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.....
Comments
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
The Martin 21 style is my favourite of theirs.
I'm not locked in here with you, you are locked in here with me.
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.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I believe they changed the neck profile c.2012 so maybe give it another try!
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
On the other hand, I've played one or two that have been stunning.
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 .
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein