This is the PERFECT side by side comparison. For myself, personally, I am now sold on the 000-15SM. I think is has a more balanced tone for being a standalone guitar. A lot more mids from the 000-15M(which isn’t necessarily a bad thing). Thanks for sharing!
I've had my sm about 10 years now I never thought something so simple could be so amazing it's like all the bells and whistles are hidden inside the sound hole somewhere and can't be seen only heard
Thanks for engaging with us commentators! It’s the sm for me ~ I found a seasoned, mellow 10yr old for sale so it’s only set me back $NZ2400. If I want the brighter brassier sound I pick up a sprucetop… currently a Taiwanese Yamaha 432S which blows everybody out of the room 😅. Thanks again.
Great playing brilliantly reveals the different but similar charechter of 12 vs 14 fret. The SM is a tad "warmer", overlayed with overtones, a more intimate animal... the M has a slightly brighter persona, useful for live performance in livlier spaces. Both are lovely auditorily... it is more a matter of aesthetic preference. I love the traditional look of open headstocks, and the feminine rounded shoulders of the SM catch my fancy.
Recently purchased a SM so I'm still adjusting to it. The more I play it, the more I want to play it (hopefully that makes sense). There are times when I hit a simple chord and I'm mesmerized by the tone and sustain. I still can't believe that this much guitar is available in this price range. Your video serves to convince me that I made the right decision. Now I just need to work on improving my skills. Thanks for this excellent video.
Thanks for taking the time for making this excellent comparison video, in my opinion the best one out there on the Martin 15M and SM. Beautiful playing and top notch seamless editing to really give us the opportunity to hear both of these wonderful instruments doing what they do best. I'm the proud owner of the 15 SM myself, the wider spacing at the nut was an important factor for me as I'm mainly a fingerstyle player, but I love the overall old school look and feel of a 12 fret. Thanks again for your excellent work and for sharing your wonderful skills, I'm feeling inspired now to go and play mine for a while, soon as I subscribe to your channel. Stay happy and healthy, best wishes from Spain.
Went down the rabbit hole on TH-cam to discover what tone I most enjoy… I landed on the 000-15SM. Now the real hard part; finding one that’s left handed🤪. Spent a long time searching and found one at C and M Music in Louisiana. Just arrived to my home in Minnesota. This guitar has songs in it:-))). Thanks for a great comparison.
Haha that is a story with a great ending, enjoy it man. My 12 fret is my favorite for sure, it’s really something special. Thanks for stopping by Kevin
Given the choice, always 12 frets. This video confirms that for me. Enjoy your channel, all fine music. an d no BS. You have renewed my interest in finger picking, it's been a while, and my two Martins need some attention.
You make guitar playing sound like the joy it should be; even if I wasn't interested in choosing a guitar, I'd listen over and over. As I''ll be using it live, then maybe the 15m for me, but the SM is kind of the sound you want to hear around the home - when it's played this well, anyway!
Both lovely, but it’s the balanced and mellow voice of the SM for me. Wanted an 000-15S many years ago and then they stopped producing them. Glad they are making these again.
Vey nice Chris!Both sounds great! My 12 year old OOO15 has a custom 1 3/4 “ nut and i usually tune a half step down…. so falls somewhere in between those 2 I’d say.
Hope to own one of these guitars one day, and in this video I'm definitely preferring the SM. To me it's sweeter, prettier, more present and more lush, whilst still being beautifully old timey. The M sounds more... hollow? Like it is further away, almost... kinda scooped. Your playing is magnificent as always, love all your videos Chris.
Thanks for this video Chris! I was in the market for a 15 series and wasn’t even aware of this model. When your video came up I was sold immediately on the SM. You’re great playing coupled with that unmistakable Martin sound was the deciding factor. Thanks Chris.
000-15m if I had to pick one... it sounded fuller and rounder. The 15SM was a bit brighter on the high end. I tend to prefer darker puncher tones. But I could find good use for both.
Thanks for this review. Great playing! I'm going to buy both of it) Though one of mine Martin's would be OOO16 Streetmaster) Anyway, this review is very useful for me. OOO 15SM is a great sounding guitar. Love it. Thank you 👍🏽
I have to say, I’ve been looking to get my hands on a OMC-15ME. but now I think I have been converted to the OOO-15M. Nice warm woody tones great sustain, and beautiful curves. Plus you can’t beat that slotted headstock. 😍
Thanks for the comparison that precisely captures the sound of these guitars. When fingerpicked, the 000-15SM sounds mellower and sweeter than the 000-15M. When played with a flatpick, the 14 fret may have a little more presence, but none of them is real strummer or flatpicker. But for fingerpicking, the 000-15 SM is on my list.
Great comparision, they sound from the same universe but to my ears the 000-15M sounds richer and warmer i also would prefer it for the looks :D nice play !
They both sound fantastic man. The shorter scale and the bridge placement on the sm gives it a rounder sound with more bass. The OOO seems to have a faster more direct attack to it. I've played both quite a bit and there very versatile. Simple, elegant, a blast to play. I'm big fan of all "hog" martins. I will own one some day. Probably the standard OOO. I love slotted head stocks but hate the string change part. Love your work man. I'm inspired every time I hear you play. Oh yeah, that Eastman that you have sounds great too. I have the same one. Easily the best guitar in it's price range and plays and sounds like a much more expensive instrument. Keep up the great work brother ✌️
Yeah the SM definitely pushes more low end through, but in a tight and beautiful way, I think. It’s quite surprising how different they can sound. I’m enjoying using the SM with a capo much more, especially further up the neck. It can almost feel like the 15m kinda struggles at 5th fret and above. They both definitely has their place. Great guitars! And thank a lot for your kind words Jp, it means a bunch!
@@ChrisEffort Amazing video of two beautiful guitars! Keep up the great content--can't tell you the number of times I've replayed your videos. Interesting you say the 15m struggles capo'd at higher frets...I have a 000-15m and one of my favorite things about it is how satisfying, clear and resonant it feels to play capo'd at the 3rd, 5th and even 7th frets...out of curiosity, in what way do you feel it struggles? Perhaps each of our 15m just have different characteristics, but then again I don't have the SM to compare it to so wondering if it struggles when A/B'd...
I don't think the sm is a shorter scale still 25.5 just the upper bout this bigger up to the 12th fret makes it look like a shorter scale but it is not
Must say I like the SM better, I have a 15m and 16 SM. It was hard not getting the 15SM but that’s how the chips fell. I’m also in process of getting that Lewitt 440 so that was nice to hear. Love your playing.
Thanks for the Effort, Chris. I had a hard time following the rapid fire exchanges, but you play well and both sound great. I am partial to the SM in general. I will try watching again. I am legally blind and had to stop the video to read. If the headstock was visible I would have known which was being played. See you in the next one.
Hi John Thanks for saying that. That’s the kind of feedback that is really useful for me, so I can improve and refine future VS videos. I appreciate that
I’ve played them both and took 5 months to decide. I bought the SM because I heard a difference that led me to the SM. Finger style SM strumming and picking the OOO15 worth all the money.
I've had a 000-15SM for three years now... amazing guitar... currently thinking about additionally getting a 000-15M - not sure yet whether the difference is big enough to justify the expense... Even though I like the punch and the bass of the 15SM I sometimes would like the 15M for being a bit sweeter and less "in your face"... having said that, I think I'll never split with the 15SM...
Great vid Chris. I find the 15M more detailed and with a sharper "V" EQ shape than the SM. The SM seems "flatter" in terms of EQ, to me. I'd go with the 15M.
Based on your playing, Chris, I have to choose the slightly boomier sound of the sm. I'm currently in the market for one and I think I'm making the right decision. You are amazing and like others who comment, I wish I could play like you. Very nice!
i think i made the right choice with the sm i took the pick guard off mine and put on some beautiful waverly tuners with ivoroid buttons and some white tusq bridge pins. thanks for the vid. I have martin retro monel strings on it, custom light cage. highly recommended. bought from amazon
They are both great guitars❤️ I have the 14th fret guitar😉 the sound are the same,but the lookes and playable are different🤠… very nice playing,thanks👍🏻
Yesterday, I bought the 000-15m. It is light and easy to carry around. I need to install a guitar pick up to it so I can replace my Taylor 314. I just need to install a pick up.
Congrats on your new purchase. Amazing guitar! I have an LR Baggs Lyric in my 15SM, but I have thought about either getting a K&K pure mini or the LR Baggs anthem.
Thanks Chris. I think the 14 fret version projects a bit better and brighter, which I like in a mahogany. The 12 fret version is warmer and also lovely.
First, I love your playing on any instrument that you pick up and record. I bought the 15 Streetmaster based on your video and it has gone on to another owner. I do miss it though. I think in this comparison the 15SM is a more sweet sounding guitar. Sounds more articulate to my ears. I think I might be in the hunt for one now. Keep on picking brother!
Only thing I would add is that I looked for an SM originally before hearing and playing the 15M and the wait for a 15SM is March of 2024 according to a dealer rep I spoke with.
Man, that’s a long time. Maybe you are lucky to find it somewhere else, I see them occasionally on different online retailers and on the secondary market.
Just discovered your channel. Glad I did. I own the 000-15m Burst. Hands down my favorite of my guitars. I also own a Crafter 12-fret parlor and those two get most of my playing time. I agree that your videos are skillfully created, but your playing really speaks to me. Looking forwatd to seeing the rest of your library. Thanks for sharing your gifts!
@@coolhandpete I bought it.on EBay from a shop in Tennessee over 20 years ago. NEVER regretted it once. Its in my top 3. The short scale is perfect for my neuropathy. Allows me to play for hours in relative comfort.
I appreciate the playing on this demo, genuinely good listening and the comparison is great. Love the mids on the 000-15m but prefer tone of sm for more scooped and deep 12 fret sound
What a great video! I just bought an SM, it’s my first Martin. If anyone is on the fence - you have to try both, they feel very different. I went for the sm because of the tone, even though I prefer the neck and the 14th fret access. The sm is so alive, you have to try it to understand. Of course I’ll need to get a 00015m too sometime down the road.
I was so deadset on the SM and tried the M while I waited for an SM to become available… I looooved the M but held out for the SM. When I got my hands on the Sm it just didn’t have the same fit for me.. so I ended up with the 000-15M and haven’t put it down since
Haha it’s a tough game. The necks are very different. If I had the dough I would’ve loved to keep both, but ultimately the SM won my heart, and I haven’t regretted keeping that one, one bit.
Hi Chris, your video is great as is the way you play! It was very helpful for me to choose one of these guitars. I picked up the 000-15 SM, ... a beautiful guitar, both in the sound and his look, unique! Thanks to you, Kris. Best regards, Pascal.
Great Video Chris !! I was looking for to buy a new guitar and this guitar…. The 15sm is absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking, that sound that it makes…. Ohhhh my Gooood ! I could listen to all my day❤ Cheers from Japan 🙌🏼✨
Well, and here was me thinking I was a 000-15M guy, but for me its 000-15SM all the way, it just oozes class, with the rounded mids and reduced top, it just sounds perfect.
Your playing is beautiful! I’m Going with the s. I like the slinkier feel of 12 fret. Very nice comparison! For those of us who can’t try both, this is awesome!
Great vid as always. I find the lower mids more pronounced on the M, with a bit better full low end on the SM, otherwise fairly similar (I have a 000-17SM and love it). Cheers
I love them both but I think for me the 15m edges it. Really sweet tones and your playing is inspiring. Please could you tell me what open tuning you used from 3:07 onwards?
Give ‘em a few years and they’ll be fit for judgement. Brand new acoustic guitars need a bit of time for the body tension to relax and dedampening to occur.
That’s true. All 5+ years old Martin 15’s I’ve tried have all sounded more mature - and kinda drier actually. The SM in this video is from before 2017 - so it’s got a little advantage there.
I have the sm 12 frett and i put a l r baggs i beam pick up in it I run it through the old lr baggs acoutic para di and in to my bose system. It dont get much better
Subbed! Thanks for the video. I own the SM and love it so much; I’m new to home recording (DAWs, Interfaces, etc…) so definitively helping me get acquainted with this larger world. Many thanks.
Thank you very much Dan, appreciate it a lot. And yes that SM is a spectacular piece of gear. I love mine a lot. Feel free to ask any questions regarding recording. I’ll do my best to give you the answers you need.
Well, I broke down and bought the 000-15SM today. Definitely my favorite between the two guitars. My wallet is still simmering. I thought I had enough guitars until I watched your 000 demos . Thanks Chris. Love your playing man.
Haha I’m sorry David, I hope the 000-15SM will provide the therapy you’ll need to overcome the breakdown :D it’s hands down the best mahogany Martin guitar I’ve ever tried. Thanks for your kind comment, I hope that 12 fretter will serve you well.
@@ChrisEffort Chris, I received it last Friday. Can't put the damn thing down. It had terrible strings on it when it arrived. I had some Elixers laying around and threw those on it. Nope...it simply didn't do it justice. Went to the guitar store and picked up some Martin Retro Monels and they sound really nice with the mahogany body. Thanks for being the inspiration to buy this guitar. I think I saw where you said you just bought one as well. Hope all is well.
@@davideade3641 Yeah those monels work really well on mahogany guitars. Whenever I have the dough I tend to favor the MA540T, the phosphor bronze treated ones. I’m so happy to hear you are enjoying your new guitar, I can’t put mine down either after owning it for 2 months. Take care David
I preferred the slope shoulder. It has a more balanced tone, with rounder notes. The 00015M is a little strong on the upper mids, and the highs are a little more tinny. That is saying a lot. Until now, I thought the 00015M was the best thing in its price range. The slope shoulder looks super awesome also.
I love the sound of both but to me the sm is a little brighter with a touch more volume. Would take either one and I would through the 00-15 in there also. Nice playing
I found this to be one of the most accurate comparisons on You tube.The 000-15SM is the sound I prefer. Nice playing, Nice recording. Great job! Thanks!
I prefer the 12 fretter. Sounds fuller and sweeter but enough cut still. I had bad experience with neck lifting on a 000 12 fret like this. Also did not like the skinny modern neck profile. I sold it. But it did sound sweet before it went bad.
I can't decide. Gonna have to replay this vid about 89 times. Thanks for the post and your amazing talent.
Haha, thanks man! I will do a feature on the 00015SM soon so it’s easier to hear it isolated instead of the rapid shifts.
Exactly what I was thinking as I watched... one of these will be mine!
Really dove in, m'man.. a great comparison. Much ta ponder..
Just ordered -15sm. Can’t wait for it to arrive.
Huge congrats Mark, you are not gonna regret getting that one. I can’t put mine down.
Your SM videos got me into the shop. Got my SM last week. Life is good!
Haha awesome! Congrats bud!
This is the PERFECT side by side comparison. For myself, personally, I am now sold on the 000-15SM. I think is has a more balanced tone for being a standalone guitar. A lot more mids from the 000-15M(which isn’t necessarily a bad thing). Thanks for sharing!
I've had my sm about 10 years now I never thought something so simple could be so amazing it's like all the bells and whistles are hidden inside the sound hole somewhere and can't be seen only heard
youŕe playing is nothing less then amazing. I hope one day I'll play like you. Thanks for this.
Thank you David!
Thanks for engaging with us commentators! It’s the sm for me ~ I found a seasoned, mellow 10yr old for sale so it’s only set me back $NZ2400. If I want the brighter brassier sound I pick up a sprucetop… currently a Taiwanese Yamaha 432S which blows everybody out of the room 😅. Thanks again.
Great playing brilliantly reveals the different but similar charechter of 12 vs 14 fret. The SM is a tad "warmer", overlayed with overtones, a more intimate animal... the M has a slightly brighter persona, useful for live performance in livlier spaces. Both are lovely auditorily... it is more a matter of aesthetic preference. I love the traditional look of open headstocks, and the feminine rounded shoulders of the SM catch my fancy.
I’m with you - your description is spot on. I kept the SM and I haven’t regretted that one bit. The warm low end is so pleasing too.
Recently purchased a SM so I'm still adjusting to it. The more I play it, the more I want to play it (hopefully that makes sense). There are times when I hit a simple chord and I'm mesmerized by the tone and sustain. I still can't believe that this much guitar is available in this price range. Your video serves to convince me that I made the right decision. Now I just need to work on improving my skills. Thanks for this excellent video.
Sounds like you got a guitar that keeps on giving. Congrats man, thanks for the very kind words.
Great reply! I know exactly what you mean by a single chord. Martin Mahogany guitars have something magic in the sound!
Thanks for taking the time for making this excellent comparison video, in my opinion the best one out there on the Martin 15M and SM. Beautiful playing and top notch seamless editing to really give us the opportunity to hear both of these wonderful instruments doing what they do best. I'm the proud owner of the 15 SM myself, the wider spacing at the nut was an important factor for me as I'm mainly a fingerstyle player, but I love the overall old school look and feel of a 12 fret. Thanks again for your excellent work and for sharing your wonderful skills, I'm feeling inspired now to go and play mine for a while, soon as I subscribe to your channel. Stay happy and healthy, best wishes from Spain.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY 000- 15SM!!!
I dream of playing like this someday
Both.
I love both of them for their musical similarities, and their differences.
The answer is: have to have both🙂
Went down the rabbit hole on TH-cam to discover what tone I most enjoy… I landed on the 000-15SM. Now the real hard part; finding one that’s left handed🤪. Spent a long time searching and found one at C and M Music in Louisiana. Just arrived to my home in Minnesota. This guitar has songs in it:-))). Thanks for a great comparison.
Haha that is a story with a great ending, enjoy it man. My 12 fret is my favorite for sure, it’s really something special. Thanks for stopping by Kevin
@@ChrisEffortHello sir… Can you recommend a particular guitar string for me. I enjoy the sad, melancholy singer songwriter Tone. Thanks
To my ear, the SM sounds much better. Great video!
I will agree with that. Thank you Cian!
I have a 2002 Martin C15E and I absolutely love it.
Given the choice, always 12 frets.
This video confirms that for me.
Enjoy your channel, all fine music. an d no BS.
You have renewed my interest in finger picking, it's been a while,
and my two Martins need some attention.
You make guitar playing sound like the joy it should be; even if I wasn't interested in choosing a guitar, I'd listen over and over. As I''ll be using it live, then maybe the 15m for me, but the SM is kind of the sound you want to hear around the home - when it's played this well, anyway!
Both lovely, but it’s the balanced and mellow voice of the SM for me. Wanted an 000-15S many years ago and then they stopped producing them. Glad they are making these again.
Thanks for putting this together Chris. Always a joy to hear you play.
Thanks Sarah, it’s always a pleasure to read your kind comments.
Just ordered the 00015 SM. Thanks for making it an easy choice. Great video
alors content de votre achat svp ?
Great review...I love my 000 15SM !
Cannot beat a mahogany Martin guitar and the 000 15 series is the best !!!
Vey nice Chris!Both sounds great! My 12 year old OOO15 has a custom 1 3/4 “ nut and i usually tune a half step down…. so falls somewhere in between those 2 I’d say.
At 3:10, what tuning is that? The burst of hammer-on fills you do in that sample is absolutely gorgeous!
Both of these guitars sound great when you're playing them! I especially like that last tune. Beautiful!
Thanks Travis, appreciate it
I have the 15 SM and the 17 SM. Really love the sound of 12 fret guitars. Discovered them only a few years back and wonder how it took so long.
That’s my exact experience too. Never played a 12 fret until very recently, and I’m addicted now.
Hope to own one of these guitars one day, and in this video I'm definitely preferring the SM. To me it's sweeter, prettier, more present and more lush, whilst still being beautifully old timey. The M sounds more... hollow? Like it is further away, almost... kinda scooped. Your playing is magnificent as always, love all your videos Chris.
what a player... best comparison!!!! THANK YOU!!!
Thanks man!
Thanks for this video Chris! I was in the market for a 15 series and wasn’t even aware of this model. When your video came up I was sold immediately on the SM. You’re great playing coupled with that unmistakable Martin sound was the deciding factor. Thanks Chris.
SM kicks it..both are nice, just a whisker's..
000-15m if I had to pick one... it sounded fuller and rounder. The 15SM was a bit brighter on the high end. I tend to prefer darker puncher tones. But I could find good use for both.
Both sound fantastic. The SM sounded a bit sweeter to my ear so I bought one a few years back, but whichever your preference you just can't go wrong.
Thanks for this review. Great playing! I'm going to buy both of it) Though one of mine Martin's would be OOO16 Streetmaster) Anyway, this review is very useful for me. OOO 15SM is a great sounding guitar. Love it. Thank you 👍🏽
Just got the 15m, loved the sound of the 15sm, but those 14 frets are just something I really need.
Nice! Congrats. Killer guitar, I would love to have them all if I had the space and money :-)
@@ChrisEffort Tough decisions, I sold one of my guitars for buying this one; I'd have to admit it hurt a lot, hope it worth it!
I have to say, I’ve been looking to get my hands on a OMC-15ME. but now I think I have been converted to the OOO-15M. Nice warm woody tones great sustain, and beautiful curves. Plus you can’t beat that slotted headstock. 😍
sm is the slotted.
Thanks for the comparison that precisely captures the sound of these guitars. When fingerpicked, the 000-15SM sounds mellower and sweeter than the 000-15M. When played with a flatpick, the 14 fret may have a little more presence, but none of them is real strummer or flatpicker. But for fingerpicking, the 000-15 SM is on my list.
Nice man, always enjoy your playing....I own a 00015m...but either/either...both great guitars.
Thanks Kevin, absolutely -
There is no winner here.
Great playing! Just picked up a 000-15m and loving it. Almost as much as I love peanut butter!
Thank you! This decided it for me (000-15SM, for sure).
Thank you! SM won my heart too.
Great comparision, they sound from the same universe but to my ears the 000-15M sounds richer and warmer i also would prefer it for the looks :D nice play !
I have ordered the 000-15m for the 14 frets !
Thanks for the review !
I hope you will enjoy it as much as I enjoy my 15.
Praying & saving for the 15SM to be in my possession some day. But I would settle any of 15M models. Some day. 🙏God is good
Your playing style fits this guitar like a glove. Either one but my favourite is the S model
Well now, a real comparison demo. I thought I would leave this world without hearing what a demo should include.
OUTSTANDING!!
Excellent play....
Thank you Michael, I really appreciate your feedback!
That sm has that little extra brightness that sounds awesome
They both sound fantastic man. The shorter scale and the bridge placement on the sm gives it a rounder sound with more bass. The OOO seems to have a faster more direct attack to it. I've played both quite a bit and there very versatile. Simple, elegant, a blast to play. I'm big fan of all "hog" martins. I will own one some day. Probably the standard OOO. I love slotted head stocks but hate the string change part. Love your work man. I'm inspired every time I hear you play. Oh yeah, that Eastman that you have sounds great too. I have the same one. Easily the best guitar in it's price range and plays and sounds like a much more expensive instrument. Keep up the great work brother ✌️
Yeah the SM definitely pushes more low end through, but in a tight and beautiful way, I think. It’s quite surprising how different they can sound. I’m enjoying using the SM with a capo much more, especially further up the neck. It can almost feel like the 15m kinda struggles at 5th fret and above. They both definitely has their place. Great guitars! And thank a lot for your kind words Jp, it means a bunch!
@@ChrisEffort Amazing video of two beautiful guitars! Keep up the great content--can't tell you the number of times I've replayed your videos. Interesting you say the 15m struggles capo'd at higher frets...I have a 000-15m and one of my favorite things about it is how satisfying, clear and resonant it feels to play capo'd at the 3rd, 5th and even 7th frets...out of curiosity, in what way do you feel it struggles? Perhaps each of our 15m just have different characteristics, but then again I don't have the SM to compare it to so wondering if it struggles when A/B'd...
I do believe that the scale on them is the same - 25.4 inches
@@nikfish1 you are correct
I don't think the sm is a shorter scale still 25.5 just the upper bout this bigger up to the 12th fret makes it look like a shorter scale but it is not
Must say I like the SM better, I have a 15m and 16 SM. It was hard not getting the 15SM but that’s how the chips fell. I’m also in process of getting that Lewitt 440 so that was nice to hear. Love your playing.
Really great video. Thank you.
Thanks for the Effort, Chris. I had a hard time following the rapid fire exchanges, but you play well and both sound great. I am partial to the SM in general. I will try watching again. I am legally blind and had to stop the video to read. If the headstock was visible I would have known which was being played.
See you in the next one.
Hi John
Thanks for saying that. That’s the kind of feedback that is really useful for me, so I can improve and refine future VS videos. I appreciate that
Love your style of playing and one of the best demos of these two guitars on the web. I think I’m going to order the SM.
Thank you! The SM is an incredible guitar, it feels like getting a warm and gentle hug. Who doesn’t like that.
You have blessed my heart and my ears and giving me more inspiration to keep playing thank you .
Thank YOU Ramon! That put a smile on me.
Could listen to you all day ❤. Great performance ❤
I’ve played them both and took 5 months to decide.
I bought the SM because I heard a difference that led me to the SM. Finger style SM strumming and picking the OOO15 worth all the money.
I've had a 000-15SM for three years now... amazing guitar... currently thinking about additionally getting a 000-15M - not sure yet whether the difference is big enough to justify the expense... Even though I like the punch and the bass of the 15SM I sometimes would like the 15M for being a bit sweeter and less "in your face"... having said that, I think I'll never split with the 15SM...
Great vid Chris. I find the 15M more detailed and with a sharper "V" EQ shape than the SM. The SM seems "flatter" in terms of EQ, to me. I'd go with the 15M.
Thankyou, love martin 15 series, the ooo15sm is next on the list for me. Great playing and great video!
Thank you!
Best videos on the web. Great work, love your style, technique and taste.
Thank you man!
Great playing on this demo! The SM has a really sweet inner voice, both are outstanding in their own sound. Thanks, Cheers.
Thanks man!
Based on your playing, Chris, I have to choose the slightly boomier sound of the sm. I'm currently in the market for one and I think I'm making the right decision. You are amazing and like others who comment, I wish I could play like you. Very nice!
Thank you so much John!
The SM is amazing - and the low end is beautiful.
i think i made the right choice with the sm i took the pick guard off mine and put on some beautiful waverly tuners with ivoroid buttons and some white tusq bridge pins. thanks for the vid. I have martin retro monel strings on it, custom light cage. highly recommended. bought from amazon
They are both great guitars❤️ I have the 14th fret guitar😉 the sound are the same,but the lookes and playable are different🤠… very nice playing,thanks👍🏻
Dude… Thank you!! I’ve been looking for this comparison.
I’m glad you found it useful. Cheers bud
Very nice video i prefer the Sm. 👍😉
Yesterday, I bought the 000-15m. It is light and easy to carry around. I need to install a guitar pick up to it so I can replace my Taylor 314.
I just need to install a pick up.
Congrats on your new purchase. Amazing guitar! I have an LR Baggs Lyric in my 15SM, but I have thought about either getting a K&K pure mini or the LR Baggs anthem.
@@ChrisEffort I did install a LR Bagg M80, so far I like it.
I have a 0015 Retro burst and it just keeps getting better with age. Great with monel strings
Love monel strings!
Thanks Chris. I think the 14 fret version projects a bit better and brighter, which I like in a mahogany. The 12 fret version is warmer and also lovely.
Yeah that’s my findings as well.
Please try to review & compare the new Martin 000-16 streetmaster.
That would be cool for sure, I’m crossing my fingers that I’ll get the opportunity 🤞
First, I love your playing on any instrument that you pick up and record. I bought the 15 Streetmaster based on your video and it has gone on to another owner. I do miss it though. I think in this comparison the 15SM is a more sweet sounding guitar. Sounds more articulate to my ears. I think I might be in the hunt for one now. Keep on picking brother!
Only thing I would add is that I looked for an SM originally before hearing and playing the 15M and the wait for a 15SM is March of 2024 according to a dealer rep I spoke with.
Man, that’s a long time. Maybe you are lucky to find it somewhere else, I see them occasionally on different online retailers and on the secondary market.
Nice playin - I own the 15SM and its all the guitar I need.
Très bien pour entendre la différence ! Merci
Just discovered your channel. Glad I did. I own the 000-15m Burst. Hands down my favorite of my guitars. I also own a Crafter 12-fret parlor and those two get most of my playing time. I agree that your videos are skillfully created, but your playing really speaks to me. Looking forwatd to seeing the rest of your library. Thanks for sharing your gifts!
Thank you so much Michael, I really appreciate you taking your time checking out my videos.
Where did you get your Crafter parlor? I have an OM and I love it but am looking for a parlor while I save for one of these 2!
@@coolhandpete I bought it.on EBay from a shop in Tennessee over 20 years ago. NEVER regretted it once. Its in my top 3. The short scale is perfect for my neuropathy. Allows me to play for hours in relative comfort.
I really like the way the sm sounds.
Thank you, I love that SM.
I appreciate the playing on this demo, genuinely good listening and the comparison is great. Love the mids on the 000-15m but prefer tone of sm for more scooped and deep 12 fret sound
Thank you, I prefer the sound of the 12 fret too
What a fantastic review - I was like, gotta subscribe to this dude, realised I already am, so will turn notifications on!!!!!!!
Haha thank you so much Karl, I really appreciate it. I’ve been a little slow lately putting out new videos, but they will start coming again soon.
@@ChrisEffort Chris I will be watching!! You cheer me up buddy
What a great video! I just bought an SM, it’s my first Martin. If anyone is on the fence - you have to try both, they feel very different. I went for the sm because of the tone, even though I prefer the neck and the 14th fret access. The sm is so alive, you have to try it to understand. Of course I’ll need to get a 00015m too sometime down the road.
Thanks man! I agree with everything you say
Need both
I was so deadset on the SM and tried the M while I waited for an SM to become available… I looooved the M but held out for the SM. When I got my hands on the Sm it just didn’t have the same fit for me.. so I ended up with the 000-15M and haven’t put it down since
Finally tried the SM this week. Not sure why but I like the M better.
@@cmoreno12345 I felt the same way... ended up getting a 000-15M .... Im *very* happy with it
Went back and now the SM sounds better. Haha.
Haha it’s a tough game. The necks are very different. If I had the dough I would’ve loved to keep both, but ultimately the SM won my heart, and I haven’t regretted keeping that one, one bit.
Hi Chris, your video is great as is the way you play!
It was very helpful for me to choose one of these guitars.
I picked up the 000-15 SM, ... a beautiful guitar, both in the sound and his look, unique!
Thanks to you, Kris.
Best regards,
Pascal.
Thanks Pascal! Means a lot to hear that. And congrats! Amazing guitar. My favorite of the 15M series.
Great Video Chris !!
I was looking for to buy a new guitar and this guitar…. The 15sm is absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking, that sound that it makes…. Ohhhh my Gooood !
I could listen to all my day❤
Cheers from Japan 🙌🏼✨
Well, and here was me thinking I was a 000-15M guy, but for me its 000-15SM all the way, it just oozes class, with the rounded mids and reduced top, it just sounds perfect.
Your playing is beautiful! I’m
Going with the s. I like the slinkier feel of 12 fret. Very nice comparison! For those of us who can’t try both, this is awesome!
They both have the same scale length, so slink factor is same on both.
Great vid as always. I find the lower mids more pronounced on the M, with a bit better full low end on the SM, otherwise fairly similar (I have a 000-17SM and love it). Cheers
The slotted sloped shoulder is smoother, balanced, slighter more compessed. I like them both. The 00015 has a little more midrange, and it's louder.
I love them both but I think for me the 15m edges it. Really sweet tones and your playing is inspiring. Please could you tell me what open tuning you used from 3:07 onwards?
Right at about 3:11-12 he hits it fully open
Give ‘em a few years and they’ll be fit for judgement. Brand new acoustic guitars need a bit of time for the body tension to relax and dedampening to occur.
That’s true. All 5+ years old Martin 15’s I’ve tried have all sounded more mature - and kinda drier actually. The SM in this video is from before 2017 - so it’s got a little advantage there.
I have the sm 12 frett and i put a l r baggs i beam pick up in it
I run it through the old lr baggs acoutic para di and in to my bose system. It dont get much better
Great stuff. I went with the 15m but both are fine choices.
Subbed! Thanks for the video. I own the SM and love it so much; I’m new to home recording (DAWs, Interfaces, etc…) so definitively helping me get acquainted with this larger world. Many thanks.
Thank you very much Dan, appreciate it a lot. And yes that SM is a spectacular piece of gear. I love mine a lot. Feel free to ask any questions regarding recording. I’ll do my best to give you the answers you need.
Thank you Chris for that and will do. Have a great day.
You play do amazing. My thoughts are the 12 fret Martin sounds the best.
Thank you! I like the 12 fret the most too.
I really don't know what I prefer. M is very warm and charming and SM is so nice and clear.
Love it! What is that piece you are playing 1:30?
Well, I broke down and bought the 000-15SM today. Definitely my favorite between the two guitars. My wallet is still simmering. I thought I had enough guitars until I watched your 000 demos . Thanks Chris. Love your playing man.
Haha I’m sorry David, I hope the 000-15SM will provide the therapy you’ll need to overcome the breakdown :D it’s hands down the best mahogany Martin guitar I’ve ever tried. Thanks for your kind comment, I hope that 12 fretter will serve you well.
@@ChrisEffort Chris, I received it last Friday. Can't put the damn thing down. It had terrible strings on it when it arrived. I had some Elixers laying around and threw those on it. Nope...it simply didn't do it justice. Went to the guitar store and picked up some Martin Retro Monels and they sound really nice with the mahogany body. Thanks for being the inspiration to buy this guitar. I think I saw where you said you just bought one as well. Hope all is well.
@@davideade3641 Yeah those monels work really well on mahogany guitars. Whenever I have the dough I tend to favor the MA540T, the phosphor bronze treated ones. I’m so happy to hear you are enjoying your new guitar, I can’t put mine down either after owning it for 2 months. Take care David
Here is a little tune I threw together. th-cam.com/video/R5Z_3taOA_U/w-d-xo.html
I like both of them.
I love it Chris
Thank you Joel!
I preferred the slope shoulder. It has a more balanced tone, with rounder notes. The 00015M is a little strong on the upper mids, and the highs are a little more tinny. That is saying a lot. Until now, I thought the 00015M was the best thing in its price range. The slope shoulder looks super awesome also.
Great demo, thanks!
I love the sound of both but to me the sm is a little brighter with a touch more volume. Would take either one and I would through the 00-15 in there also. Nice playing
I found this to be one of the most accurate comparisons on You tube.The 000-15SM is the sound I prefer. Nice playing, Nice recording. Great job! Thanks!
Thank you very much man, appreciate it
Beautiful playing.....both are wonderful but the 12 is better to my ears
Thank you Lee! The 15SM won my heart.
I prefer the 12 fretter. Sounds fuller and sweeter but enough cut still. I had bad experience with neck lifting on a 000 12 fret like this. Also did not like the skinny modern neck profile. I sold it. But it did sound sweet before it went bad.