M20 versus 00-15

[jgmaute]

Hi Ridge,

Havent compared them, but I've got the all Mahoghany 00 Martin. Nice sound but I find it uncomfortable to play sitting in a normal chair, neck and shoulder get real sore after a while. It's OK when you're slouched in a sofa though. Sound wise it's OK, it's a Martin. Nowhere near a bluesbox like my old F30 though.....

Why don't you pop over and play them both, see what you think ?

Cheers, Ian

Ian I'm so glad you're getting to know that ole F-30...she does have an amazing voice. By the way, I did run the serial # by Hans back when I first found her, but I can't remember the year, you may want to pm him it seems it's a combination of the serial # (which isn't listed on any site I could find) and the design of the label, maybe late 60s?

 

[killdeer43]

Joe any ole time you want to come on down and give her a play just let me know (it seems to me someone mentioned before that since this was a group LTG project we should have shared custody).

Yeah, I'm as much of a sucker for 'coastal islands' as I am for vintage Guilds. I'm going to make a note of that invitation, and see where my travelin' shoes lead me. :wink:

Thanks and have a Merry/Happy,
Joe

 

[southernGuild]

A Hobokin?...even sweeter! great shots.

 

[jgmaute]

I just noticed that this M20 is less than 10 numbers lower than the serial # on mine. The lifting veneer was an easy fix for my luthier and I suppose a black or ebony dot could be put in the hole on the heel. Mine needed a heat neck reset but this seller says the neck is straight and it has great playability. Looks pretty good...Joe...don't you need to take a run to Toronto?

 

[killdeer43]

Looks pretty good...Joe...don't you need to take a run to Toronto?

Well, I've already seen the CN Tower, so I'll have to think about that one! :wink:

Joe

 

[Ridgemont]

All I can say is that I LOVE my M-20 and after all it was a LTG group project acquisition...but it's not Westerly, it's Hoboken.

Tom Jutz (Nanci Griffith's Blue Moon Orchestra)

and Janis Ian loved it too

now if I could just play it as well as they do...guess I'll have to practice some more. It really is an amazing guitar, I can't thank you guys enough for helping me get it. jm

I also do not get tired of seeing your M20. It is in such good condition. Everybody is right in saying the M20 has more mojo than a 00-15. Maybe a better comparison (given the age factor) would be a 00-17. If that is the case, I have never heard either. I haven't played many all hog guitars, but for new instruments, I am pretty impressed by the 00-15 for its playability and tone and price.

 

[adorshki]

Looks pretty good...Joe...don't you need to take a run to Toronto?

Well, I've already seen the CN Tower, so I'll have to think about that one! :wink:

Joe

JG wants you to run to Toronto? :mrgreen:

 

[fungusyoung]

I don't think you can really go wrong with either of these or a Gibson LGO assuming you find one in decent shape. I do prefer the Martins from a few years ago that were mahogany vs. the sapele being used most often today... even though it's purely cosmetic, I just don't care for the stripey look of sapele. All mahogany small body guitars rule! I have an '03 000-15 that I'll never part with. One day I'd like to pick up an M20 or LGO. That M20 jgmaute posted earlier in this thread looks FABULOUS! :shock:

 

[jgmaute]

I don't think you can really go wrong with either of these or a Gibson LGO assuming you find one in decent shape. I do prefer the Martins from a few years ago that were mahogany vs. the sapele being used most often today... even though it's purely cosmetic, I just don't care for the stripey look of sapele. All mahogany small body guitars rule! I have an '03 000-15 that I'll never part with. One day I'd like to pick up an M20 or LGO. That M20 jgmaute posted earlier in this thread looks FABULOUS! :shock:

Thanks, it is, of course, FABULOUS but had someone not posted it on the ebay/craigslist forum (Pike maybe?) then JHCrawLaw (Chip) gone to take it for a test drive (and send me a very detailed report) someone else would have it. Speaking of LGOs, my first 6 string guitar was a used LGO I got at the Old Town Folklore Center (back in the 60s, it was on North Ave then) for $40. It has been the house guitar at Second City. The main thing I remember about it is that it was very heavy. Every time I pick up my M20 I am once again amazed at how light it is. I wonder how that impacts the sound (surely something's been done right). Joan