Martin D-15

[Sklnnerbox]

how do u guys feel about it?........i want it to be my next acoustic cause it seems like one of the best deals u can get for a martin......anyone have any input or actually own one?

[DM3MD]

I had one. I really liked it, but you need to keep fresh strings on it (or use Elixirs) because they are mellow guitars.

[Sklnnerbox]

what do you mean?.......and what are the advantages of elixirs.....ive only been playing for about a year so im not so knowledgeable yet about this kind of stuff

[Rob]

I wouldn't go into a guitar purchase with a specific guitar in mind. You'll be far too limited. Guitars are expensive- you should get the best one that fits you for the money, and more often than not low-end Martins aren't the way to go.

[gravedigger34]

Originally posted by Rob
I wouldn't go into a guitar purchase with a specific guitar in mind. You'll be far too limited. Guitars are expensive- you should get the best one that fits you for the money, and more often than not low-end Martins aren't the way to go.

I agree. should look for the best deal period and not the best deal for Martin. The quality/price ratio for Seagull is pretty high. you should try some of those out.

[Stuntcheeks]

Sorry I didn't get back to your email yet. I've been at work.

When I got my D15 I guess I was captivated by the fact that it was a Martin. I enjoyed the look of the Mahogany, too.

I put Elixirs on it and the best way I could describe the sound w/those on it would be "muddy." The sound seemed to get all jumbled together in the guitar before the sound came out. I didn't think it was too clear w/the Elixirs. Martins sounded good on it.

After experimenting with many different guitars I came to the conclusion that if I ever have a Martin or Taylor, it will be a nicer one. The low end Martins are probably not what you're looking for, but I could be wrong.

As Rob said, don't have a particular guitar in mind. I did at first and that's how I got the D15. I actually ended up w/a Washburn cutaway that I love sooo much more for about 1/3rd the price, too. I think it's easier to play, sounds crisper, a bit more durable (gloss, not satin finish...I can be a little rough on guitars) and it's cutaway w/electronics, too.

It all comes down to the sound you're trying to get, how you like the playability and price.

If you just want a Martin and the D15 is one you can afford, I'd say that's the wrong reason. If you really want a Martin, bank your money a little longer and go for a higher Martin. Otherwise there are hundreds of great guitars in a mid price range that will offer you more for your dollar.

Once I decided that a low end Martin wasn't for me, a few factors influenced my decision: Warranty. Solid top. Hand made vs. machine made. Name (good history). Craftmanship.

I found everything I wanted in a Washburn (which surprised me!).

Go to a few guitar stores and just play em. Play everything you can get your hands on in your price range. You may fall in love w/something that you'd never even though of before

Good luck. Hope your search goes well.

[TheBigCaptain]

I just got a d15 and i liked it more than some of the higher end martins. I'm more than satisfied with it, it does have a mellow sound though so make sure you play one before getting one. Shop around before you buy anything

[holbiedmb914]

Martins are great guitars, but if uve only been playin for a year, I'd invest in a more intermediate guirtar like a Washburn or a Baby Taylor(it's said to be the best guitar for its cost on the market)
But u can do whatever
im just givin my 2 cents

Peace

[Sklnnerbox]

whats the difference, im sure a good washburn and an ok martin are of comparable quality.....and theres something about getting a guitar that has the name baby in it that i just cant accept

[holbiedmb914]

Well if you dont like the "baby" just buy a Taylor 314
theyre so much better than a Martin at the same cost

Peace

[Sklnnerbox]

y how much is it........cause a d-15 is like $600......how much can u get a 314 for

[holbiedmb914]

I just talked to my friend like 2 seconds ago and he said his D-15 was 975 (if what u say is true then he horribly overpaid) but a 310/312/314 (w/o pickup run about 900-975) if you want a Fishman Prefix Plus pickup with it it will cost 1200-1275

Peace

[Sklnnerbox]

if u look on music123.com right now, u can get the d-15 for 600.......the retail is like 900 something though, so i guess ur friend overpaid.........how does he like it?.........also, what do u play?

[holbiedmb914]

He got it like 2 years ago and he says its a nice soft sound with less twang than a Taylor. He said also that it started buzzin after only a month or two! Ive had my Taylor sice August and there is no buzzing at all. But overall he said that a 314 is better than a D-15. Better investment too.

I have a 2002 Taylor 314ce, and Rickenbacker 4001 Bass, a Sears Nylon (yes, a piece of shit but it still sounds cool) and an old Lotus electric

Here's exactly what he said:
"its all mahogany wood..no bindings..everything is pretty dark wood...just ivory circles on the fingerboard...chrome tuners - cherrywood red pickguard... as for the sound....soft sounding with a resonate tone...not as twangy as most taylors come but full sounding also more difficult to play in my opinion than most taylors (assuming that taylors are the only guitar i am comparing mine to) but a great guitar sound"

Good Luck

Peace

[kgoedman]

have you tried a whole bunch of guitars? if you haven't, that is what you MUST do. Martin's are nice but they are not for everyone. I say, go to a few stores and play every single guitar they have in there that is in your price range. You will find something that, at thevery least, compares to the MArtin. Who knows, you might find something else.
I know I went into the store looking for a MArtin once, and I walked out with a Lakewood D1.