Martin 00-15 vs. 000-15

JBandtheSalts · April 5th, 2004, 12:56 AM

Hi, I've been looking at the Martin 00-15 and the 000-15, what is are the differances? I played the 000-15 and enjoyed it a lot, and when looking online for info i stumbled across the 00-15, which, seems very simular, i think id probably enjoy the feel of a smaller bodied 00-15, but does it lack tone? if anyone could compare how the two sound differant, that would be wonderful, i guess id just like to concider the 00-15 and make the right choice before just buying the 000-15......thanks a lot,

-John Butz

buglecorps · April 10th, 2004, 09:23 PM

is very nice for a small body..it really feels "small" compared to the 000 which feels more like a different shape large guitar..The only trouble is finding one to try..might be worth a ride up to Nazareth to the demo room.

RTod · April 12th, 2004, 08:52 PM

I prefered the 000-15. Seem to have a little more depth to it. But there are others that would prefer the 00-15. Their sound is similiar, but to me the 00-15 was ...... Dont even know what word to use, boxy doesnt seem quite right, I guess the best way to put it was the 000 just seem to have more of what the 00 had.

gottliver · April 23rd, 2004, 12:17 PM

and love it. The 00s are basically a smaller version of the 000s. Actually the 00s came first and when there was demand for a louder guitar Martin created the 000s. I played many 15s before buying the 0015. First I tried and bought the D15. Its new sound was exactly what I was looking for. It had a tight low end, complex and pronounced mids and a shimmery high end. As it played in the low end increased and the mids became more subdued. I found a loss in the definition of notes.
At that point Martin introduced the 000/00s. I went and tried the 000 but found that although there was better note definition it still had too much of a scooped sound. I knew that this would only increase as the guitar got played in. Eventually my local shop got in a 0015 and I finally got a chance to try one. It was, and still is exactly the tone I wanted. The bass was very subdued when new, the mids were complex and pronounced but very warm and the highs were shimmery but solid and clear.
The small size and shallow depth give the guitar great articulation which is crucial for someone, like me, who's style leans more towards melody lines and arpeggios then strumming. After the first year the guitar really opened up and the low end really came to life but not at the expense of the mids or highs. It became very balanced. When I strum a first position chord I find I can hear each note and each string while the over all sound has a nice rumble, good punch and beautiful shimmer.

When playing melody lines or double stops the tone is very round and warm but has enough midrange punch and treble to not be lost in the mix.

As you can imagine, I love my 0015. I highly recomend trying one out before buying a 0015. Of course it may not be the sound for you but it'll be worth your time to try it out. Remember that even though it sounds a little boxy when new, as its played it will open up.

Mark

studio1087 · April 24th, 2004, 12:52 AM

The 00 is almost a Parlor sized body with a standard 14 fretter, standard scale neck. If you play a lot late at night and want a good guitar for practice without a huge punch, you may really like the 00.

I have 000 sized Marton, an OM 16 GT and I think that some 000 Martins sound like other manufacturers' Dreads. Martins have that signature growl on the bottom (the guitars sound bigger than they are.) 000's have a nice bassy round sound for their size.

I don't have a 00 Martin but I do have a Larrivee Parlor. I play the Parlor every night when my 3 kids are sleeping. Guitars of that size have a beautiful chiming tone. 2 hours can pass like 30 minutes when playing a body that small because they are such comfortable guitars. The balanced tone is terrific for fingerstyle and the comforatable nature of the guitar makes it great for pleasure and practice.

The 00 may be more collectible like a slot head or unique 12 fretter. If you are leaning away from dread qualities, find a OO.

http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/0015.htm

Ederly will let you try one at home, I bought my OM from them, great experiance.

John

April 5th, 2004, 12:56 AM	#1 (permalink)
JBandtheSalts Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 510	Martin 00-15 vs. 000-15 Hi, I've been looking at the Martin 00-15 and the 000-15, what is are the differances? I played the 000-15 and enjoyed it a lot, and when looking online for info i stumbled across the 00-15, which, seems very simular, i think id probably enjoy the feel of a smaller bodied 00-15, but does it lack tone? if anyone could compare how the two sound differant, that would be wonderful, i guess id just like to concider the 00-15 and make the right choice before just buying the 000-15......thanks a lot, -John Butz

April 10th, 2004, 09:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
buglecorps Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Suburban Twang Town Posts: 753	The OO is very nice for a small body..it really feels "small" compared to the 000 which feels more like a different shape large guitar..The only trouble is finding one to try..might be worth a ride up to Nazareth to the demo room. __________________ Loud is Good...

April 12th, 2004, 08:52 PM	#3 (permalink)
RTod Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 177	Matter of Taste. I prefered the 000-15. Seem to have a little more depth to it. But there are others that would prefer the 00-15. Their sound is similiar, but to me the 00-15 was ...... Dont even know what word to use, boxy doesnt seem quite right, I guess the best way to put it was the 000 just seem to have more of what the 00 had.

April 23rd, 2004, 12:17 PM	#4 (permalink)
gottliver Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 250	I've had a 00-15 for 4 years ... and love it. The 00s are basically a smaller version of the 000s. Actually the 00s came first and when there was demand for a louder guitar Martin created the 000s. I played many 15s before buying the 0015. First I tried and bought the D15. Its new sound was exactly what I was looking for. It had a tight low end, complex and pronounced mids and a shimmery high end. As it played in the low end increased and the mids became more subdued. I found a loss in the definition of notes. At that point Martin introduced the 000/00s. I went and tried the 000 but found that although there was better note definition it still had too much of a scooped sound. I knew that this would only increase as the guitar got played in. Eventually my local shop got in a 0015 and I finally got a chance to try one. It was, and still is exactly the tone I wanted. The bass was very subdued when new, the mids were complex and pronounced but very warm and the highs were shimmery but solid and clear. The small size and shallow depth give the guitar great articulation which is crucial for someone, like me, who's style leans more towards melody lines and arpeggios then strumming. After the first year the guitar really opened up and the low end really came to life but not at the expense of the mids or highs. It became very balanced. When I strum a first position chord I find I can hear each note and each string while the over all sound has a nice rumble, good punch and beautiful shimmer. When playing melody lines or double stops the tone is very round and warm but has enough midrange punch and treble to not be lost in the mix. As you can imagine, I love my 0015. I highly recomend trying one out before buying a 0015. Of course it may not be the sound for you but it'll be worth your time to try it out. Remember that even though it sounds a little boxy when new, as its played it will open up. Mark

April 24th, 2004, 12:52 AM	#5 (permalink)
studio1087 Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2003 Location: Near Milwaukee Age: 44 Posts: 4,230 36 Photos	The 00 is almost a Parlor sized body with a standard 14 fretter, standard scale neck. If you play a lot late at night and want a good guitar for practice without a huge punch, you may really like the 00. I have 000 sized Marton, an OM 16 GT and I think that some 000 Martins sound like other manufacturers' Dreads. Martins have that signature growl on the bottom (the guitars sound bigger than they are.) 000's have a nice bassy round sound for their size. I don't have a 00 Martin but I do have a Larrivee Parlor. I play the Parlor every night when my 3 kids are sleeping. Guitars of that size have a beautiful chiming tone. 2 hours can pass like 30 minutes when playing a body that small because they are such comfortable guitars. The balanced tone is terrific for fingerstyle and the comforatable nature of the guitar makes it great for pleasure and practice. The 00 may be more collectible like a slot head or unique 12 fretter. If you are leaning away from dread qualities, find a OO. http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/0015.htm Ederly will let you try one at home, I bought my OM from them, great experiance. John __________________ JLG Carry On