Martin 0-15

$3,750.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (10)

1 Critic Review

1 Review

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Page last updated Jun 09, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 9, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (1)

$3,750.00 13 available Used

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Average Price: $3,750

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

In the Steel-string Acoustic Guitars category, Martin 0-15 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Martin 0-15 is an embodiment of timeless acoustic craftsmanship, offering musicians a rich and resonant sound that harks back to the golden age of guitar building. This steel-string acoustic guitar is perfect for those who appreciate the nuances of traditional design paired with modern reliability. With its all-mahogany body, the 0-15 delivers a warm, mellow tone that is both articulate and inviting, making it an excellent choice for fingerstyle players and singer-songwriters alike.

Its well-crafted body offers a balanced sound, ensuring that every note sings with clarity. The satin finish not only enhances the natural beauty of the wood grain but also allows the guitar to vibrate freely, contributing to its resonant voice. The short-scale neck is designed for comfort, facilitating smooth playability across the fretboard. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Martin 0-15 offers a reliable performance that musicians can trust.

Ideal for both seasoned players and those just starting their musical journey, the Martin 0-15 is a versatile instrument that excels in various musical settings. Its understated elegance and superior sound quality make it a cherished addition to any guitarist's collection.

Key Features:

All-mahogany body for warm, mellow tones
Short-scale neck for comfortable playability
Satin finish for enhanced resonance
Ideal for fingerstyle and singer-songwriter genres
Reliable performance for stage and studio use

Product specs

Brand	Martin
Model	0-15
Finish	Natural
Year	1948 - 1961
Made In	United States
Categories	Concert Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp	No
Back Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	0
Color Family	Natural
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Model Family	Martin 0-15
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	19
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup	None
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Martin 15 Series, Martin Post-War Era
Sides Material	Mahogany
String Type	Steel
Top Material	Mahogany

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Martin 0-15?: The Martin 0-15 is constructed entirely from mahogany, including the top, back, sides, and neck, which contributes to its warm, rich tonal characteristics.
How does the size of the Martin 0-15 affect its sound and playability?: The Martin 0-15 features a smaller concert body shape, which offers a balanced tone with clear mids and highs, making it ideal for fingerstyle playing and more intimate settings.
Is the Martin 0-15 suitable for live performances?: The Martin 0-15 does not come with a built-in pickup, so it would require external amplification for live performances. Its acoustic projection is well-suited for small venues or unplugged settings.
How many frets are available on the Martin 0-15?: The Martin 0-15 has 19 frets, allowing for a range of playing styles, particularly suited to folk and traditional acoustic genres.
Does the Martin 0-15 have any built-in electronics?: No, the Martin 0-15 does not feature any built-in electronics or preamp, making it a purely acoustic guitar.

Videos

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Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1949 Martin 0-15 All Mahogany | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1957 Martin 0-15 | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1955 Martin 0-15

Emerald City Guitars

A lifetime companion: 1957 Martin 0-15 | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin 0-15.

Build quality

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The modern Martin 15 series uses a mortise and tenon neck joint, differing from the traditional dovetail joint, potentially affecting tone.
Source
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Modern 15 series Martins may use a different grade or species of mahogany compared to vintage models, impacting tonal characteristics.
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Comparisons

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The tone of the Martin 15 series is more similar to Taylor guitars, known for their bolt-on necks, than traditional Martin models like the 18 or 28 series.
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Vintage Martins made before 1962 are noted for using hide glue and older wood, contributing to their sought-after tonal qualities.
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Use cases and applications

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Frusciante's use of both 0-15 and 0-18 models suggests versatility in musical applications, with differences in wood choice (mahogany vs. spruce tops).
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Value and pricing

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A 1949 Martin 0-15 is not universally considered collectible but may offer unique sound qualities that appeal to specific players.
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User experience

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Vintage guitars can vary significantly in quality, making it challenging to find a truly exceptional piece among older models.
Source

Critic Reviews

Catch of the Day: 1951 Martin 0-15 - Fretboard Journal

fretboardjournal.com

The Martin 0-15 is a hidden gem in the world of vintage guitars. Its all-mahogany build offers a distinct tonal character—moderate bass and balanced highs—that's revered by musicians like Kenneth Pattengale. While it lacks the flashy aesthetics of other models, this understated beauty is often overlooked, making it a more affordable option for collectors. The 1951 model, in pristine condition and priced at $1750, is a steal for those seeking a vintage acoustic with a unique sound profile. Overall, the Martin 0-15 is a worthy investment for enthusiasts valuing tone over ornamentation.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 10 Ratings

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niandra

196

over 9 years ago

Amazing.

My favorite guitar of all time. John Frusciante (from RHCP) plays one in a lot of his acoustic stuff, and if it's good enough for him, that's all I need to know.

Artist usage

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John Frusciante

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Verified via YouTube

John Frusciante plays his Martin 0-15 in the official music video for Road Trippin'.

Josh Farro

Guitarist

Paramore

Verified via Photo

he owns that guitar

Tom Waits

Singer, Guitarist

Roy Orbison And Friends

Verified via Photo

In this photo, tom waits can be seen holding his Martin 0-15. This guitar has been misidentified as a very similar guitar, the martin 0-17, which has always had 20 frets. The difference in fretboard extension and resulting soundhole placement are the primary differences between the two models. Although new "custom 0-15" guitars have 20 frets, All vintage martin 0-15 guitars have 19 frets,. Every photo of Toms Waits holding a mahogany Martin is a guitar with 19 frets, which means it is definitely a 0-15 and definitely not an 0-17.

Anthony Kiedis

Singer, Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Verified via Photo

Anthony Kiedis is seen playing a Martin 0-15 guitar during an AOL session, as captured in a user-uploaded photo on Anthonykiedis.net.

James McVey

Singer, Guitarist

The Vamps

Verified via YouTube

James can be seen playing this guitar since the beginning of the video.

Woody Guthrie

Singer, Guitarist

The Almanac Singers

Verified via NJN Network

Here is a photo of Woody with a Martin 0-15.

Valerie June

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via Premierguitar

According to the Premier Guitar's interview with Valerie June, her "gear list" also includes the Martin 0-15.

Kenneth Pattengale

Guitarist, Singer

The Milk Carton Kids

Verified via YouTube

In this video Pattengale plays his Martin 0-15 from 1954.

"It’s a Martin 0-15 from 1954. Outside of the little turn-of-the-century parlor guitars and the guitars that predate the OM model, it’s the smallest short-scale guitar Martin has made in the modern era. It's funny; yesterday we were doing a thing with Béla Fleck in Nashville and he walked by the guitar and said, “What, did your guitar shrink in the dryer?”

So it’s from ’54 and it’s kind of beat to shit. I bought it off a lady on the Internet, sight unseen. I’ve bought a number of guitars that way, but this one just seems to have its own thing. And after touring it for five years with this band, it’s developed a kind of tone that’s hard to replace when I’m swapping guitars in and out. Every time that one’s in the mix, it seems to be saying the right thing." - Pattengale in an interview with Guitarworld.com (http://www.guitarworld.com/acoustic-nation-milk-carton-kids-guitarist-kenneth-pattengale-tone-playing-duo-new-album-monterey)