Martin D-15 vs Martin D-17

[William2]

I finally found two good videos comparing these two models. The performer is very good. Please give a listen to these two 3 minutes videos where the performer plays the same thing on these two instruments. The D-15 has non-scalloped bracing, and the new D-17 has the scalloped GE bracing. I see dealers telling me the D-17 is superior in sound and sustain. Do you think so and is the d-17 worth the extra $600.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXe6QEyHtvQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8nx_Sv1ftA

[William2]

(I believe these two links arrive at the same destination: D-15M)

Sorry about that. Fixed now.

[B0WIE]

I see dealers telling me the D-17 is superior in sound and sustain. Do you think so and is the d-17 worth the extra $600.

The thing you have to ask yourself is what you want an all mahogany dread for. If sustain is the ultimate goal, there's other builds and woods that may serve you better. In the guitar world it's easy to want more of everything but, I think that's sort of a trap. With some musical styles, less is more. That's especially true when it comes to mahogany topped instruments so it's really down to personal taste.

[teh]

Once again, I agree with Bowie that it all comes down to a matter of personal taste. While I haven't played either Martin model, I watched and listened to both videos twice and thought the D-17 sounded and looked better. Next, I went to both the Martin and Larrivee websites and reviewed the specs for both Martins and for the Larrivee D-40. Assuming the $150 upcharge for adding a mahogany top to the D-40, it comes in at roughly the same price as the Martin D-17. Since you already have both a D-40 and a D-40R, I would suggest considering the Martin 000-17 against a Larrivee 000-40MT.

On the subject of finishes, my four Larrivee acoustics all have a satin finish and my three Martins all have a gloss finish. My personal opinion is that Larrivee has an edge on applying satin finishes over most other builders. I find that the satin finish on my Larrivees is both more durable and visually appealing. Two of my Larrivees were built in Vancouver B.C. and two were built in Oxnard and I can find no significant difference in quality.

The three gloss Martins I own include a non-scalloped D-35, a scalloped OM-35 (Both rosewood) and a scalloped 12 fret 000 with a three piece mahogany back and sides and a slotted headstock. While there are a lot of variables that impact tone, I believe that the 1/4" top bracing used on the 35 series is a key differentiator and the scalloped bracing even enhances the tone a bit more.

So far this week, I've been switching back and forth between my D-35, OM-35 and LSV-03 (Forum VI). Later today, I will add my 000 to the mix. In closing, I'd be interested in comparing an all mahogany Martin 00-17 (if they made one) against my all mahogany Larrivee 00-24 but the Martin would really have to knock my socks off.

[William2]

I have to say I do prefer the sound of the D-17. And from the lefty models I have seen, Martin appears to be using more consistent woods on the front and back on the 17 series. It is like their 000-15SM 12-fret model, it costs $200 more and so the woods look better. I bought that one for that reason but on mahogany tops I found the instrument lacking compared to the D model. I have been thinking of a Larrivee D model with a mahogany top. But BOWIE's comment does give me pause based on what I play. I remember listening to a Maury's Music blind demo and picking a Sitka top over a mahogany top. I just found this to be the first comparison of the scalloped vs non-scalloped of the Martin models. Of the Larrivee's I own, all are scalloped 40 series except the D-03R which I like as it has its own feel and response compared to the others. If I ever had to play for people, I would probably pick the D-40. It has such an easy response. great sustain and being a 14-fret instrument access to the higher register. But I like them all.