Gearslutz.com - View Single Post - martin d-15, martin 000-15, martin 000-15s or better alternatives

squeegybug · 20th August 2006

I've owned a few Martins and Tacomas, and many many others. The "15" series all-mahogany Martins can be great. They are all different, like every other guitar ever made.

All the "D" sizes in general can have a pretty strong bass, you might have to work a little more to record it compared to the smaller models. But it can certainly be done.

The "000" series, or even the "OM" (Orchestra Model) can be a nice compromise for both recording and live sound. Typically good string-to-string balance, comfortable size, not too boomy. Good fingerstyle instruments, not always the loudest though if you want it for lead flatpicking.

Martin's designation of "S" in their model numbers means the neck joint is at the 12th fret, rather than the more modern standard 14th fret. The body is extended, and this often produces more bass. Many of those "long bodies" originally also had slotted headstocks, but it's not a requirement. (edit -- I see this was already described above)

I've owned spruce-top 000-S models and liked them a lot. I think that 000-15S would be worth checking on, from those you've listed above. Although the standard 14-fret 000 and the D are certainly good guitars as well.

Steve

20th August 2006	#7
squeegybug Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2004 Location: MO USA Posts: 2,158	I've owned a few Martins and Tacomas, and many many others. The "15" series all-mahogany Martins can be great. They are all different, like every other guitar ever made. All the "D" sizes in general can have a pretty strong bass, you might have to work a little more to record it compared to the smaller models. But it can certainly be done. The "000" series, or even the "OM" (Orchestra Model) can be a nice compromise for both recording and live sound. Typically good string-to-string balance, comfortable size, not too boomy. Good fingerstyle instruments, not always the loudest though if you want it for lead flatpicking. Martin's designation of "S" in their model numbers means the neck joint is at the 12th fret, rather than the more modern standard 14th fret. The body is extended, and this often produces more bass. Many of those "long bodies" originally also had slotted headstocks, but it's not a requirement. (edit -- I see this was already described above) I've owned spruce-top 000-S models and liked them a lot. I think that 000-15S would be worth checking on, from those you've listed above. Although the standard 14-fret 000 and the D are certainly good guitars as well. Steve