Martin’s first-ever basses, the EB-18 and EB-28 electrics (launched in 1979 and 1980), were not particularly successful. The company has had much more success with it’s recent bass guitars.

This BC-15E is a recent addition to the 15 series, having debuted in 2000. This series, first introduced in 1935 had traditionally featured unbound mahogany bodies with a natural finish. Today, Martin also uses sapele on their “most affordable solid wood guitars”.

The BC-15E is a sister model to the Dreadnaught 6-string DC-15E. It has a 16-inch wide body that supplies a rich, mellow timbre, and one satisfied customer, bassist Eddie Foronda, referred to the guitar’s pleasant “forest fragrance” that it has when new.