All user reviews for the Martin & Co D-15

Music store. 630 bucks, including "free" hard-shell and a pack of light Elixirs I got the store owner to throw in.

One of the first things I noticed playing the guitar in the back room was that other store customers kept wandering back in and saying things like "Damn! that's a sweet sound." I'm not exactly Steve Howe, so all those compliments were for the incredible punch this guitar has in the low end, and the sweetness that is there on treble runs. The owner said that most people just don't like the "look" of the guitar, but I think it's actually kind of attractive. One real stand-out for me was how incredibly light the guitar is compared to my Tacoma DR29. I'm guessing that lightness means the top vibrates more, and that this is the reason I get more punch from the Martin than from the Tacoma.

I haven't had any regrets so far. I absolutely agree with the fellow who bought this model in order to be heard over street noise. I could easily fill a room of twenty or thirty people with this one, unmiked.

Construction, as far as I can tell, is extremely good. I took a look inside in the store, and I didn't see any shoddy bits. Eyeing it down the fingerboard didn't reveal any neck twist. I wasn't exactly expecting any, but we live in troubled times.

REally a fine, fine guitar. I have hands that aren't really designed well for guitars. I have to be absolutely perfect in form in order to get barre chords out that don't buzz, and this one has action that seems to be set just right, with enough kick in the bottom to help make up for gaffes that would give me mush or buzz on the Tacoma.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I wanted to upgrade my acoustic guitar, and my test-playing search lead me consistently to the Martin D15. In music store after music store, I played all the available selections, as well as the Martin D15 if available, and time and again it gave me the sound I was looking for. After about three months of this, I knew it was the guitar I had to have. My price was in the $500.00 range, and the local music stores sell it for close to $700.00. I finally found it online, at musiciansfriend.com for $579.00. Sweet! With free shipping and no sales tax, I couldn't be happier, and so I ordered it.


The Martin D15 delivered the perfect sound I wanted, plenty of low-end with volume and resonance. I needed an acoustic guitar that could punch through the street noise, as I moonlight as a street musician. The D15 delivers clear tone, and in-tune articulation like a cannon! The sound just flows out easily, sweetly; making it a real joy to play.

The Martin D15 is not "a looker", as guitars go. With it's plain mahogany, and no frills mat finish, it deceives the eye and understates its true ability. But in my comparison to other, more finished instruments, I became convinced that the D15 owes part of its superior sound to the low-finished mahogany tonewood. I have come to believe that the more finish a guitar has, the less it resonates. The Martin D15 resonates more powerfully than any other guitar I tested! Although it may not be attractive in looks, it humbly speaks of its folk and blues origins, evoking the nostalgia of its past!

The Martin D15 is constructed of the best quality tonewoods, with a solid mahogany top, bottom and sides. It has one serious drawback in that it lacks binding to protect the edges. My guitar had just a bit of a sharp grain edge, causing it to catch on a shirt sleeve and splinter off along the grain on the top edge, just where your arm lays across the front of the guitar. But Martin stood by its warranty, sending me to a luthier for free repairs.

Although I am disappointed at the apparent fragility of the Martin D15, I couldn't be happier with its sound and affordibilty. Bottom line: own one with pride, but baby it, son, baby it!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

i bought it at h&h music for about 700 dollars (im not sure EXACTLY how much cuz i got it as a gift)

Everything about this guitar is great, its solid wood, nice looking, and best of all is the fact that it stays in perfect tune. I got the guitar at christmas and i have only tuned it once in about 6 months!

The only thing i dont like is that there is no cutaway in the body, because i generally play alot of riffs in the upper frets and its a little difficult to get my hands onto the areas of about the 15th fret and upwards.

This guitar is great, they didnt even do anything to it at the store when it was bought to adjust it, and it plays like a charm.

Great guitar, if you can afford it, its a much better investment than a cheaper guitar because it will last you forever and it sounds pro!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

The first time I heard and saw a martin was a DXM, I did not know the brand so I was not influenced by the label, all that is aesthetically more sober and with this " her "that I once scored. Years later I bought the D15 (July 14, 2005) by deduction as you now know where I bought it in Germany of course ... (their site: guitar24.de). When you try toue a series of guitar Martin DXM to D28 fever rises in you! I set a limited budget and D15 correspond budjetaire that both the aesthetic and of course the big sound with a predominance in the lower ... I like!

UTILIZATION

What I liked:
Its rustic and warm as his appearance
Graves impressive (mahogany)
Effective "mute" as "full", a real lung!
No risk of height seen curling game
The smell of wood of course
It is light.
Some speak without laughing bonus after x years ... after a few months already it sounds a little less "green" standard in-store it is stored in its body vibration and air exchange.

SOUNDS

What I liked least:
It is quite vulnerable to marks and sweat (thin layer of varnish) put a T-short with long sleeves or you will quickly highlight the corner of the table, or you stall your right elbow (for right-handed)
It lacks a touch of crystal sounds found naturally in his big sisters.

OVERALL OPINION

When you buy new, place your hand on the table to feel what is not seen with the naked eye, mine is a bit bumpy and I did not immediately noticed, in principle it does nothing but good. Yesterday I gave a key to p'tit coup de neck slightly concave, normal scratches on a new one, it works!
If I change it will be for another model home ... Martin!

Guitar factory in the United States, while solid wood. Mahogany or Sapele. For this I put a black mark on this point, I can not find a normal not know what was at hand, what achte.
Edition (6 months post initial APRS): Now that I know something better is clearly Sapelli. In fact, I saw no D15 mahogany from Honduras.

UTILIZATION

The body is relatively large, I have not impede me. The handle is comfortable and harsh environment it is thin. The guitar is pretty lgre.
Edit 01/12/2006: The size of the box for me ESG fingerstyle pieces. This is not unbearable either.

SOUNDS

It's simple, this guitar sounds like a cathedral. It possde a particular well, which is compltement diffrent all these high-end guitars pica / rosewood. This is a guitar of characters, and in terms of flexibility it is possible to do better because the sound is well-typed all the same.
This is fabulous, every minute I spend on it, every time I fall a little more love.

OVERALL OPINION

I possde for a week and I spend several hours every day playing.
It smells like wood, smell lgrement pice, a rgal!
A warm and deep, a projection of his copy, I find it too comfortable in severe than in mdium or acute. You can put elixir for a brighter sound I think I would try to update this opinion that I am the DS test.
Aesthetics is its fall, it class! Gross dcoffrage! I feel like playing on a tree trunk freshly dcoup.
I had to try, at least 30 groins acqurir guitars before this one. J'hsitais take a Yamaha which is square LL16 gniale too! But she has no charm at all in his mahogany.
Here I left my ears and my heart choose.

I do not comment on the report qualitprix, it's downright vulgar for a guitar of this class, it is worth gold to me is the guitar of my life, if one day I Rasht otherwise, it will not find better, but can be for one of his characters diffrent.

If c'tait again: we'll talk in a few years. For now I'm in heaven.

Edition (APRS 6 months post initial): I keep the same opinion. As I mount against the ropes Elixir Nanoweb 12-53 (light) and I'm trsdu of feedback, the sound sounds artificial, aseptic. So, next time I mount light rods, but branded "Martin" this time (the strings of both origins Martin medium, great, but not comfortable for the game trs fingers).

Manufacturing States, 20 frets with 14 non-cash. Acoustic all solid mahogany, rosewood fingerboard and bridge. C-shaped handle natural satin finish.

UTILIZATION

The handle is fine and very pleasant new action was a little high and required a turn key, it is normal for an acoustic it leaves the reserve for the attack (it has to spare trunk) .
dreadnougth form without cuttaway does not facilitate access to acute, his calling is not in the solo. a guitar is very light despite its size conséquant but not disturbing. very rustic and aesthetical sense it is no frills months and then it feels great wood! it's very nice.

SOUNDS

His side (most important) it's beautiful! ennormes bass, mids and treble very present crystalline all in balance, warmth and roundness to the least enjoyable, the sound is very typical Martin (need I say more) it sounds.
I changed the strings of light sources for elixir and it shines just enough more. She has a nice natural reverb and sustain (it turns it turns!). we can all play with this D15 it meets all the demands both in the mild or the attack was to do in the nice big sound.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had almost a year and when I go out the first chord always leaves me thoughtful. when I range (always because I am forced) time that is spent is measured in hours. passion for guitars I tried one when I can and beautiful sounding like that in this price range is beautiful (Bavo Martin). this choice I would do without hesitation if it again, the value \ price is at least indescent I got home Woodbrass for € 749.

Given that our time requires relocation you still have to emphasize that the D-15 is completely "made in United States" thing in itself raises prices but should ensure consistent quality standards of the glorious brand. It is completely solid mahogany (or sapele?) With a rosewood fingerboard (20 frets). I find the aroma given off by wood is delicious. Unfortunately, there are no instructions supplied with the guitar for more information on the wood used.

The Martin D-15 guitar very easy without binding on the top and back with a satin finish. The rose is also very simple. The guitar gives the impression of being rather fragile and not be made to be carted to the right and left. That said, I think the D-15 has a charm to it it gives off a real beauty. I would note also that I never thought buying a guitar with a satin finish. Also, I never thought to buy a Martin ...

Yes, Dear audiophiles ... Yes ... The D-15 had arguments to convince me otherwise ... Read more below. 6 I give on this point: there is minimum but it is a minimum quality

=> EDIT (4 months after purchase) I confirm my opinion: the beauty of simplicity

UTILIZATION

Dreadnought is a well-typed with a nice handle though, as on all the Martin that I tried, the action of the strings is quite high. I find this choice of Martin correct because the guitarist can always lower the action to his wish. The vibrations of the body travel through the body of the guitar and it's a sensation I felt in very few guitars. It's impressive and very enjoyable.

=> EDIT (4 months after purchase) I confirm my opinion: a good guitar to use

SOUNDS

The sound is "sound" I was looking for a game in flatpicking. And that's because the D-15 made me overcome the prejudices that I had in Martin and Satin finish. Difficult to describe, I will try a series of adjectives: strong, rich harmonics, extraordinary mediums and serious, with hints of "dark" (although it also depends on the strings). The D-15 is very reactive: it responds with a very good dynamic variations of the game It meets my expectations especially for the game with a mediator and less for the game fingerpicking as the high and low registers are a bit stifled by the media. I would say it is perfect for folk, folk-blues, bluegrass.

<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Note 1:</span> This is a guitar whose sound is not compressed and therefore naturally "sound" it will be done as and when it tames the guitar in question.

<span style="text-decoration: underline;



">Note 2:</span> I tried two copies of D-15 and the sound was not quite the same (the strings? A bar unstuck?). Caution still available: I would avoid if possible an online purchase.

I give 10 because, after trying the guitars (even more expensive but did not have the same "punch"), I came across this guitar does well ... the lot!

It is a well typed folk, and see bluesgrass in this area "American" D-15 excels.

=> EDIT (4 months after purchase)
1) It is true that the rich media of Martin had never won too (I&#39;m more of a "Taylorist") but the harmonics and the high reactivity of the D-15 made me change my mind. That said, I find that the volume of the register of media do not emphasize the bass and treble frequencies when I play fingerpicking and I have to take a tab and then grow my nails or play hybrid-picking. In contrast with a mediator the D-15 is beautiful, a real treat.

2) I confirm the fact that many more expensive guitars and a violin much more attractive (also from the same brand) can not satisfy me like this guitar is.

3) The fact that it is completely made of mahogany (as some models of the year Martin 30) gives a type that could well disappoint fans of solid spruce. Try before you buy.

OVERALL OPINION

I would say that despite the very sober aspect, this guitar deserves a new one for three reasons: - Sound: a rare quality to find. - The overall aesthetic, which, despite the savings, is a success - The original hard case that is tough so I give you my impression was hot because I use it for a week and I reserve to change the notice to give you my impressions in a few months.

=> EDIT (4 months after purchase) during the last few months I discovered that the D-15 is played by two artists I like (coincidence?!?) If you look at the minimum requirements of the guitar the quality / price ratio for the nine is far from optimal. That said, if you are looking for a folk guitar to buy I would say it is surely the cost to try it: you can have nice surprises.

It is a guitar made in USA, while sapele with a handle 20 frets al.

UTILIZATION

The handle is pleasant, even though it took action rviser APRS purchase, the strings were really one inch of the handle! On the other side gives this guitar its full potential with a medium action, because if one goes down too, the "crimps" make the sound dull. While the level

SOUNDS

sound is surprising especially in relation to price. It is true that it is difficult to compare with a guitar whose table is pica (as much). Here we have something specific on the round and warm tone. Obviously if you look all costs brilliance, go your way, however if you search the wide sound and heat, this guitar is for you. I find it better to mdiator played with fingers. Besides this type of form is more suitable to rhythmic style "folk boom" that fingerpicking. In short, when I turn 10, even as the price was really an instrument of high quality! Guitar

OVERALL OPINION

perfect, provided it falls within the musical style you practice, even if in addition to sound good, it is quite versatile. Be careful though, because before I buy, I tried several, and all did not sound as well. (Even if I suppose that once acquired, the guitar opens due to be played)

This is a USA made martin guitar. 
I have heard the bridge called a "Belly style."  I am not sure what that signifies, but it is the same style of bridge found on every Dreadnought guitar I have ever owned or played.
It is a Dovetail neck with a Low Oval style.  comfortable but meaty.
It has 14 clear frets (before the neck and body meet) and 20 total frets.  This guitar does not come with a pick up built in, at least not the one I got.  I had a K &amp; K Sound pickup installed four years ago and it sounds amazing. 
Again, no pickup originally, but the one I installed simply goes to a 1/4" output, no knobs or selectors.


UTILIZATION

This is not a cutaway guitar, so I would say no, it is not easy access to the top frets. 
If you like the sound of an all Mahogany guitar, than you will love it.  I personally really enjoy this guitar and have gotten many compliments from a lot of people, including the former front of the house sound man for Dave Matthews band and Bonnie Raitt (he couldn't believe how good it sounded). 
I have compared this to some much higher end dreadnoughts, and though most all of those were better than my D-15, she wasn't to far behind at all.  Especially when comparing prices.
Drivers?   Don't know what thats about.


SOUNDS

The sound I was looking for when I bought this guitar was a Warm, dark acoustic, one better suited for darkish singer song writer rock (like radiohead stuff).  This thing fits that description perfectly.  If you are looking for a bright bluegrass guitar, this is not for you.  She is a little too quite to compete with the spruce tops, but she fits right in (with some good amplification) with a good rock band.
I play everything from Jazz, Hot club and bluegrass to Rock, classical, and electronica.  She works better for the latter three honestly. 


OVERALL OPINION

What I like most about this guitar is the excellent mellow tone.  She sings with a deep warm voice and everyone who has heard it seems to agree. 
What I like least??? Nothing
I paid $450 for hear back 2000.  She was a floor model, but when I played her, I knew she was the one. 
Excellent sound.  Sounds even better when paired with a K&amp;k sound pickup. 
I have played a lot of guitars in my life.  If you need a mellow, dark tone out of an acoustic, look no further.
I would cry all night if anything ever happened to my D15.  I hope I never have to replace her, but if something did, I would do it (with a heavy heart) and hope that the new one was just as good.

The Martin &amp; Co D-15 is a dreadnought style acoustic guitar that is made in the USA.  The guitar isn't an acoustic/electric, so it doesn't have any pick ups or setting controls whatsoever.  The make up is quite basic overall as it is seen in most guitars made by Martin and is what has made them famous.

UTILIZATION

The overall feel of this guitar is awesome as the neck feels easy on the fingers.  I feel my fingers can slide easily from note to note on this guitar and I've never had any issues with action or anything like that.  The shape and look of the guitar is the same as all Martin dreadnought guitars and the weight is about average.  Playing all around the neck isn't hard, but I do feel like with all acoustic guitars, that this is better for playing rhythm guitar rather than lead.  Getting a nice sound is definitely easy as long as you can play as the inherent tone is beautiful sounding.

SOUNDS

The sound of the Martin &amp; Co D-15 is magnificent overall as it sounds vibrant and has a very full bodied tone.  It is great for pretty much any genre in my opinion as it is just a solid sounding acoustic guitar overall.  I use the guitar mostly for rock, pop, and folk as well as some country and find that it is versatile and is great for any use where you would want acoustic guitar.  I have only used the guitar for recording and know that it is great for this, so I don't see why it wouldn't work well in any situation that you would want to use it in, whether it be for live shows or recording.


OVERALL OPINION

I first used the Martin &amp; Co D-15 about two years ago and it is definitely up there with some of the best Martin guitars that I have used.  In my opinion, Martin makes some of the best acoustic guitars out there as they are perfectly designed and made at a very high quality.  This guitar is perfect for anyone looking for a reasonably priced acoustic guitar that sounds incredible.  The D-15 is worth a try for any guitar player out there interested in acoustic guitars.