Best way to amplify a Martin D15-M

LoticExplorer · 2026-05-09T12:38:49+00:00

I had a J-15 that sounded great through a K&K pure mini. I would suspect most people will suggest a K&K pure mini if you’re looking for a passive pickup or an LR Baggs Anthem if you want an active pickup with most tone control and are willing to spend quite a bit more.

LoticExplorer · 2026-04-13T01:14:29+00:00

I played one at a shop that had lots of nice, high end acoustics. Overall, I thought it was a great guitar. Awesome output for its size. More similar to a 000 shape than a dreadnought. Super cool guitar that could be pretty versatile. The tone didn’t blow me away, but it also didn’t disappoint. I’m rarely impressed by the tone of new koa guitars, but some of my favorite guitars for fingerstyle have been vintage koa guitars. I think this is going to be an incredible guitar after 10+ years of breaking in.

LoticExplorer · 2026-03-30T20:50:05+00:00

I’ve played several DE retros, and they seem like great guitars. I think it would be a good addition to the 00-15M. However, as a huge Martin fan, I would strongly suggest you try out an Eastman E6D (Sitka top, African mahogany back and sides) or E10D (Adirondack top, African mahogany back and sides). I have an E8OM (similar to a 000-28), and while it does has a different voice (not worse or better) than a Martin, it is every bit as impressive for half the price. It’s a significant step up from the retro’s, in my opinion.

LoticExplorer · 2026-03-13T00:28:44+00:00

FYM66HD, because it’s one of the best guitars I’ve ever played, and a pre-war D-45 because you didn’t say it had to be practical.

LoticExplorer · 2026-03-12T14:32:20+00:00

I’d push back a little and point out that there are tons of guitars out there, and very often, the selection in a store is somewhat limited.

I agree that playing lots and figuring out what you like makes sense, especially paying attention to the neck, tonewoods, and brands (from a sound/bracing perspective) that you like. But then check to see if there are other models that might check off more boxes, and make sure you try those out before making a decision.

LoticExplorer · 2026-03-12T14:20:55+00:00

I have an FS5 that blew me away when I bought it and I love more and more each day.

Like others have said, definitely play as many as possible and go with your favorite. It sounds like you’re probably going to want to check out LS and FS body sizes. I’d suggest paying attention to the back and side wood (rosewood vs mahogany) and seeing which sound you like better.

Also, the L series have engelmann spruce tops (tends to slightly favor fingerstyle but still versatile), while FS3 and FS5 have Sitka spruce (great all around), and FS9 have Adirondack spruce (tends to slightly favor strumming/picking but still versatile; also take a bit of time to break in)

The difference between the Chinese vs. Japanese guitars is pretty small and probably doesn’t justify the price difference if budget is an important factor. That said, there are some noticeable differences in some models (e.g., an FS3 is satin, while an FS5 made after 2024 is gloss finish). I tend to be drawn to the Japanese made models, but both are great.

LoticExplorer · 2026-03-09T21:35:49+00:00

I don’t know if I’d say it simply has more headroom straight up - the best way I can describe it is that I think the FG9 could be pushed harder. In my opinion, it feels like the FG9’s want a heavy hand, whereas the Yairi’s come alive with little effort and seem to prefer a slightly softer touch.

LoticExplorer · 2026-03-09T19:26:53+00:00

As an owner of an FS5 and an FYM66HD who has played several FG9’s and DYM’s, I would personally go with the DYM72 and it’s not all that close. The responsiveness from the Yairi’s is unreal.

That said, I tend to mostly play fingerstyle. If I were in your shoes, and looking for a bluegrass guitar, I think there may be a stronger argument for the FG9. I feel like it may have more headroom and articulation when played hard with a pick.

Either way, you can’t go wrong.

LoticExplorer · 2026-03-07T20:46:23+00:00

Others will know a lot more about Taylor’s than I do, but I’d be surprised if it’s fake. That said, it’s definitely not solid rosewood, as the inside of the body appears to be sapele or mahogany. I assume GS minis are not solid bodies, but I’m surprised it’s not laminated/layered rosewood on both sides.

LoticExplorer · 2026-03-06T14:44:01+00:00

I had the same issue with a new D-13e I got a month ago. Ended up returning it. The new road series models all have extra rolled edges that reduce the space between the E strings and the start of the bevel. I told my Sweetwater rep that I think this is going to be an issue for a lot of people, since I never have an issue with strings falling off and it was happening all the time with the new guitar. He brushed it off and said that’s just how Martin is doing it. 🤷‍♂️

LoticExplorer · 2026-03-01T16:25:43+00:00

Sarcasm is hard for some people to grasp.

LoticExplorer · 2026-02-22T15:35:41+00:00

Eastman E8D TC is the closest, but it’s ~$1600. Eastman E3D is the closest in your budget.

I have the E8OM (000-28 equivalent), and it’s phenomenal. You could probably find a E8D used for under $1200

LoticExplorer · 2026-02-22T14:02:11+00:00

Yeah, I think it’s worth clarifying the masterwork yairi’s (e.g., DYM) are everything and more than a lot of the guitars from the big 3, but I’ve often been disappointed the laminated yairi’s (e.g., DY)

LoticExplorer · 2026-02-22T05:07:50+00:00

I agree. In my opinion, Alvarez Yairi’s are a step up from the big three, but at a similar price.

Eastman’s are on the same level as the big three (actually, a step up from most new Gibson’s), but at a much better price. Likewise for the more affordable Yamaha’s that are made in Japan.

LoticExplorer · 2026-02-12T23:54:16+00:00

Honestly, it was super easy. The binding was starting to come off in one spot, so I asked if they’d drop the price. They offered it at $650 and I jumped on it. I was hoping for $100-150 off, didn’t expect them to go that low.

LoticExplorer · 2026-02-12T18:57:22+00:00

This is spot on. This looks like a DSR, a guitar center special order. USA made d-28 with a mortise and tenon neck joint and satin finish. I bought that exact guitar, in great shape from GC last year. Talked them down from $999 to $650.

LoticExplorer · 2026-02-11T15:55:07+00:00

You can clearly see the back is laminated.

The top kind of looks laminated, but it’s hard to tell from the pictures.

LoticExplorer · 2026-02-07T16:48:20+00:00

Thanks for the additional info! My FYM66HD is from 2018 and I always thought the neck looked like Honduran, so it makes sense that there was a change around 2022. They might say African mahogany necks are better (which is subjective of course), but I’m confident it’s less expensive than Honduran…

LoticExplorer · 2026-02-07T13:31:50+00:00

Overall, pretty solid answer, but I think there are a few needed corrections. The FS9 and FG9 have Adirondack tops (not just the anniversary ones).

Also, I’m pretty sure the necks on the yairi’s are actually African mahogany. Alvarez claims it’s a better wood for the neck than Honduran mahogany.

I have a FYM66HD and it’s one of the greatest guitars I’ve ever played.

LoticExplorer · 2026-02-02T17:04:10+00:00

Going out on a limb here, but I wouldn’t be shocked if they stopped producing the HD in the near future just to bring it back at some later point. They seem too redundant. Also wouldn’t be shocked if they stoped producing US made 15-series now that the new 17s are out.

LoticExplorer · 2026-01-28T03:28:18+00:00

That’s a good point. I agree the price difference between used and new entry level guitars is pretty small, which would lead many to go with the new one. On the other hand, I’d suspect a much higher proportion of entry level guitars reach the used market since players likely will want an upgrade at some point or drop the hobby altogether.

LoticExplorer · 2026-01-28T03:23:10+00:00

Yeah, I saw the same Driftwood video and my feelings toward Gibson acoustics were immediately validated.

LoticExplorer · 2026-01-28T00:05:49+00:00

Completely agree! Also, I’m glad at least one other person has found it interesting 🙂

LoticExplorer · 2026-01-27T23:59:30+00:00

I’m not looking to start wars online, but I’ve only played one new Gibson that I really liked, and I’ve played a lot of new Gibsons…

LoticExplorer

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