I own 2 acoustic guitars. An HD-28 and a 000-15SM. I find myself reaching for the SM more than the HD. It’s a wonderful guitar, if you’re watching this video because you’re interested in getting one, do it.
I just got the ceo-7 but used to have the 0015m and absolutely loved that model. The smell of the mahogany every time I took it out of its case and it’s warm tone was amazing!
Last year, I purchased a 000-15SM online from Music Villa and couldn’t be more pleased with any sale or instrument. The follow up including asking for my favored set up, was top notch. The key factors were earlier videos right here from Quinton and Tony Polecastro. They know of what they speak. This Martin shines through the darkness (Mahogany) when played finger style. And handles any type of pick with aplomb. Both the shop and guitar get my highest recommendation.
I have the OOO15SM and I sold two electrics to keep mine, the slotted adds extra tension. I have two fishman soundhole pickups both humbuckers. One just covers the entire soundhole for higher output and less feedback close to none. My favorite songwriter guitar. Plus the solid Mahogany records very well all at $1500 and it sounds like it is 50 years old
I love mine. I've had it for a year or so now and bought it used. I think its a 2016. I dont think whoever had it before me had properly humidified and looked after the guitar because it has a crack on the side which happened very easily when I put it on my lap. Those are the perils of these unlaquered mahogany guitars. I'm waiting for my luthier to repair it at the moment. I don't ever want to part ways with this beautiful instrument. My advice would be to buy one if you're thinking about it.
Which you like more may depend on whether you are the player or the listener. The 000-15SM and 000-15M have the exact same scale length (24.5 inch), same total guitar length, and the bridge is set at the exact same distance below the sound hole in the same 15 inch wide lower bout. There is the same reach to the 1st fret and the same Modified Low Oval shaped neck with standard taper, which is 1/8 wider on the 000-15SM. "Playablility " should be the same. I have a 000-15SM. It has a deeper voice and less projection than the 000-15M but transmits more vibration back to the player. This visceral sensation is an immediate and large part of the player's pleasure from the 000-15SM, and not sensed by the listener. The listener may be more impressed by the brighter, faster, and greater projection of the 000-15M.
According to the Martin website the 00015m has 25.4 scale length and so does the 00015SM, the nut widths are listed as being 1 11/16 for the 00015M and 1 3/4 for the 00015SM both modified low oval.
I think the S stands for 'Standard' rather than Slotted headstock. This goes back to the original old Martins which were often 12 fret (classical) style guitars. I love the sound of this 12 fretter - nice and rich and warm. Thanks guys. 🥰
My main acoustic is a 0-15 12-fret Custom Shop (non-slotted headstock). The 0 is deeper than the 00 and 000, so it has much more bottom end than I expected. Nowhere near the volume or low end of a Dreadnought or even the 000, but it plays perfectly!
I tried flipping between this video and the video on the Guild M-25e California Burst. Didn't turn out as well as Quinton doing a side-by-side (hint, hint, hint...). Both are superb instruments. If my wife would let me choose, I might have to go with the 000-15SM. This is one of those: "If I bought one, I would probably regret not having the other." Thanks! Another superb demo!
sold my D18 few days back, and now ordering a 00015-sm, should arrive this week. was looking for a different sound than the D18 plus more comfortable size. excited how it will sound...
@@kensettle3184 yes, i use 12s. They sound a little more mellow and maybe not quite as loud, but sound very broken in brand new and will last longer. Just think these bring out the true sound of the smaller body mahogany guitars.
I bought the Taylor Ad22e over the 000-15sm. I love the V bracing of the Taylor. And the shorter scale 24.75 of the Taylor. But in the future I’ll probably get the Martin 000-15sm or the Guild M-20 which is a short 24.75 scale 0 concert guitar which would be like a 0-17 Martin. Which is really like my avatar. I’m 70 years old now my avatar I was 25 years old
I love this guitar for everything I can find online. However, I finally played it, which I did love, but next to it was a 000-17, which was a 14 fret, but something about it. Super full and projecting sound without lot of work. On the 15, I needed to play it like my “performing” energy to always keep it going.
My understanding is that the "S" in the 000-15SM in the 1930's stood for standard not slotted as 14 fret, solid headstock was the new thing. But only Martin could answer the question whether the "S" is for slotted or standard.
You are correct. That's why 12 frets are slotted (unless it comes out of custom shop). Also the reason for the "M" is to verify it is Central American mahogany (not African mahogany)
I prefer the look of the 15m but the 15sm sounds so much better - it has all the low end that the 15m is missing. Question to anyone who knows - could you swap the strings on the 15sm with gut strings and turn it into a classical guitar?
Quentin King is the guitarist and the bloke I became. Uncannily similar appearance and style of playing. To think. I wanted a stadium full of babes screaming at me when I were a lad learning guitar !
I could have gotten both even Taylor’s; what is wrong lol the 15 sm I have to wait for 4 mos the 000 I chose the dread ythe Taylor…the Pacifica 3k plus I can’t tune it y was so discouraging y picked the om28…maybe I will stop now…I got Guilds etc ❤
Had all the Martins. HD-28, D-18, 0-18, 00-18, 000-17, CS D-15S, but the only I kept is the 000-15Sm. and a D-JR 10. I like the little fucker. But also because Martin's quality is absolute dog shit now adays, lots of warranty work needed on new guitars.
The SM....has less tension on the strings, including a tad less volume than the 000. I feel the 000 also has a bit more punch in the mids with a drier bass. The SM IMO works best for fingerstyle, while the 000 will excel with a pick.
Check out the 000 10e, which is all sapele and made in Martin's Mexico factory. There are loads of reviews of it on RUclips. Some people, myself included, like it as much as the 15 series.
I feel quite confident that he's a fine person but after watching several of these videos, I notice that Quinton never actually offers his honest opinion when it comes to any of the guitars he's supposedly reviewing. It's also obvious that aesthetics mean virtually nothing to him and he basically favors guitars that are large with spruce tops. All that I'm saying is, he should be playing the guitars not reviewing them because when you get down to it, he's really not reviewing anything.
I don't think comparisons like this are worth getting too picky about. If they sound different it will be string age or the natural differences that occur between any two guitars, even from the same line. You can go into any store and pick up two guitars that came in that day from the same shipment and they'll be completely different. Don't buy blind, go and check a load out.
I own 2 acoustic guitars. An HD-28 and a 000-15SM. I find myself reaching for the SM more than the HD. It’s a wonderful guitar, if you’re watching this video because you’re interested in getting one, do it.
I own both too, and a D-18 and a 00-15M.
Plus some Gibsons and Guilds.
Nice! I have a hd-28 and I’m considering a 12 fret now too. Would you recommend it? I assume they’re different enough…?!
What a great guitar player.
I’m on Team 12fret
I just got the ceo-7 but used to have the 0015m and absolutely loved that model. The smell of the mahogany every time I took it out of its case and it’s warm tone was amazing!
Yes! Almost a chocolatety smell!
Nothing beats an all mahogany guitar
Absolutely!
Last year, I purchased a 000-15SM online from Music Villa and couldn’t be more pleased with any sale or instrument. The follow up including asking for my favored set up, was top notch. The key factors were earlier videos right here from Quinton and Tony Polecastro. They know of what they speak. This Martin shines through the darkness (Mahogany) when played finger style. And handles any type of pick with aplomb. Both the shop and guitar get my highest recommendation.
I love the tone of the 12 fretted. Quinton can make anything sound amazing but that is a gorgeous Martin both in looks and tone.
I have the OOO15SM and I sold two electrics to keep mine, the slotted adds extra tension. I have two fishman soundhole pickups both humbuckers. One just covers the entire soundhole for higher output and less feedback close to none. My favorite songwriter guitar. Plus the solid Mahogany records very well all at $1500 and it sounds like it is 50 years old
Played a sm15 last week and fell in love! beautiful sounding guitar!
The neck shape on my 000-15SM took a little getting used to, but the full tone warmth is worth it. Glad I own one!
It's too slim I think isn't it?
I love mine. I've had it for a year or so now and bought it used. I think its a 2016. I dont think whoever had it before me had properly humidified and looked after the guitar because it has a crack on the side which happened very easily when I put it on my lap. Those are the perils of these unlaquered mahogany guitars. I'm waiting for my luthier to repair it at the moment. I don't ever want to part ways with this beautiful instrument. My advice would be to buy one if you're thinking about it.
Which you like more may depend on whether you are the player or the listener. The 000-15SM and 000-15M have the exact same scale length (24.5 inch), same total guitar length, and the bridge is set at the exact same distance below the sound hole in the same 15 inch wide lower bout. There is the same reach to the 1st fret and the same Modified Low Oval shaped neck with standard taper, which is 1/8 wider on the 000-15SM. "Playablility " should be the same. I have a 000-15SM. It has a deeper voice and less projection than the 000-15M but transmits more vibration back to the player. This visceral sensation is an immediate and large part of the player's pleasure from the 000-15SM, and not sensed by the listener. The listener may be more impressed by the brighter, faster, and greater projection of the 000-15M.
000-15SM neck all of 1/16 inch wider at the nut than the 000-15M
That was some sad sounds coming from Quintin’s fingers. Very nice
According to the Martin website the 00015m has 25.4 scale length and so does the 00015SM, the nut widths are listed as being 1 11/16 for the 00015M and
1 3/4 for the 00015SM both modified low oval.
I think the S stands for 'Standard' rather than Slotted headstock. This goes back to the original old Martins which were often 12 fret (classical) style guitars. I love the sound of this 12 fretter - nice and rich and warm. Thanks guys. 🥰
It stands for slotted
@@Jasandcam You are wrong. Look up the history. The 12 fret design was the "standard" up untill the 1930's.
It stands for standard according to Martin history that I've read.
Wrong it is s for slot head
You are correct
Watch Spoon Phillips' video on the 15 series
Both sound awesome.
I got my OOO-15SM from you guys a couple of years ago. It never sees its case
My main acoustic is a 0-15 12-fret Custom Shop (non-slotted headstock). The 0 is deeper than the 00 and 000, so it has much more bottom end than I expected. Nowhere near the volume or low end of a Dreadnought or even the 000, but it plays perfectly!
That guitar sounds like a masterpiece. Incredible sound. Thanks for the video.
I tried flipping between this video and the video on the Guild M-25e California Burst. Didn't turn out as well as Quinton doing a side-by-side (hint, hint, hint...). Both are superb instruments. If my wife would let me choose, I might have to go with the 000-15SM. This is one of those: "If I bought one, I would probably regret not having the other." Thanks! Another superb demo!
Hey guys, finally went with the 000-15SM. I'm sooo glad I did. All my other guitars are "gently weeping" because I can't put this one down.
By far my favorite acoustic ever, that’s why it’s the only one I own, all I need 🤟🏼
I really love the tone of the slot head. Very nice job.
sold my D18 few days back, and now ordering a 00015-sm, should arrive this week. was looking for a different sound than the D18 plus more comfortable size. excited how it will sound...
Love my Music Villa Martin Custom Shop 12-fret! How does that 000-15sm compare to a Martin 00-15m deep body? Thanks Paul and Quinton!
Great playing, demo Doc...
The 000-15s are very appealing.
Beautiful.
I have one that is a 000-16 with a sitka front and it has the OO spanish guitar shape.
About to sell all my acoustics plus plenty of other things to have that model. Dream guitar
3rd time coming back to this video just bought the sm before watching this time.
Hi Guys I love your shows but the S stands for Standard as they were the Standard back in the time they were produced
my sm shines with martin retro strings
agreed. recently put the retros on my 000-15sm and it's made a huge difference in sound and playability.
@@organik12 How would you compare the Retro strings on the 000-15sm to the phosphor bronze strings? Are you using 12s?
@@kensettle3184 yes, i use 12s. They sound a little more mellow and maybe not quite as loud, but sound very broken in brand new and will last longer. Just think these bring out the true sound of the smaller body mahogany guitars.
@@organik12 Thanks Alex!
I bought the Taylor Ad22e over the 000-15sm. I love the V bracing of the Taylor. And the shorter scale 24.75 of the Taylor. But in the future I’ll probably get the Martin 000-15sm or the Guild M-20 which is a short 24.75 scale 0 concert guitar which would be like a 0-17 Martin. Which is really like my avatar. I’m 70 years old now my avatar I was 25 years old
I love this guitar for everything I can find online. However, I finally played it, which I did love, but next to it was a 000-17, which was a 14 fret, but something about it. Super full and projecting sound without lot of work. On the 15, I needed to play it like my “performing” energy to always keep it going.
Very good comparison. Thank you 🙂
Mahogany is the King of all tones. And Martin 000-15SM is the deserted island guitar.
Especially if the island has a couch.
A hamac preferably.@@terrymattingly6843
My understanding is that the "S" in the 000-15SM in the 1930's stood for standard not slotted as 14 fret, solid headstock was the new thing. But only Martin could answer the question whether the "S" is for slotted or standard.
Slotted
You are correct. That's why 12 frets are slotted (unless it comes out of custom shop). Also the reason for the "M" is to verify it is Central American mahogany (not African mahogany)
I asked Martin. S is for “standard.” And current SMs are African mahogany.
I prefer the look of the 15m but the 15sm sounds so much better - it has all the low end that the 15m is missing.
Question to anyone who knows - could you swap the strings on the 15sm with gut strings and turn it into a classical guitar?
Oh yeah, that one is a Gem for sure.
Lovely video. Thanks for putting it up. I've had a 000-15M for a few years now... and it's a keeper. but it may be time to try out the SM I guess...
I'm in the exact same boat buddy lol.. I'd say the 000 15m is my favourite guitar.
I really wish they'd make this in an 18 series. I would buy that in a heartbeat.
Look for the 000-17
They do make a 000-18, but not solid mahogany.
@@championhairpuller I think he means a 000-18sm so it would have the slot headstock and 12 fret design. I also, would love if they made this.
Look up 000-17SM.
Definitely my next acoustic 👌
What strings are you using on the 12 fret? Very nice warmth to it! Of course, Quentin does this guitar justice with his playing. Great review! Thanks!
How do you like this guitar compared to the 0012-28?
Good sounds
The 12 is SO much richer
SM still has the 2 1/4 string spacing at the bridge.....like few other Martins
Nice job!
I think the s stands for "standard"
I never see this as an electric. Do they make it that way?
You can have a pickup installed. Martin will do it, or any good luthier.
Why do these keep going up in price?
I believe martin lengthened the upper bout to keep the longer scale length without having to move the bridge further back.....Just my hunch.
Quentin King is the guitarist and the bloke I became. Uncannily similar appearance and style of playing. To think. I wanted a stadium full of babes screaming at me when I were a lad learning guitar !
I heard the S stands for standard, not slotted. Apparently the slotted headstock was standard. That was then.
I could have gotten both even Taylor’s; what is wrong lol the 15 sm I have to wait for 4 mos the 000 I chose the dread ythe Taylor…the Pacifica 3k plus I can’t tune it y was so discouraging y picked the om28…maybe I will stop now…I got Guilds etc ❤
The difference is in the headstock too
Check out the norman blake 12 frett martin ooo 28 then gasp at the price
Had all the Martins. HD-28, D-18, 0-18, 00-18, 000-17, CS D-15S, but the only I kept is the 000-15Sm. and a D-JR 10. I like the little fucker. But also because Martin's quality is absolute dog shit now adays, lots of warranty work needed on new guitars.
The SM....has less tension on the strings, including a tad less volume than the 000. I feel the 000 also has a bit more punch in the mids with a drier bass. The SM IMO works best for fingerstyle, while the 000 will excel with a pick.
I have the14 fret Martin. I want the 12 fret Martin.
magnificent. I wish sigma never discontinued its replica, I can't afford this one
Check out the 000 10e, which is all sapele and made in Martin's Mexico factory. There are loads of reviews of it on RUclips. Some people, myself included, like it as much as the 15 series.
Sounds like a Gibson Stage De Luxe / Roy Smeck.
😎
Alvarez makes a slotted headstock for less money that blows it out of the water
LOL. No.
The SM stands for Standard Model - as in the older, original design. Think D-28S
Standard Mahogany
@@blairmarshall5690 No. "S" stands for "slotted headstock.""M" is for mahogany. They say it right in the video about the headstock. Cheers!!!
@@douglasholdenjr.45 And they are wrong. It’s a matter of Martin tradition from early 20th century.
@@terrymattingly6843 😎
@@terrymattingly6843 I've looked, searched and read...everyone says the "S" is for slotted headstock. I just call it a great guitar
Woodier, herbaceous
I just can't watch these guys, because of the tension.
I feel quite confident that he's a fine person but after watching several of these videos, I notice that Quinton never actually offers his honest opinion when it comes to any of the guitars he's supposedly reviewing. It's also obvious that aesthetics mean virtually nothing to him and he basically favors guitars that are large with spruce tops. All that I'm saying is, he should be playing the guitars not reviewing them because when you get down to it, he's really not reviewing anything.
Totally disagree with you. He offers appropriate opinions.
I don't think comparisons like this are worth getting too picky about. If they sound different it will be string age or the natural differences that occur between any two guitars, even from the same line. You can go into any store and pick up two guitars that came in that day from the same shipment and they'll be completely different. Don't buy blind, go and check a load out.
Between a slope shoulder and a om style body