimum stability while still allowing the top to resonate freely (further enhanced by the guitar's extremely thin satin coating). The 000-15M is also relatively affordable compared to Martin's other guitars, which means that it represents a good point of entry for those looking to pick up - or perhaps upgrade to - their first premium acoustic instrument.
The use of solid woods has always been a vital factor in making an acoustic guitar that sounds full and powerful with excellent clarity across the entire frequency spectrum, and mahogany has established a firm place in this tradition. Since the model was first launched, the Martin 000-15M has used this wood for both the body and the neck - the latter featuring a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard which, as is common on Martin guitars, meets the body at the 14th fret. The 645mm (25.4") scale length and 42.9mm (1.69") nut width provide a comfortable playing feel, while the rosewood bridge features a compensated saddle to ensure accurate intonation in every register. And the current model also features the same chrome-plated nickel machine heads with their distinctive butterbean-style buttons.
Thanks to its direct response, excellent clarity across the frequency spectrum, and of course the impressive level of volume generated by its 000 body shape, the Martin 000-15M is eminently equipped to cover a lot of ground, from full-sounding chordal rhythms through to intricate and dynamic picked passages and for Blues and Folk music. Professional and semi-professional players alike thus have a versatile workhorse at their disposal which combines a unique sound with a comfortable playing feel and of course great looks thanks to its matt satin finish. It goes without saying that a "Made in USA" Martin guitar has never been cheap, but the models in Martin's 15 series are something of an exception and provide uncompromising Martin quality at an affordable price by dispensing with visual refinements - so the customer only has to pay for the essentials.
Martin Guitars was founded in 1833 and is thus one of the most long-established brands in the history of the acoustic guitar. Several of Martin’s developments – including the dreadnought shape, robust X-bracing, the placement of the neck-to-body transition at the 14th fret (as opposed to the 12th fret as found on classical guitars), and the use of steel strings – have now become staples of modern guitar construction that countless other manufacturers have since adopted. To put it another way: Music today would sound very different had it not been for C.F. Martin & Co.
Players would be hard put to find a musical style in which the Martin 000-15M could not be used to great effect. Its full sound, direct response, and rich midrange emphasis as well as the comfortable playing feel provided by its low-oval neck profile will delight Bluegrass players, Blues afficionados, and of course singer/songwriters and acoustic virtuosos the world over. The 000-15M will also handle finger-picked pieces and melodies particularly well without sounding too thin (a problem often encountered with spruce-topped guitars). The current version of the 000-15M proudly continues the model's almost 100-year tradition and represents an extremely interesting option among Martin's entry-level instruments. And like every C.F. Martin guitar, the 000-15M is supplied together with a robust hardshell case.