Post by grayn on Apr 8, 2013 17:18:06 GMT
Well, I’ve gone and gotten myself another 000-12fret guitar. After really falling for the feel and tone of my Faith PJE Signature model, I was very happy when Val, my mate at Northern Acoustics, got this Martin 000-15S in. It was a model I’d wanted to try, along with the D-15S, for some time.
I was there when it arrived at the shop, from the Martin distributors. It was me who pulled guitar and case from their cardboard, transit box. It came with 5 other Martins but the 000-15S got my immediate attention. It was at the same time, that Val was sorting out the action, on my Faith Sig. And funnily enough, the Faith ended up with identical action, to the 000-15s.
My first impression then was how similar it felt to play, to the Faith. Yet the tone was fairly different but with some similarities. I wasn’t really looking for another guitar (believe it or not) but the seed had been planted. I don’t normally go to Leeds more than once or twice a month but for various reasons, I went back, the following 3 weekends, in a row and the all-hog Martin kept finding it’s way into my hands.
Now, I’m not saying that this bling free guitar is the best around. It’s not an expensive Martin, or as good as my Faith 000-12. But it’s one of those guitars you grab for. It’s dark, earthy looks are comfortably appealing. It’s encourages your hands to explore it’s uncomplicated tone and organic physicality.
These are it’s specifications:
NECK: Mahogany, with a modified, low oval profile. Mortise/Tenon Joint
BODY STYLE/SIZE: 000-12 Fret
TOP: Solid Mahogany, A-Frame ''X'' top bracing of sitka spruce (5/16 inch)
ROSETTE: Herringbone Style - Gold & Black
BACK & SIDES: Solid Mahogany
NUT MATERIAL: White Corian
HEADSTOCK: Mahogany, slotted and slightly tapered. Fitted with Schaller Chrome + Acrylic Button, Tuners
HEADPLATE: Thick veneer of solid east indian rosewood. “Martin & Co - Est. 1833”, in small raised gold foil
FINGERBOARD: Solid East Indian Rosewood. 20 frets (12 to the body). Width at nut - 1-3/4''. Width at 12th fret - 2-1/4''. Pearloid markers.
FINISH – Back & Sides, Top and Neck: Satin
BRIDGE: Solid East Indian Rosewood. 2-1/4'' spacing.
SADDLE: 16'' Radius/Compensated/White Tusq
PICKGUARD: Tortoiseshell Colour
CASE: Hard, black leatherette exterior, with plush, dark-green padded velvet interior
THE GUITAR’S DIMENSIONS:
Overall Length: 40”
Scale length: 25.4''
Body length: 20.5”
Upper bout width: 11”
Waist: 9”
Lower bout width: 15”
Body depth at neck: 3.3”
Body depth at base: 4.25”
For me, the most interesting way to review this guitar, is in comparison with my Faith PJE Signature 000.
Dimensions and design are very similar and it is this that gives some of the tonal similarities. The 12-fret, longer body design seems to engender a warm, balanced tone, with very good depth. Sustain is interesting too. With many guitars, you get the initial sound of a chord but it is only part of that first harmonic rush that continues on, in long sustain. With the 12-fret design, that initial harmonic rush seems to last a little longer.
Where these 2 differ in tone, is the all-mahogany Martin has a much more fundamental sound. A kind of pleasing dryness, that is direct yet not harsh. It’s a woody sparkle, if you like. The Faith has a far lusher tone, smoother too. More sophisticated, I guess.
Whereas design and dimensions are similar, the woods and finishing are not and it is this that partly accounts for the sonic differences. The Martin is pretty much all one wood, mahogany. There is no binding or purfling. The lines are all clean and simple, with basic, good quality finishing. The Martin is also a little lighter than it’s classic, AAA grade wooded, koa bound, glossy partner. And, a fraction louder too.
It is the similarities that make swapping between the two so easy and pleasurable. You can pretty much adopt an identical playing technique for either. Yet the differences provide alternative inspiration and keep the creative juices flowing.
I don’t think Martin are making this model anymore, or at least, not for a while. It’s on their inactive list.
The Martin 000-15S would suit a fingerpicker or a creative flatpicker. It’s warm, direct tone has an organic feel. It’s looks and tone are very much in sympathy
I was there when it arrived at the shop, from the Martin distributors. It was me who pulled guitar and case from their cardboard, transit box. It came with 5 other Martins but the 000-15S got my immediate attention. It was at the same time, that Val was sorting out the action, on my Faith Sig. And funnily enough, the Faith ended up with identical action, to the 000-15s.
My first impression then was how similar it felt to play, to the Faith. Yet the tone was fairly different but with some similarities. I wasn’t really looking for another guitar (believe it or not) but the seed had been planted. I don’t normally go to Leeds more than once or twice a month but for various reasons, I went back, the following 3 weekends, in a row and the all-hog Martin kept finding it’s way into my hands.
Now, I’m not saying that this bling free guitar is the best around. It’s not an expensive Martin, or as good as my Faith 000-12. But it’s one of those guitars you grab for. It’s dark, earthy looks are comfortably appealing. It’s encourages your hands to explore it’s uncomplicated tone and organic physicality.
These are it’s specifications:
NECK: Mahogany, with a modified, low oval profile. Mortise/Tenon Joint
BODY STYLE/SIZE: 000-12 Fret
TOP: Solid Mahogany, A-Frame ''X'' top bracing of sitka spruce (5/16 inch)
ROSETTE: Herringbone Style - Gold & Black
BACK & SIDES: Solid Mahogany
NUT MATERIAL: White Corian
HEADSTOCK: Mahogany, slotted and slightly tapered. Fitted with Schaller Chrome + Acrylic Button, Tuners
HEADPLATE: Thick veneer of solid east indian rosewood. “Martin & Co - Est. 1833”, in small raised gold foil
FINGERBOARD: Solid East Indian Rosewood. 20 frets (12 to the body). Width at nut - 1-3/4''. Width at 12th fret - 2-1/4''. Pearloid markers.
FINISH – Back & Sides, Top and Neck: Satin
BRIDGE: Solid East Indian Rosewood. 2-1/4'' spacing.
SADDLE: 16'' Radius/Compensated/White Tusq
PICKGUARD: Tortoiseshell Colour
CASE: Hard, black leatherette exterior, with plush, dark-green padded velvet interior
THE GUITAR’S DIMENSIONS:
Overall Length: 40”
Scale length: 25.4''
Body length: 20.5”
Upper bout width: 11”
Waist: 9”
Lower bout width: 15”
Body depth at neck: 3.3”
Body depth at base: 4.25”
For me, the most interesting way to review this guitar, is in comparison with my Faith PJE Signature 000.
Dimensions and design are very similar and it is this that gives some of the tonal similarities. The 12-fret, longer body design seems to engender a warm, balanced tone, with very good depth. Sustain is interesting too. With many guitars, you get the initial sound of a chord but it is only part of that first harmonic rush that continues on, in long sustain. With the 12-fret design, that initial harmonic rush seems to last a little longer.
Where these 2 differ in tone, is the all-mahogany Martin has a much more fundamental sound. A kind of pleasing dryness, that is direct yet not harsh. It’s a woody sparkle, if you like. The Faith has a far lusher tone, smoother too. More sophisticated, I guess.
Whereas design and dimensions are similar, the woods and finishing are not and it is this that partly accounts for the sonic differences. The Martin is pretty much all one wood, mahogany. There is no binding or purfling. The lines are all clean and simple, with basic, good quality finishing. The Martin is also a little lighter than it’s classic, AAA grade wooded, koa bound, glossy partner. And, a fraction louder too.
It is the similarities that make swapping between the two so easy and pleasurable. You can pretty much adopt an identical playing technique for either. Yet the differences provide alternative inspiration and keep the creative juices flowing.
I don’t think Martin are making this model anymore, or at least, not for a while. It’s on their inactive list.
The Martin 000-15S would suit a fingerpicker or a creative flatpicker. It’s warm, direct tone has an organic feel. It’s looks and tone are very much in sympathy
Jo whoever he is.
