Martin D-15 Custom Spruce and Mahogany Acoustic Guitar Review :: Martin Guitar Review
If you want all the Martin quality without the typical Martin price, this is it.

If you want all the Martin quality without the typical Martin price, this is it. Crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, tortoise binding, modified low-oval mahogany neck with a mortise-and-tenon joint and adjustable truss rod, solid Indian rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and inlaid single-ring rosette. The mahogany body on this guitar is much lighter in weight than rosewood, koa, or maple and yields a surprisingly strong, loud sound with an emphasis on clear, bright, airy trebles. Check out the rest of this Guitar Review…
Sound of Martin D-15 Custom Acoustic Guitar
- huge sound, without amplification, loud and bright with that good Martin tone;
- the tone with the proper strings is really very close to the D-18 in quality;
- very deep bass, and low high end.
Pros of Martin D-15 Custom Acoustic Guitar
- recommend if you are seeking a long term instrument;
- sustain, tonal balance, warm mids, and easy playability;
- beautiful easy-playing neck;
- the quality is very high, just what you would expect from Martin;
- the action is good, bass is excellent, and highs are very good;
- when you pick on it the guitar vibrates from one end to the other;
- fit and finish are flawless;
- the case it comes with is really a good one, well made and lined with soft fabric.
Cons of Martin D-15 Custom Guitar
- the finish is a little plain;
- the satin finish starts to get shiny where your arm comes in contact with the guitar after a while.
Suggestions for this Martin Guitar
- installing a bone saddle and nut, some consider it being necessary for better tone and sustain;
- lower the action if it comes too high and replace the strings to Elxir custom lights.
Features + Technical Specs | |
---|---|
MODEL | D-15 |
CONSTRUCTION | Mortise/Tenon Neck Joint |
BODY SIZE | D-14 Fret |
TOP | Solid Sapele or Genuine Mahogany |
ROSETTE | Gold & Black Style Herringbone |
TOP BRACING PATTERN | D1 A-Frame |
TOP BRACES | Sitka/1 Style/Non-Scalloped |
BACK MATERIAL | Solid Sapele or Genuine Mahogany |
SIDE MATERIAL | Solid Sapele or Genuine Mahogany |
NECK MATERIAL | Select Hardwood |
NECK SHAPE | Modified Low Oval |
NUT MATERIAL | White Corian® |
HEADSTOCK | Solid/6 String No Diamond/Standard Taper |
HEADPLATE | Solid East Indian Rosewood /Raised Gold Foil Logo |
FINGERBOARD MATERIAL | Solid East Indian Rosewood |
SCALE LENGTH | 25.4″ |
# OF FRETS CLEAR | 14 |
# OF FRETS TOTAL | 20 |
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT NUT | 1 11/16″ |
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT 12TH FRET | 2 1/8″ |
FINGERBOARD POSITION INLAYS | Style 28 |
FINISH BACK & SIDES | Satin/ Mahogany Stain/ Dark Filler |
FINISH TOP | Satin/ Dark Filler |
FINISH NECK | Satin/ Dark Mahogany Stain/ Dark Filler |
BRIDGE MATERIAL | Solid East Indian Rosewood |
BRIDGE STYLE | 1 Style Belly |
BRIDGE STRING SPACING | 2 1/8″ |
SADDLE | Compensated White Tusq |
TUNING MACHINES | Chrome w/ Small Knobs |
RECOMMENDED STRINGS | Martin SP 4200 Medium Phosphor Bronze |
BRIDGE & END PINS | White w/ Black Dots |
PICKGUARD | I-01 Tortoise Color |
CASE | 345 Hard Shell |
INTERIOR LABEL | Paper Label |
ELECTRONICS | Optional |
OTHER OPTIONS | Available left-handed at no additional charge |