Originally Posted by
(mingusb1 @ July 17 2007, 11:27)
Can someone summarize the differences between these:
Martin 00, 000, 15, 12 versus 14 fret, slot-head. #
Designations such as 00 and 000 refer to the size of the guitar's sound box. In their standard series, Martin uses the shorter 24.9 in scale length for these guitars. In their 15 and 16 series, they use the more conventional scale length (25.4 IIRC). The standard series uses the conventional dovetail neck joint and the 15/16 series uses the mortise and tenon neck joint along with a hybrid bracing. This fully explained on Martin's web page. Most (all) 14 fret guitars (irrespective of series) have a typical body size. If you get a 12 fret guitar, the body size (whether OO, OOO or D) is 2 frets longer, which adds to the volume of the sound box. This affects the sound, but don't ask me to describe it - not that good with words. . . .
Usually, the slot-heads are used on the 12 fret instruments. I'd say always, but I'm sure there are exceptions.
I love my 000-15s. The 15 series is typically all one wood type. Conventionally, they are mahogany, but more recently Martin has used Sapele for their 15 series guitars. Don't know much about Sapele, but it does have somewhat of a different look (i.e., the striping of the wood is more pronounced). I think that there are some very close similarities between the 15 and 16 series guitars, but the 16 series come with a spruce top and often with a gloss finish. The 15's are matt finish all around.
You can no longer get a 000-16s from Martin, unless you go through their custom shop (i.e., more $$$).
I'm describing the usual production. You will see custom versions of all of these guitars and it'll get confusing if folks tell of their customs (interesting though. . .)
f-d
ˇpapá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!
'20 A3, '30 L-1, '97 914, 2012 Cohen A5, 2012 Muth A5, '14 OM28A
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