C. F. Martin 0-15 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1961), made in Nazareth, PA, natural lacquer finish, mahogany body and neck, rosewood fingerboard, original black tolex chipboard case.
In 1961 the small-body, all-mahogany Martin 0-15 was Martin's least expensive guitar, devoid of ornament but is still built with the company's customary quality and attention to detail. The 0-15 was essentially the same instrument as the 0-17, but listed as having a dull finish, with less polish out than the 0-17. The mahogany top gives a generally tighter tone than spruce, and this is often a benefit today as these guitars amplify extremely well, making excellent stage instruments. Perfect for performing, songwriting or just general use, this 0-15 is a delightful player very good bargain in a nearly 60 year old Martin.
Overall length is 38 1/2 in. (97.8 cm.), 13 5/8 in. (34.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).
This guitar remains quite clean overall with no heavy playwear, just some minor dings and some light checking. The only notable flaw is the headstock face shows a noticeable area of finish melt at the base down by the nut, where an old vinyl "hootenanny" strap was likely left on for a long time and reacted with the lacquer. There is also a 1960s "Mono-Plak" nameplate mounted on the headstock face, with the owner's name "Flo 1966-SI" engraved on it. These were a fairly common accessory of the period -- they were meant to replace a Gibson truss rod cover, but of course this Martin lacks that feature so it is mounted higher on the headstock face. There is also some old finish disturbance on the bottom of the body near the endpin, and a bit on the back, courtesy of that same old vinyl strap. The instrument has no cracks or repairs and appears all original including the openback Waverly tuners, except for newer bridgepins.
With a recent neckset and setup this mahogany marvel plays superbly, and is a very good sounding example with plenty of volume and a nicely even tone. Includes the original hangtag, with the period price of $99 (sorry we can no longer honor that price!). The original SSC is still in very good functional condition, with an old Bill Russell capo and some picks still in the pocket. Overall Excellent Condition.
