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Martin 000-15SM
Martin 000-28EC Sunburst
VS
Playability
73
Sound
86
Build
87
Value
77
Score
82
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Playability
77
Sound
86
Build
90
Value
69
Score
84
FIND IT ON:
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Martin 000-15SM vs 000-28EC Sunburst

Reasons to Get
Martin 000-15SM over 000-28EC Sunburst

Release Year
2017 vs 2014
From a more recent year
Neck Profile
Acoustic Modified Low Oval vs Acoustic Modified V
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Scale Length
25.4'' (645.2mm) vs 24.9'' (632.5mm)
Lower action and brighter natural tone
Value Score
77 vs 69
Better price/quality relationship

Reasons to Get
Martin 000-28EC Sunburst over 000-15SM

Neck Profile
Acoustic Modified V vs Acoustic Modified Low Oval
Great if you like to hang your thumb over the fretboard
Scale Length
24.9'' (632.5mm) vs 25.4'' (645.2mm)
Easier bending, shorter fret separation and warmer natural tone

Other Key Differences
Martin 000-15SM vs 000-28EC Sunburst

Back Material
Mahogany vs Rosewood
Different Back Material
Sides Material
Mahogany vs Rosewood
Different Sides Material
Bridge Material
East Indian Rosewood vs Ebony
Different Bridge Material
Body Wood
Mahogany vs Spruce
Different Body Wood
Fretboard Wood
Rosewood vs Ebony
Different Fretboard Wood

Shared Features
Martin 000-15SM vs 000-28EC Sunburst

Saddle Material
Compensated
Same Saddle Material
Neck Wood
Mahogany
Same Neck Wood
Headstock
3-3
Same Headstock
Nut Material
Bone
Same Nut Material
Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Hollowbody
Warm tone, lighter and acoustic sound
Switch Positions
0
Same pickups versatility
Volume Knobs
0
Same volume control
Tone Knobs
0
Same tone control
Number of Frets
20
Same maximum octave
Nut Width
1.75'' (44.5mm)
Same string separation at the nut
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Bridge
Fixed
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Fretboard Radius
16'' (406.4mm)
Same fretboard comfortability
Type of Frets
Medium
You'll feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings

Common Strengths

  • Solid Top Wood
  • Solid Side Wood
  • Solid Back Wood
  • High-Quality Nut
  • From a High-Quality-Standards Country
  • Top Pickup Brand
  • Expensive Wood

Common Weaknesses

  • Pickup Alter Switch/Knob
  • Locking Tuners
  • High-Quality Frets
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • Strap Lock
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Table of Contents

Price History Comparison

SET PRICE ALERT
SET PRICE ALERT

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Which One is Better Overall?

After going through our comparison algorithm, the results show that the Martin 000-28EC Sunburst is probably the better product overall with its final score of 84 compared to the Martin 000-15SM's 82 score, although not by a lot.

The Martin 000-28EC Sunburst wins when it comes to playability, build quality. On the other hand, the Martin 000-15SM has the upper hand when it comes to value for the money.

If you got small hands, you'll probably feel that the Martin 000-15SM is easier to play.

Which One is Better for Beginners?

Both meet 3 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness. This takes into account the type of frets, scale length, nut width, bridge type, fretboard radius, and neck profile to determine the easiest combination for new players. If you're looking for your first guitar to learn how to play, you can't go wrong with either of them.

New Player Friendliness

Martin 000-15SM
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable shape
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale
  • Soft Strings
  • Locking tuners

New Player Friendliness

Martin 000-28EC Sunburst
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable shape
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale
  • Soft Strings
  • Locking tuners

Nevertheless, when it comes to choosing an instrument, you should pick the one more compatible with your personal style. Still, below we'll try you to give you our results as objectively as it's possible to help you decide.

Martin 000-15SM Overview

  • From Martin's 2017 15 series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 25.4"'' scale
  • 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Mahogany top
  • Solid Mahogany back
  • Solid Mahogany sides
  • Mahogany neck
  • East Indian Rosewood fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman Gold Plus Natural I (Preamp/Active)
  • East Indian Rosewood bridge
  • Acoustic Modified Low Oval Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Golden Age Bright Nickel Side Mount tuners
  • Weight between 3.6lbs (1.6kgs) and 3.75lbs (1.7kgs)
  • Compare Specs >

Martin 000-28EC Sunburst Overview

  • From Martin's 2014 Custom & Special Editions series
  • Eric Clapton Signature
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 24.9"'' scale
  • 16" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Spruce top
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood back
  • Solid East Indian Rosewood sides
  • Genuine Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Fishman Gold Plus Natural I (Preamp/Active)
  • Ebony bridge
  • Acoustic Modified V Set neck
  • 20 Medium frets
  • Nickel Open Gear tuners
  • Compare Specs >

Sound Quality Comparison

The most important thing that will determine the tone of an acoustic guitar is the wood. Let's take a look at the differences between both .

Woods Used in Both

Mahogany wood pattern used for guitar building
Mahogany
Rosewood wood pattern used for guitar building
Rosewood

Mahogany is a fairly rare wood nowadays. It's used mostly for bodies due to its relatively lightweight. Gibson popularized it with their Les Paul guitars during their golden years, so this wood has a lot of good reputation behind it. The most expensive type comes from South America and it's still used by Gibson even today. Find out more about Mahogany.

Rosewood is an almost purple-looking wood that is used mainly for fretboards since it's heavy, rare, and expensive. It's sometimes used on acoustic guitar bodies to create stronger warm tones. Find out more about Rosewood.

Woods Used in the Martin 000-28EC Sunburst

Ebony wood pattern used for guitar building
Ebony
Spruce wood pattern used for guitar building
Spruce

Ebony is a high-end wood, so it is not cheap. It's only used for fretboards because it's also very heavy. It does an excellent job as a durable material while looking elegant. Find out more about Ebony.

Spruce has a light color with tight grain patterns. It's very stiff but relatively light. It's known for producing a well-rounded tone with a broad dynamic range. Find out more about Spruce.

Winner: Martin 000-28EC Sunburst.

Electronics

Both come with electronics that allow you connect them to an amplifier or interface for recording.

Winner:Tie.

Final Sound Quality Scores

Martin 000-15SM
Sustain 90
Versatility 85
Tuning Stability 70
Sound 86
Martin 000-28EC Sunburst
Sustain 90
Versatility 85
Tuning Stability 70
Sound 86

Build Quality Comparison

When it comes to build quality, we like to take into account everything used to build the instrument. This includes materials, hardware and the quality control expected depending on the country where it was built. Let's see how the Martin 000-15SM compares to the Martin 000-28EC Sunburst.

Country of Origin

The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. Both in this comparison where made in United States.

The United States is considered one of the best electric guitar manufacturers in the world. A guitar made in this country is supposed to have world-class quality control. Nowadays, guitars made in other countries can beat some of the ones made in the US, but most of the time, this country offers the best you can get. Of course, that comes at a price.

Winner: Tie

Nut Material

If you want your guitar to stay in tune and sound good, you need a well cut nut. Nut quality can be inconsistent even when comparing two copies of the same model. The best way to make sure you're nut will be well done is by getting a nut made by an expert company like TUSQ or Micarta.

In this case, both have Bone nuts. It's a type of nut found in high-quality instruments. They sound similar to Ivory since they give a lot of sustain and a bright sound (at least when striking open strings). The only problem they can run into is that you may get a bone piece that simply doesn't sound as well as others because that's just how natural materials are.

Fret Material

Most fret wire is made of nickel silver. This material eventually wears down after a lot of use and most instruments end up needing a complete fret replacement. However, some expensive models come with stainless steel frets. This is what you should aim for if you can afford it.

Unfortunately, none of them come with stainless steel frets.

Winner: Tie.

Tuners

Both come with regular tuners. The Martin 000-15SM's are Golden Age Bright Nickel Side Mount while the Martin 000-28EC Sunburst's are Nickel Open Gear

Winner: Tie.

Here is the list of features that were considered when choosing the winner in the Features subcategory:

Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin 000-15SM
  • Made in United States
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Electronics
  • Compensated Saddle
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Solid Side Wood
  • Solid Back Wood
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock
Strengths & Weaknesses
Martin 000-28EC Sunburst
  • Made in United States
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Electronics
  • Compensated Saddle
  • Solid Top Wood
  • Solid Side Wood
  • Solid Back Wood
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

Final Build Quality Scores

Martin 000-15SM
Quality of materials 86
Features 85
Quality Control 90
Build Quality 87
Martin 000-28EC Sunburst
Quality of materials 86
Features 85
Quality Control 100
Build Quality 90

Playability Comparison

Let's now compare their playability. Bear in mind that the instrument will feel different depending on your hand size and play style. That's why you should always test before buying. But if you can't or want a second opinion on it, we can still take a look at each of the important measurements of the instrument for you. This way, we can predict how easy a guitar might be to play, or how different it will feel compared to the other.

Remember that, even though the difference might seem small, every inch counts when it comes to feeling of the instrument in your hands. Any variation can completely change how comfortable a guitar feels in your hands.

Nut Width

Martin 000-15SM Nut Width
Both Guitars Have The Same Nut Width

The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, both have a nut width of 44.5mm (1.75'').

This is within the most common range of nut widths for a 6-string guitar. It offers a good balance of string separation at the nut. It's the size that most guitarists prefer as it gives them just enough space to play open chords without muting the strings, but without spreading the strings too wide and making bar chords difficult to perform.

Scale Length

Martin 000-15SM's Scale Length
Martin 000-15SM's Scale Length
Martin 000-28EC Sunburst's Scale Length
Martin 000-28EC Sunburst's Scale Length

The scale length is one of the things that influences playability the most. This is the distance between the nut and the bridge and will affect everything from low action allowance, difficulty to perform bends, fret separation, and even tone.

The Martin 000-15SM has the longest scale: 25.4". The Martin 000-28EC Sunburst is only 24.9" long. This is a 0.5'' (12.7mm) scale length difference.

This longer scale means that the strings need more tension to get in tune. This is good if you want to avoid fret buzz, which can happen when the strings are too loose and touch the frets while vibrating. This is especially important when playing in lower tunings. This will also let you reduce the gap between fretboard and strings (low action) to make them easier to press down. However, this higher tension will also make it harder to perform bends and vibratos as the strings will feel stiffer.

This also means that the frets have a longer separation between each other, so this will make it harder for people with smaller hands when playing some chord positions.

Another characteristic of a longer scale is that it makes the guitar sound 'snappier' or brighter. This is due to the extra separation between harmonics and overtones produced by the tension. This influences tone more than any other factor (except the pickups).

Lastly, remember that you can also affect the tension of the strings by changing your string gauge. You can use a thicker gauge for more tension and a lighter one for less tension.

Neck Profile

Martin 000-15SM Neck Profile
Martin 000-15SM's neck profile
Martin 000-28EC Sunburst Neck Profile
Martin 000-28EC Sunburst's neck profile

No single neck shape is better than others. However, most people tend to prefer a thinner necks because it doesn't get in their way when playing fast and most hand sizes can adapt to it pretty well. However, some people still prefer thicker necks for a better grip, especially if they have big hands.

In this case, both have different neck shapes:

The Martin 000-15SM has a C type of neck. This is what you'll find in most modern guitars. Most people feel like the thickness of a C neck is simply the less intrusive one for playing fast, while at the same time allowing you to grab the neck easily for resting if you want to.

The Martin 000-28EC Sunburst, on the other hand, has a V neck. This neck shape was more common during Fender's early years. Some people like it because they use their thumb over the edge of the fretboard to press the lower strings. It's rather thicker than most modern necks, so it's not usually used for playing fast solos.

Fretboard Radius

Martin 000-15SM Fingerboard Radius
Both Guitars Have The Same Fretboard Radius

Most guitar fretboards are not flat; they usually have a curve or arc across their width. A curved fretboard will make it easier to perform chords without muting strings, while a flatter one will make it easier to play single notes, which is good for bending and soloing in general. The best fretboards have a compound radius that varies across the fingerboard, but they're not common since they take a lot more work to build.

Both the Martin 000-15SM and the Martin 000-28EC Sunburst have the same fretboard radius of 16". This fretboard radius is really different from Stratocasters, but it's also a lot flatter than Les Paul fingerboards. It'll favor plating single notes over playing chords. This doesn't mean you can't use it for rhythm, but a more curved fretboard offers better playability for chords. Bending and sliding without losing sustain will also be more likely in a flat fretboard like this one.

Hand Size Comfortability

Everyone has a different hand size, and that's why it's recommended to try a guitar before buying, even if others tell you that it's comfortable to play. However, we can know whether a guitar favors small or large hands just by knowing its exact measurements.

And after taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that the Martin 000-28EC Sunburst favors large hands more than the Martin 000-15SM.

Martin 000-15SM:
Big Hands
Small Hands
Martin 000-28EC Sunburst:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Fret Size

Martin 000-15SM and Martin 000-28EC Sunburst Frets Size
Both have a similar Medium fret size

Both have a Medium fret size. If you like feeling the fretboard when you play, but also appreciate some easiness to press down the frets, this size offers a good balance for that.

Final Playability Scores

Martin 000-15SM
Bending & Vibrato Ease 75
Chord Playability 65
Solo Playability 80
Playability 73
Martin 000-28EC Sunburst
Bending & Vibrato Ease 80
Chord Playability 80
Solo Playability 70
Playability 77

Specs Side-by-Side

Martin 000-15SM vs 000-28EC Sunburst
General Martin 000-15SM 000-28EC Sunburst
Brand: Martin Martin
Year: 2017 2014
Strings: 6 6
Made in: United States United States
Series: 15 Custom & Special Editions
Colors: Natural Natural
Left-Handed Version: Yes Yes
Body
Type: Hollowbody Hollowbody
Body Material: Solid Mahogany Solid Spruce
Sides Material: Mahogany Rosewood
Back Material: Mahogany Rosewood
Bridge: East Indian Rosewood Ebony
Neck
Neck Joint: Set Set
Tuners: Golden Age Bright Nickel Side Mount Nickel Open Gear
Fretboard: East Indian Rosewood Ebony
Neck Material: Mahogany Genuine Mahogany
Decoration: Abalone Diamonds and Squares Short Pattern Abalone with Awabi Clapton Signature Diamonds and Squares Long Pattern with Eric Clapton Signature
Scale Size: 25.4" 24.9"
Shape: Acoustic Modified Low Oval Acoustic Modified V
Frets: 20 Medium Nickel Silver 20 Medium Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 16" 16"
Nut: Bone Bone
Nut Width: 44.5mm (1.75'') 44.5mm (1.75'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickup: Fishman Gold Plus Natural I (Preamp / Active) Fishman Gold Plus Natural I (Preamp / Active)