2001 Martin OM-15 Mahogany Orchestra Model + OHSC

2001 Martin "OM-15"
Natural Full-Mahogany Orchestra Model
Classic Tortoise Pick guard 
Made in USA (Nazareth, Pennsylvania)

No gigging ever, only indoor home play. Adult owned only. Smoke-free, pet-free, children-free household.

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Up for sale is a beautiful and rare Martin OM-15 from the early 2000's. This guitar is all factory original, with no modifications or alterations done. Condition is showroom level - similar to guitars you see at the acoustic room behind the glass at Guitar Center. NO HEADSTOCK CRACK. 

Do not get this model confused with the modern-mass produced Martin 000-15 or 000-15M model. 

They are similar in terms of look, but still have some subtle yet major differences in feel, tone, look and playability.

Martin has not released the exact # of the OM-15's released... but it's safe to say that not too many were made during its lifespan. 

I've compared this 2001 OM-15 to a modern 000-15M model... and these are the differences that I've personally experienced. 

The OM-15 has a wider nut width.. which makes it a naturally easier guitar to play for fingerpicking style while not sacrificing the strumming ability. The neck is more of a slim taper style profile rather than a chunkier neck profile. It is a very comfortable neck for most hand sizes.. not too thin and not baseball chunky thick. A good neck profile comparison is a Martin OMJM (John Mayer model).

The OM-15 also seems to have better bass response with clear mids than a 000-15M model. I've played both guitars side by side completely raw (no amp/no pickups). The OM-15 sounded more like a Jumbo style acoustic guitar rather than a traditional OM body style. The full-mahogany woods makes the guitar sound very bright mixed with a good amount of warmth.

It's a great sounding guitar for folk players.. or country players.. or music that requires a good amount of strumming mixed with fingerpicking.

The aesthetics of the guitar is also more traditional compared to the modern Martin 000-15M. Traditional Martin style tuners instead of vintage smaller oval style. Standard Pearl dot inlays rather than modern "little star" shaped inlays. Traditional tortoise style half oval shaped pickguard. 

The highlight of the guitar visually is the natural mahogany wood grains on the front/back/sides. Very beautifully and carefully done by Martin. The back almost seems like a 5-Piece back? Not too sure but you can clearly see 3 pieces.. then 2 subtle lines on each side of the body. Either way, it gives it a very unique touch to the guitar that you don't see in full mahogany guitars. Kind of reminds me of a Martin D-35 type of back.

Overall this is an excellent example of an early 2000's Martin acoustic guitar in full mahogany woods. Martin's quality control has been very very good historically. I've played older Martins and newer Martins and both have been impressive in their own right. 

However, this OM-15 is a special little guitar that I think is supremely underrated and unknown within the Martin lineup. You will not be disappointed. 

Comes with:
- 2001 Martin OM-15 Mahogany
- Original Martin Hardshell Case

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Payment must be completed 24 hours upon purchase.

Mandatory signature confirmation delivery.

❤️ Will be shipped with love and care :) ❤️ 

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The Martin OM-15 is a highly regarded acoustic guitar from C.F. Martin & Co., one of the most respected guitar manufacturers in the world. Part of their 15 Series, the OM-15 is known for its rich, warm tone, classic design, and affordable price compared to some of Martin's more expensive models. It’s a popular choice for players who want a quality, all-solid wood guitar with a vintage vibe, excellent playability, and great sound.

Key Features of the Martin OM-15

1. Body Construction

• Shape: The OM-15 features the Orchestra Model (OM) body shape, which is a slightly smaller, more comfortable version of Martin's traditional dreadnought. The OM shape offers a more balanced sound with a slightly sharper midrange and tight bass compared to larger-bodied guitars. This makes it an excellent choice for fingerstyle players and those who prefer a more articulate sound.
• Top: The top of the OM-15 is made of solid mahogany, which contributes to the guitar’s warm, mellow tone. Mahogany is known for its balanced sound with a focus on midrange frequencies, which makes it ideal for both fingerpicking and strumming.
• Back and Sides: The back and sides of the OM-15 are also made from solid mahogany, which adds to the guitar's rich, warm tone and gives it a more vintage-like character. The use of solid wood throughout the guitar contributes to its sustain, resonance, and overall tonal richness.

2. Neck and Fingerboard

• Neck Material: The neck of the OM-15 is made from select hardwood, often sapele, which is a sustainable and durable wood with tonal properties similar to mahogany.
• Neck Profile: The neck features a modified low oval profile, which provides a comfortable, ergonomic feel for most players. It’s not too thick, making it easy to play for a variety of hand sizes and playing styles.
• Fingerboard: The fingerboard is made of black richlite, a durable, eco-friendly material that mimics the feel of ebony. It features 20 frets and dot inlays, giving it a traditional look and feel. The scale length is 25.4 inches, which is standard for Martin guitars and offers a balanced tone with good string tension.

3. Sound and Tone

• Tonewood Characteristics: The solid mahogany construction of the OM-15 gives it a warm, rich sound with a strong emphasis on midrange frequencies. Mahogany’s tonal properties make it excellent for fingerstyle playing, as it allows for a clear, articulate sound without overpowering the higher or lower frequencies.
• Balanced Sound: The OM body shape offers a more focused, balanced sound compared to larger guitars like the dreadnought. It has a bright, clear treble response with a tight bass that doesn’t overwhelm the mids. This makes it a versatile guitar for a variety of playing styles, from fingerpicking to light strumming.
• Projection: While the OM-15’s smaller body may not have the booming volume of a dreadnought, it still offers excellent projection and sustain, especially for a guitar of its size. The solid wood construction contributes to a more resonant, rich sound that improves with age and playing.

4. Hardware

• Bridge: The OM-15 features a belly-style bridge made of solid ebony. This contributes to the guitar's overall tonal richness and sustain.
• Tuners: The guitar is equipped with chrome enclosed tuners, which provide stable tuning and smooth adjustments.
• Finish: The OM-15 has a satin finish, which gives it a more matte, vintage look. The satin finish also allows the wood to breathe more freely, enhancing the tonal characteristics of the guitar.

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Why Choose the Martin OM-15?

1. Warm, Balanced Tone: The solid mahogany construction and OM body shape provide a rich, warm sound with a strong emphasis on the midrange. It’s perfect for fingerstyle and light strumming, offering a more articulate, nuanced tone compared to larger guitars.
2. Comfortable Playability: The smaller OM body and low oval neck profile make the OM-15 comfortable to play for extended periods, especially for players who prefer a more compact guitar.
3. High-Quality Construction: As with all Martin guitars, the OM-15 is made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The all-solid wood construction ensures that the guitar sounds better with age and improves in resonance and tonal richness.
4. Vintage Appeal: The OM-15 has a classic, vintage look with its mahogany finish and satin finish, giving it a timeless aesthetic that appeals to players looking for a traditional guitar with a modern feel.
5. Affordability: Compared to other Martin models, the OM-15 is more affordable while still offering the high-quality craftsmanship and tone that Martin is known for. It’s a great option for players who want a premium acoustic guitar without the high price tag.

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Conclusion

The Martin OM-15 is a fantastic choice for players who want a high-quality, all-solid wood acoustic guitar with a warm, balanced tone and excellent playability. Its smaller OM body shape makes it perfect for fingerstyle players and those who prefer a more articulate sound, while the solid mahogany construction provides a rich, vintage-like tone. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a beginner looking for your first high-end acoustic, the OM-15 offers great value, performance, and timeless appeal.