Sauntman
Hack
Earlier in my search for a new acoustic I decided I wanted a Martin, but hadn't decided on an exact model. That mellow "Martin" tone appeals to my ears. I was thinking a Dread. Last week at my local GC, I played several models, including an HD-28, a D-35 and a used D-35 MP. The sticker price on each was higher than my $2,500 max budget (which wasn't that high until I started shopping). I loved them all, but if money were no object I think I would have went for the HD-28.
This morning I made the hour drive to Elderly Instruments in Lansing, MI. As was anticipated, they had a much better selection of both new and used Martins. I wanted to test drive a D-18 and after some online research and further thought I wanted to try out a 000-28 and an OM-28. Long story short, I decided the 000 body was more comfortable for me, did not lack for tone and worked well for my mainly flatpicking style of playing. I shifted from wanting a Dread to a 000. I played both a 000-28H and the OM-28 extensively and ultimately pulled the trigger on the OM-28 Custom (Elderly). I preferred the 1 3/4" nut and wider string spacing on the OM-28 versus the 1-11/16" nut on the 000-28H. The OM-28 is full scale (25.4") whereas the 000-28H is short scale (24.9"). Both have scalloped X bracing, but the OM-28 has 1/4" whereas the 000-28H has 5/16" bracing. The 000-28H was $300 more (a little more appointments) and this did factor into my decision, but I preferred the majority of the specs of the OM-28. Both played and sounded great. Elderly is excellent as well I should add.
This evening at home I played my new OM-28 for a few hours and am convinced I made the right choice for me. Very pleased.
Both the OM-28 and the 000-28H I am referring to are no longer standard Martin models, they are built specifically for Elderly by the Martin Custom Shop. I will try to post some pics tomorrow of my OM-28 Custom (Elderly). For now, here are the specs:
http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/OM28CUST.htm
This morning I made the hour drive to Elderly Instruments in Lansing, MI. As was anticipated, they had a much better selection of both new and used Martins. I wanted to test drive a D-18 and after some online research and further thought I wanted to try out a 000-28 and an OM-28. Long story short, I decided the 000 body was more comfortable for me, did not lack for tone and worked well for my mainly flatpicking style of playing. I shifted from wanting a Dread to a 000. I played both a 000-28H and the OM-28 extensively and ultimately pulled the trigger on the OM-28 Custom (Elderly). I preferred the 1 3/4" nut and wider string spacing on the OM-28 versus the 1-11/16" nut on the 000-28H. The OM-28 is full scale (25.4") whereas the 000-28H is short scale (24.9"). Both have scalloped X bracing, but the OM-28 has 1/4" whereas the 000-28H has 5/16" bracing. The 000-28H was $300 more (a little more appointments) and this did factor into my decision, but I preferred the majority of the specs of the OM-28. Both played and sounded great. Elderly is excellent as well I should add.
This evening at home I played my new OM-28 for a few hours and am convinced I made the right choice for me. Very pleased.
Both the OM-28 and the 000-28H I am referring to are no longer standard Martin models, they are built specifically for Elderly by the Martin Custom Shop. I will try to post some pics tomorrow of my OM-28 Custom (Elderly). For now, here are the specs:
http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/OM28CUST.htm
- MODEL Elderly Custom OM-28
- CONSTRUCTION: Mahogany Blocks/Dovetail Neck Joint
- BODY SIZE: 000-14 Fret
- TOP: Solid Sitka Spruce
- ROSETTE: Style 28
- TOP BRACING PATTERN: Standard X Scalloped
- TOP BRACES: Solid Sitka Spruce 1/4''
- BACK MATERIAL: Solid East Indian Rosewood
- BACK PURFLING: Style 28
- SIDE MATERIAL: Solid East Indian Rosewood
- ENDPIECE: White Boltaron
- ENDPIECE INLAY: Black/White Boltaron
- BINDING: White Boltaron
- TOP INLAY STYLE: Multiple Black/White Boltaron
- SIDE INLAY: none
- BACK INLAY: Black/White Boltaron
- NECK MATERIAL: Select Hardwood
- NECK SHAPE: Low Profile
- NUT MATERIAL: Bone
- HEADSTOCK: Solid/Diamond/Square Taper
- HEADPLATE: Solid East Indian Rosewood /Raised Gold Foil Logo
- HEELCAP: White Boltaron
- FINGERBOARD MATERIAL: Black Ebony
- SCALE LENGTH: 25.4''
- # OF FRETS CLEAR: 14
- # OF FRETS TOTAL: 20
- FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT NUT: 1-3/4''
- FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT 12TH FRET: 2-1/4''
- FINGERBOARD POSITION INLAYS: Style 28
- FINGERBOARD BINDING: none
- FINISH BACK & SIDES: Polished Gloss
- FINISH TOP: Polished Gloss
- FINISH NECK: Satin
- BRIDGE MATERIAL: Black Ebony
- BRIDGE STYLE: Belly
- BRIDGE STRING SPACING: 2-1/4''
- SADDLE: 16'' Radius/Compensated/Bone
- TUNING MACHINES: Chrome Enclosed w/ Large Buttons
- RECOMMENDED STRINGS: Martin SP Lifespan Phosphor Bronze Light Gauge (MSP7100)
- BRIDGE & END PINS: White w/Black Dots
- PICKGUARD: Black
- CASE: 533E Geib Style
- INTERIOR LABEL: none
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