D15 Acoustic Guitar

I am still amazed...

I proudly own this guitar and without a doubt in my mind it is near-perfect. I got mine for $950 with a Martin case. Every time that I open the case I feel like a child.



The D15 has many pros and few cons. Subjectively the action is a little high but it is easily and affordably adjusted by a skilled luthier. Also some musicians may consider a satin mahogany finish to be unappealing to the eye. The D15 is shamelessly bare-bones. However I feel that a satin mahogany finish stands out from all the other guitars. It's quite the conversation piece when other guitarists see it. And the smell! Wow... It's like "chocolate wood." I spent a great deal of hands-on time deciding where to put my hard-earned money. If you desire a guitar with the (waaaay too common) spruce top or cosmetic "bling" then the D15 isn't your guitar. Go spend $1000-$3000 more for that guitar.



But appearance is a moot point right? This is a guitar after all... So as far as the D15's sound goes its top-end/highs are diminished but the mids and lows are very well pronounced. The result is a guitar that is calming gentle and it even has a voice that "tells a story" when played well. This guitar excells with fingerpicking playing classical and even sounds great when strummed. Martin managed to produce a bling-free amazing sounding guitar at a price that is so far below the competition it's almost ridiculous. If you like the brighter more pronounced jingly-jangly highs then a Taylor is likely more suited for you (and again at a much higher price).



I compare with other guitars beyond the D15's price range when I say that you won't find a solid-wood (i.e. non-laminated) guitar in this price range. If you don't believe me then get out there and try. AND it's made in the USA!!! The competition is able to make great-sounding guitars for this price but they don't have an heirloom like this one in their arsenal... Yep heirloom. This guitar will be well taken care of with a hope that someday a great-grandchild of mine will appreciate it as much as I do.



The only question now is what will you name yours? :)More detail ...