2009 Martin 000-15

2009 Martin 000-15

Martin

£1,099.00
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SKU:
SH-2010-Martin-000-15-M
Condition:
Used

Martin 000-15

The Martin 000-15, reintroduced in the late 2000s and in full swing by 2010, quickly became one of Martin’s most beloved all-mahogany models. Designed as a no-frills, vintage-inspired instrument, it combined traditional craftsmanship with understated elegance, making it popular among singer-songwriters, fingerstyle players, and those seeking a warm, woody tonal palette.

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The Condition 

This particular guitar has clearly been a workhorse for its previous owner, showing signs of regular gigging and extensive play.

  • The soundhole rosette has partially worn away above the pickguard.

  • The satin lacquer has worn through to the wood where the player’s strumming arm makes contact with the left side of the lower bout.

  • There is also a small indentation on the back of the neck, likely from the guitar being leaned or having fallen against a ledge.

Interestingly, the previous owner appears to have only played seated, as there are no marks on the back where you’d typically expect belt rash. However, there are a few small dings on the lower waist, most likely caused by keys or loose change in the player’s pocket.

Aside from these small cosmetic issues, this 000-15M is in excellent playing condition. Our technician has stoned and reshaped the frets, carried out a professional set-up for a beautifully low playing action, and restrung the guitar with a fresh set of Elixir 12–53 gauge strings.

We tend to find Elixirs are a good match for Martins—particularly their all-mahogany models. The inherent brightness of Elixirs complements the guitar’s warm, woody character, adding just the right amount of high-end clarity and articulation.

Specifications (2010 model)

  • Body Size: 000 (Auditorium)

  • Top: Solid Mahogany

  • Back & Sides: Solid Mahogany

  • Neck: Mahogany 

  • Neck Shape: Modified Low Oval

  • Scale Length: 24.9" 

  • Fingerboard: East Indian Rosewood

  • Bridge: East Indian Rosewood

  • Nut Width: 1 11/16"

  • Nut & Saddle: Bone

  • Bracing: A-Frame X-bracing (non-scalloped)

  • Finish: Satin (all over)

  • Tuners: Open-gear vintage-style (nickel)

  • Binding: None

  • Rosette: Simple single-ring

  • Case: Martin Hard Case

Build Quality (2010 Era)

The 2010 000-15M reflected Martin’s shift toward honouring vintage styling and minimalism without sacrificing craftsmanship. This era saw:

  • Consistently solid construction, especially in neck joints, fretwork, and intonation.

  • A light satin finish that allowed the wood to resonate more freely.

  • Excellent tonewood selection—mahogany was plentiful and of high quality, with rich grain and a beautiful natural look.

  • The model was made in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, adhering to Martin’s traditional build practices.

Though simpler in aesthetics, it didn’t compromise on structural integrity or playability. Many players appreciated its immediate responsiveness, warm tone, and surprising projection for a small-bodied guitar.

Sound & Tonal Characteristics

The all-mahogany construction gives the 000-15M:

  • A warm, mid-focused tone with excellent balance.

  • Less sparkle and chime than spruce-topped guitars, but more woodiness and depth, especially suited to fingerpicking, blues, and folk.

  • A dry, vintage tone that records beautifully.

Players often described it as sounding “broken in” straight from the case.

Reception by Reviewers and Players (circa 2010)

Upon release, the 000-15M received glowing reviews from both the press and the player community. Highlights include:

  • Acoustic Guitar Magazine praised its "authentic vintage vibe" and "surprisingly rich, complex tone."

  • Guitarist Magazine UK (in 2010) noted its “incredible value” for a USA-made, all-solid guitar, calling it “a serious working musician’s instrument.”

  • Online forums and early YouTube reviews raved about its tone, value, and simplicity—many calling it a “lifer” guitar.

  • The satin finish and lack of binding were considered a plus by minimalists, while traditionalists appreciated the nod to Depression-era styling.

Legacy

Over a decade later, the 000-15M is widely regarded as:

  • One of the best-value USA-made guitars in Martin’s line-up.

  • A modern classic, especially popular among singer-songwriters (e.g. Seth Avett of The Avett Brothers has been known to play one).

  • A gateway to the world of all-mahogany tone, often compared favourably to much more expensive vintage guitars.

  • A collector’s sleeper hit – while not flashy or rare, well-kept examples from the early production years (like 2010) are becoming more desirable.

Its legacy lies in its ability to deliver high-end tone and playability at a relatively accessible price, without gimmicks or excessive ornamentation.

Summary

The 2010 Martin 000-15M is a beautifully simple, resonant, and soulful guitar. With its short scale, warm mahogany tone, and elegant minimalism, it’s no surprise it became a modern favourite. It remains a testament to Martin’s ability to blend tradition and affordability without compromise.

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