I just purchased one of these bad boys, used, primarily to play acoustic blues. WOW. As playable as D-28s I've tried, and the sound is full of mahogany flavor, like milk chocolate (but with fewer calories, lol). Definitely a great purchase -- the description in this video is spot on.
This seems like the perfect instrument, to record with! It almost compresses itself... And it is extremely round! Whilst simultaneously maintaining an incredible amount of versatility. Im buying one for the singer songwriters, would be perfect for Nashville style musicians.
Saw this video, went to the website, and gave them a call. Jacob answered, shot me a price Hundreds of $$$ Less than the big box stores. Plus, a Hardcase... big box, you get a soft case. Then there's the Full Factory Setup. I prefer a 1.75" nut... I can't explain, but this plays easier than my 1.75, and the sound is rich, and full ! Empire Music ... The Real Deal!
FYI, Ibanez Artwood acoustics are equally amazing…all solid mahogany, great Grovers, bone nut/saddle and an open pore finish…it’s $300! I love my Martins…but if you don’t wanna spend over a grand, check these out…INCREDIBLE guitars, especially if you’re finger picking, blues etc
@@wheninroamful Can attest to this... I have an Ibanez AW OM/000 sized in Hog. along with a D15m as well... I still pick up my ibanez from time to time.. The sound isn't as rich of course but for 300 bucks it is really great. All solid wood aside from the 2 piece neck.. Purchased in around 2010-12 so i dunno if the quality is still there but if you have a chance.. play one.
Just been going through/looking at some martin guitars, think ill probably go with the d-16, this one im just not a fan of the darker wood look, and its only a couple hundred cheaper
These solid mahogany Martins really sound great. I've got one problem. I've got a USA made DX1K solid spruce top with the plywood back and sides and I really don't think there is a guitar in the world that could sound better, could be built better, could have better action, etc, etc, etc! It's low end is dynamic and powerful. It's high end is delicate and articulate. It's mid range is awesomely complimentary. I mean really, it is so sick. I am so glad I never sold it because it gets better every year. I've had it since 2004. It's in perfect condition. Is it possible I have the best guitar in the world?
Hi, I currently have a ooo15m but considering trading for this one. I’m used to the dreadnought sound. My previous guitar was an X series dread. I like the bass sound better on the dread but love the balance of the ooo. Anybody have any suggestions?
The dreadnought model will definitely offer more volume and a bigger sound overall. Is there a way we can help? Shoot me an email at joe@empiremusic.com
Jason Rose Joe I appreciate your quick reply. I actually have one on order locally so I can A/B them. I was more or less looking for advice. To me the ooo body shape is more comfortable to play and has decent bass but also I feel it compresses when strummed hard
Hi Aaron! The D-15M would be a significant quality upgrade. The all solid wood design and Martin build-quality would be a tremendous upgrade. Sound is subjective--you may think your guitar is the best sounding in the world. We can't argue with personal preference. However, I'm confident that the Martin is a much better design and would be considered sonically superior by the masses. Thanks! --joe
@@EmpireMusicPgh Thanks! I know sound quality comes down to personal taste. I'm sure that I would be more than happy with the sound. I think this Martin would be a nice upgrade that won't break the bank. I have 7 guitars and certainty don't need another, but I believe i have an addiction to which there is no cure.😁
@@SWIFTY5150 dude I have a $300 Ibanez Artwood open pore solid mahogany and it blows my two Martins away…I think it’s a 240COPN…it came out like 3 yrs ago I think and won a bunch of guitar of the yr awards…Martins are awesome too
The ones that come with it will do for a long while and are great, you should use the Martin brand strings, you don't have to but why not.copper wound are my faves for a nice deep rich tone.
I played one at guitar center and the action was high and felt stiff, very difficult to play. Sounded great but what a chore to finger. Noticed some inconsistencies in the fretboard, hard to imagine it was “pleck’d”. Thoughts ?
I have had similar experiences with guitar center. I think most of their instruments are pretty abused and not set up very well. They usually have dead strings too. I've had to do a setup on almost any guitar I have ever owned, but once it's setup it will play nice.
At 9:05 Joe's not kidding. Received my D-15m from Empire 3 days ago ... couldn't believe it, the setup was perfect right out of the box. Love this guitar !
@@bentbelly6893 'Skimped' implies done for cost savings. I find the use of that term in relation to nut size idiotic. Your preference for 1 3/4 nuts is no more important than others that prefer 1 11/16.
Thanks for watching the video! American guitars are more expensive as a rule. American guitars use the highest quality materials which are cured with the utmost integrity. The craftsmanship and tolerances are much tighter than import instruments. I understand that the price being higher may make the guitar harder to purchase or flat out unattainable for some, however I believe the quality exceeds the asking price. Please let me know if you have any questions~ joe
@@lafinestracatalana8340 yes you can buy them from any reputable music dealership, I bought my d-15m in the uk. Have a look at dolphin music. The label in my guitar says made in Nazareth PA👍 beautiful guitars.
@@IRequireMedicationPerhaps its because of the extra work load with higher sales and thry shifted some to mexico its possable but anything from thhe 15 series before 2021 was certainly made in the usa. the seri3s 10s were known to be made in mexico also.
I just purchased one of these bad boys, used, primarily to play acoustic blues. WOW. As playable as D-28s I've tried, and the sound is full of mahogany flavor, like milk chocolate (but with fewer calories, lol). Definitely a great purchase -- the description in this video is spot on.
Mahogany guitars imo/experience, are unbeatable…
This seems like the perfect instrument, to record with! It almost compresses itself... And it is extremely round! Whilst simultaneously maintaining an incredible amount of versatility.
Im buying one for the singer songwriters, would be perfect for Nashville style musicians.
I bought this same guitar last August and I must say the martin d15m is my favorite to play . I will never get ride of it it's the best .
I have a 2007 model it’s sound so beautiful, and it’s neck is a work of art
Good stuff dude, need more music shops like this
Saw this video, went to the website, and gave them a call. Jacob answered, shot me a price Hundreds of $$$ Less than the big box stores. Plus, a Hardcase... big box, you get a soft case. Then there's the Full Factory Setup. I prefer a 1.75" nut... I can't explain, but this plays easier than my 1.75, and the sound is rich, and full ! Empire Music ... The Real Deal!
Another yummy Martin Guitar from a great shop. Nice demo Joe. Still thinking on a 000-15sm someday.
000-15SM is da bomb!!! Incredible guitar!!!
Looking forward to owning one!
Sounds amazing. My AD66SHB mahogany top guitar from Alvarez has that warm sound as well.
FYI, Ibanez Artwood acoustics are equally amazing…all solid mahogany, great Grovers, bone nut/saddle and an open pore finish…it’s $300! I love my Martins…but if you don’t wanna spend over a grand, check these out…INCREDIBLE guitars, especially if you’re finger picking, blues etc
Same neck size though, easy playability? that's important to me.
@@wheninroamful Can attest to this... I have an Ibanez AW OM/000 sized in Hog. along with a D15m as well... I still pick up my ibanez from time to time.. The sound isn't as rich of course but for 300 bucks it is really great. All solid wood aside from the 2 piece neck.. Purchased in around 2010-12 so i dunno if the quality is still there but if you have a chance.. play one.
useful review, thanks.
Just been going through/looking at some martin guitars, think ill probably go with the d-16, this one im just not a fan of the darker wood look, and its only a couple hundred cheaper
Great guitar, keep it humidfied
These solid mahogany Martins really sound great. I've got one problem. I've got a USA made DX1K solid spruce top with the plywood back and sides and I really don't think there is a guitar in the world that could sound better, could be built better, could have better action, etc, etc, etc! It's low end is dynamic and powerful. It's high end is delicate and articulate. It's mid range is awesomely complimentary. I mean really, it is so sick. I am so glad I never sold it because it gets better every year. I've had it since 2004. It's in perfect condition. Is it possible I have the best guitar in the world?
No
If you love it and couldn't bear to sell it, then that'd be tbe best guitar in the world for you.
Ashame they skimped on the nut width. If it was 1.75 I would buy it in a heartbeat
I'm selling mine, I'm looking for a shorter scale..or maybe a parlor?...as I don't play out much..any intrest.?
1,3oo..
Great action,highsaddle..
its possible in lefty?
Hi, I currently have a ooo15m but considering trading for this one. I’m used to the dreadnought sound. My previous guitar was an X series dread. I like the bass sound better on the dread but love the balance of the ooo. Anybody have any suggestions?
The dreadnought model will definitely offer more volume and a bigger sound overall. Is there a way we can help? Shoot me an email at joe@empiremusic.com
Jason Rose
Joe I appreciate your quick reply. I actually have one on order locally so I can A/B them. I was more or less looking for advice. To me the ooo body shape is more comfortable to play and has decent bass but also I feel it compresses when strummed hard
I have an Ibanez AEF30F. It sounds good to me. Would this Martin be significantly better sounding and worth the money?
Hi Aaron! The D-15M would be a significant quality upgrade. The all solid wood design and Martin build-quality would be a tremendous upgrade. Sound is subjective--you may think your guitar is the best sounding in the world. We can't argue with personal preference. However, I'm confident that the Martin is a much better design and would be considered sonically superior by the masses. Thanks! --joe
@@EmpireMusicPgh Thanks! I know sound quality comes down to personal taste. I'm sure that I would be more than happy with the sound. I think this Martin would be a nice upgrade that won't break the bank. I have 7 guitars and certainty don't need another, but I believe i have an addiction to which there is no cure.😁
@@SWIFTY5150 dude I have a $300 Ibanez Artwood open pore solid mahogany and it blows my two Martins away…I think it’s a 240COPN…it came out like 3 yrs ago I think and won a bunch of guitar of the yr awards…Martins are awesome too
@@mr.smithgnrsmith7808 Which two Martins do you have if I may ask, because I find your statement extremely difficult to believe
great review on beautiful guitar, hoping to get one soon, what strings do you recommend? many thanks stay safe and greetings from Ireland
The ones that come with it will do for a long while and are great, you should use the Martin brand strings, you don't have to but why not.copper wound are my faves for a nice deep rich tone.
Love John Pearse pure nickels on all hog Martins. Just smooooth
Do you ship in the Philippines?
I played one at guitar center and the action was high and felt stiff, very difficult to play. Sounded great but what a chore to finger. Noticed some inconsistencies in the fretboard, hard to imagine it was “pleck’d”. Thoughts ?
I have had similar experiences with guitar center. I think most of their instruments are pretty abused and not set up very well. They usually have dead strings too.
I've had to do a setup on almost any guitar I have ever owned, but once it's setup it will play nice.
Fuck Guitar Center….buy ANYWHERE else
At 9:05 Joe's not kidding. Received my D-15m from Empire 3 days ago ... couldn't believe it, the setup was perfect right out of the box. Love this guitar !
do you shipp out us?
Would the action on this Martin be comparable to a Taylor?
Out of the factory? Both should get a setup anyway, in which you can adjust action
if only the nut was 1.75!!!!!
@Jack Tapley pretty obvious, because I prefer 1.75"
Indeed! Super disappointed they skimped on the nut size
@@bentbelly6893 'Skimped' implies done for cost savings. I find the use of that term in relation to nut size idiotic. Your preference for 1 3/4 nuts is no more important than others that prefer 1 11/16.
Made in the USA, means more expensive...
Thanks for watching the video! American guitars are more expensive as a rule. American guitars use the highest quality materials which are cured with the utmost integrity. The craftsmanship and tolerances are much tighter than import instruments. I understand that the price being higher may make the guitar harder to purchase or flat out unattainable for some, however I believe the quality exceeds the asking price. Please let me know if you have any questions~ joe
@@EmpireMusicPgh Is possible to buy from europe? i need one in lefty.
@@lafinestracatalana8340 yes you can buy them from any reputable music dealership, I bought my d-15m in the uk. Have a look at dolphin music. The label in my guitar says made in Nazareth PA👍 beautiful guitars.
It also means higher end Martin. All lines under the D-15 are made in Mexico......because they are (drumroll please) not as good
@@IRequireMedicationPerhaps its because of the extra work load with higher sales and thry shifted some to mexico its possable but anything from thhe 15 series before 2021 was certainly made in the usa. the seri3s 10s were known to be made in mexico also.