I'll tell ya what, if any of you ever get a chance to sit with one of these guitars... do not pass the opportunity up. Now I realize not everyone likes the same tones as I do, but this guitar is amazing. It's like several different insturments in one. When you pick it with your fingers, there's this warm soft tone that reminds me a bit of my classical guitar sound. With your nails, or a pick it's yet another sound. When you strum it, there's even yet another sound. It really is very versitile. Add to that, I can finally do some extra LITTLE things that make my strumming sound better which I just couldn't really HEAR on the Epi dread although I was trying.
Seriously, I thought there was fret buzz when I first tried it out and I almost passed it over. The neck is wider than my dread, and a bit pickier. The guys in the shop offered to do a set up on it and lower the nut for me for free, but suggested I NOT do that. They showed me how they finger the frets and how they have no buzz at all on the same guitar. They advised me that adjusting my playing and perfecting my fretting was the best choice because I am going to get better... much better with this guitar and then will be regretting having lowered the nut. So, those on the Skype Jam tonight please bear with me and try not to cringe too much with my buzzing. I noticed the Martin Dreads will hide all those "poor player" mistakes, although this 000 does not. I just couldn't pass up the tone and beauty. I know some people think the lack of frills is ugly, but I just think the simplicity of this guitar and the rich mohoganny wood are so darn PURTY! I hugged my guitar last night. Yes, I really did hug it.
BTW - I also tried out that Taylor Mini on DE's suggestion, and it is a MIGHTY FINE little guitar. It does NOT lack in volume compared to other slightly larger guitars like this 000. It is a bit cheaper also and I would absolutely suggest it to someone that is "anti-Martin" or looking for a small quality guitar in a slightly lower price range. Tonally, it was a lovely sound... but the rich wood on this 000-15M makes a tone that I just could NOT pass by. So rich and yummy!
Art and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder.
What constitutes excellent music is in the ears of the listener.