Changed my mind on Martin (and NGD)

jellyroll · November 2017

I've been on the look out for a Martin for a while. I already have 2 acoustics (a Santa Cruz and a Collings - both OM variants) but I've been justifying another potential purchase on the grounds that so many players really rate Martin & they can't all be wrong so I really must be missing something. So, I've been playing tons of Martin dreads (as that's their flagship range plus I thought it would give me something different from my current OMs) but never felt the love.

This week, I decided to try Martin OMs. Long story short...I came home with an OM21 (no pics but its the stock model). Early days but thrashing out an E blues on the sofa it's great. The OM21 is a very uncluttered model (Rosewood, Sitka, black binding, butter bean tuners, no bling). At first I thought I would "tolerate" the neck as its not got the upmarket binding of my other guitars and doesn't look as refined. But after a couple of days playing, I really like the 1 3/4 neck. It's a good size for me and has a visceral feel I really like.

I also think I now "get" what constitutes the Martin sound (though I couldn't begin to describe it).

I think this is a keeper - it's fun and has a utilitarian vibe and great tone that I like. I might tire of it and I probably would always want at least 1 other acoustic to provide something different and more refined. But I suspect the Collings might be in the departure lounge.....

TimmyO · November 2017

Nice one!

I really liked the OM28 I played in a shop, and I ahve to admit I'm a sucker for 'that name' on the headstock. Good GAS

earwighoney · November 2017

jellyroll said:

I've been on the look out for a Martin for a while. I already have 2 acoustics (a Santa Cruz and a Collings - both OM variants) but I've been justifying another potential purchase on the grounds that so many players really rate Martin & they can't all be wrong so I really must be missing something. So, I've been playing tons of Martin dreads (as that's their flagship range plus I thought it would give me something different from my current OMs) but never felt the love.

This week, I decided to try Martin OMs. Long story short...I came home with an OM21 (no pics but its the stock model). Early days but thrashing out an E blues on the sofa it's great. The OM21 is a very uncluttered model (Rosewood, Sitka, black binding, butter bean tuners, no bling). At first I thought I would "tolerate" the neck as its not got the upmarket binding of my other guitars and doesn't look as refined. But after a couple of days playing, I really like the 1 3/4 neck. It's a good size for me and has a visceral feel I really like.

I also think I now "get" what constitutes the Martin sound (though I couldn't begin to describe it).

I think this is a keeper - it's fun and has a utilitarian vibe and great tone that I like. I might tire of it and I probably would always want at least 1 other acoustic to provide something different and more refined. But I suspect the Collings might be in the departure lounge.....

FFS. Pictures or it didn't happen.

The Martin 21 style is my favourite of theirs.

VimFuego · November 2017

not played a martin I didn't like.

maltingsaudio · November 2017

VimFuego said:

not played a martin I didn't like.

I have and plenty of them

ICBM · November 2017

I used to have an OM-21 when they first came out - it remains the best-sounding Martin I've ever played. Sadly I just could not get on with the neck size and bridge string spacing.

I have a friend who is a very good classical guitarist who was looking for a nice acoustic at the time, so I sold it to her - of course the neck is perfect for a classical player.

jellyroll · November 2017

TimmyO said:

Nice one!

I really liked the OM28 I played in a shop, and I ahve to admit I'm a sucker for 'that name' on the headstock. Good GAS

Cheers mate.

jellyroll · November 2017

ICBM said:

I used to have an OM-21 when they first came out - it remains the best-sounding Martin I've ever played. Sadly I just could not get on with the neck size and bridge string spacing.

I have a friend who is a very good classical guitarist who was looking for a nice acoustic at the time, so I sold it to her - of course the neck is perfect for a classical player.

I believe they changed the neck profile c.2012 so maybe give it another try!

ICBM · November 2017

jellyroll said:

I believe they changed the neck profile c.2012 so maybe give it another try!

It still says 1-3/4" nut width and 2-5/32" string spacing in the spec, so no good unfortunately.

Sassafras · November 2017

maltingsaudio said:

VimFuego said:

not played a martin I didn't like.

I have and plenty of them

Same here. Many of them have left me completely underwhelmed.
On the other hand, I've played one or two that have been stunning.

stickyfiddle · November 2017

I bloomin love Martins. Never played an OM-21. I must fix this!

jellyroll · November 2017

I was firmly in the “Martins are unispiring” camp before this. I think I might now be in the "dreads are unispiring" camp.

earwighoney · November 2017

ICBM said:

It still says 1-3/4" nut width and 2-5/32" string spacing in the spec, so no good unfortunately.

They now have a thin Taylor neck profile, same nut width but a touch less string spacing at the saddle than a Taylor.

2 5/32" is about the same string spacing as a Telecaster.

BigLicks67 · November 2017

I've had an OM18V for the best part of 14 years now and it is a lovely guitar, one day I hope to match it up with an OM28V, then hopefully I can retire from any further purchases.

ICBM · November 2017

earwighoney said:

They now have a thin Taylor neck profile, same nut width

Even worse!

earwighoney said:

2 5/32" is about the same string spacing as a Telecaster.

Yes, and one of the reasons I prefer the 60s threaded bridge saddles is that you can narrow it slightly. That's the lesser of the issues though.

I much prefer the neck size and string spacing of my Gibson Dove anyway

.

stickyfiddle · November 2017

jellyroll said:

I was firmly in the “Martins are unispiring” camp before this. I think I might now be in the "dreads are unispiring" camp.

Have you tried an HD28? I LOVE mine...

jellyroll · November 2017

stickyfiddle said:
Have you tried an HD28? I LOVE mine...

I have but I think I was mentally comparing it (and the D28 & 35 I played) to my OMs. I guess one has to think of dreads almost as a different instrument and assess them in their own right. I probably will try Dreads again but actually I think for what I do (noodling on the sofa) OMs are a better fit (literally).

rustneversleeps · November 2017

Welcome to the club,I know it’s all personal taste etc etc etc.But when you find a good one,enjoy!!!

jellyroll · November 2017

rustneversleeps said:

Welcome to the club,I know it’s all personal taste etc etc etc.But when you find a good one,enjoy!!!

Thanks!

rustneversleeps · November 2017

jellyroll said:

stickyfiddle said:
Have you tried an HD28? I LOVE mine...

I have but I think I was mentally comparing it (and the D28 & 35 I played) to my OMs. I guess one has to think of dreads almost as a different instrument and assess them in their own right. I probably will try Dreads again but actually I think for what I do (noodling on the sofa) OMs are a better fit (literally).

Although it’s sold ,But my M36 was like a sort of cross between dreads and a om.They are a bit of a rarity but worth it if you can source one.(buyer is flying in from France)

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Changed my mind on Martin (and NGD)

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