1942 C. F. Martin 0-15 Natural Mahogany
Description
SN:80460. The 0-15 was Martin’s most popular and economical model at the end of the Great Depression and through World War II. Production ceased in 1943, resumed in 1948, and continued successfully until its discontinuation in 1961. These small mahogany Martins have recently reentered the national guitar conversation following Jason Isbell’s album Foxes in the Snow, a solo acoustic recording made with a 1940s 0-17.
This one-owner Martin 0-15 was built in Nazareth, Pennsylvania in 1942. Top, back, sides and neck are mahogany with a fingerboard and rectangular bridge of rosewood. There is no binding; the finish a natural semi-gloss. Interior construction details include scalloped X-bracing, two scalloped tone bars, and a T-bar in the neck. The neck profile a classic modified V neck profile with an ebony nut. A small number of guitars from this period had a tortoiseshell celluloid head stock overlay bearing a gold Martin decal—a handsome and uncommon feature otherwise seen only on a few batches of D-18s.
This guitar is remarkably light and impressively loud—a little dog with a big bark. It has bite as well: excellent cut, clarity, and a surprising depth. There is none of the boxy or nasally character sometimes associated with mahogany tops; instead, it offers strong range, balance, and dynamic response.
To bring the guitar confidently into the 21st century, Mark Tossman performed a neck reset, full refret, and replaced a compromised bridge with an exact replica and new saddle. The setup and geometry are spot-on. The top shows moderate, honest playwear, including scratches and finish checking, most notably where the player’s arm rests on the lower bout. The back and sides display age-appropriate scratching and checking. There are no cracks or structural issues. The bridge plate is original, the interior is clean and tight, and there are no old repairs or unpleasant surprises.
The hardshell case is original to the guitar. It shows its age but is restorable. The latches are rusty but functional; one hinge will need repair or replacement. The string box is missing one side, but the purple interior felt remains in nice condition, and roughly 95% of the exterior tolex is intact. It’s a rare and evocative survivor.
Specs:
Top: Mahogany
Back & Sides: Mahogany
Bridge & Fretboard: Rosewood
Appointments: Tortoiseshell Celluloid Headplate
Nut width: 1-11/16”
String spacing: 2-1/8”
Body width: 13-1/2”
Depth: 4-1/4”
Scale length: 24.5”
Case: OHSC
This one-owner Martin 0-15 was built in Nazareth, Pennsylvania in 1942. Top, back, sides and neck are mahogany with a fingerboard and rectangular bridge of rosewood. There is no binding; the finish a natural semi-gloss. Interior construction details include scalloped X-bracing, two scalloped tone bars, and a T-bar in the neck. The neck profile a classic modified V neck profile with an ebony nut. A small number of guitars from this period had a tortoiseshell celluloid head stock overlay bearing a gold Martin decal—a handsome and uncommon feature otherwise seen only on a few batches of D-18s.
This guitar is remarkably light and impressively loud—a little dog with a big bark. It has bite as well: excellent cut, clarity, and a surprising depth. There is none of the boxy or nasally character sometimes associated with mahogany tops; instead, it offers strong range, balance, and dynamic response.
To bring the guitar confidently into the 21st century, Mark Tossman performed a neck reset, full refret, and replaced a compromised bridge with an exact replica and new saddle. The setup and geometry are spot-on. The top shows moderate, honest playwear, including scratches and finish checking, most notably where the player’s arm rests on the lower bout. The back and sides display age-appropriate scratching and checking. There are no cracks or structural issues. The bridge plate is original, the interior is clean and tight, and there are no old repairs or unpleasant surprises.
The hardshell case is original to the guitar. It shows its age but is restorable. The latches are rusty but functional; one hinge will need repair or replacement. The string box is missing one side, but the purple interior felt remains in nice condition, and roughly 95% of the exterior tolex is intact. It’s a rare and evocative survivor.
Specs:
Top: Mahogany
Back & Sides: Mahogany
Bridge & Fretboard: Rosewood
Appointments: Tortoiseshell Celluloid Headplate
Nut width: 1-11/16”
String spacing: 2-1/8”
Body width: 13-1/2”
Depth: 4-1/4”
Scale length: 24.5”
Case: OHSC