Martin model 15

[oldtmer]

Howdy and a quick thank you to all who are so generous with their knowlege.

I recently bought on ebay a 1934 Martin model 15 with a carved top, oval sound hole and short scale. (This is not the more common model 2-15.) It is only the 2nd time I have ever seen this instrument in some 20 years of mando interest - I'm really happy to have it.

Does anyone have info on these Martin 15s. What years were they made? How many? Original price? Any scrap of info would be great. thanks

[zombywoof]

A friend of mine has a Martin Model 20 built around the same time as your 15. According to what he has told me the Model 15 & 20 were first made in 1929 and replaced by other models in 1935.

[allenhopkins]

According to Mike Longworth's Martin Guitars: A History (p.88), the Style 15 was first made in 1929, and first cataloged in 1930. It was made until 1941. In the 1930 catalog, its price was $50, but this fell to $40 in 1932 (Depression times!), then rose again to $45 in 1935 and stayed there until they stopped making them.

Longworth lists 208 Style 15's made during that period; high was 51 in 1930. In 1941, the last year, 15 were made.

If your mandolin was made in 1934, its serial number should be between 15528 and 15729. Thirty-six Style 15's were made in 1934.