John Mayer OM-28 questions/thoughts
 

Hello - considering the OMJM-28, however a couple of questions/concerns -

Says it is set up/designed for medium strings. With an engleman top and a smaller OM body, I wonder about how that will hold up - I suppose if that is what Martin recommends for it, it is designed appropriatly to handle that - any thoughts?

Anybody out there own one of these? Whaat are your impressions?

I want a small body that strums well and has a 1 11/16 nut - this is one of the only ones out there that meets those specs - which is why I am interested in it (I'm not familiar with JM's music at all). Any other model to consider that fits this bill? I already own a oooc-16 rgte, which is a rosewood/sitka OM style with the 1 11/16 nut, and I just love the feel and sound of that little guitar, but would like to have something like it that's just a little nicer and maybe a little louder - I thought maybe the OMJM with its medium strings might be just what the doctor ordered -

What do you all think?

Thanks,

Matt

I have only ever owned sitka topped

I'll give this a couple of bumps and let it go - I didn't think anyone out there would have experience with this one, kind of rare probably.

Thanks anyway,

Matt

It is an expensive guitar. If you don't care much about JM, then it's pointless in my opinion. I'd just custom order a OM-28V with the nut you like or try a 00028 that has the smaller nut.

Thanks for the response -

Well, I don't care about the JM because it's JM's signature model, that's true - but a standard issue OM-28V does not have a 1 11/16 nut or a low profile oval neck or come designed for medium strings to (I'm assuming) accomodate aggressive playing - that's why the JM sounds so tempting -

Basically want an upgraded thumping version of my 000-16rgte, and the specs on the JM look good - but it would be nice to have someone confirm that or recommend a similar model that would accomplish that.

Isn't a standard issue OM-28V pretty expensive too?

Thanks folks -

I don't know where you are located but Acoustic Roots in Bryn Mawr Pa.
(Philly area near Villanova U.) has one in stock.
Here is the link:
http://www.medleynet.com/AcousticRoo...e=5&SortBy=mfg

Great guys to work with. Hope this helps.

Elderly has ordered a (some?) Martin 000-28 Herringbone models... I've not played one, but am intrigued by them. Maybe a call to Elderly can get you the specs as far as bracing and string-guage recommendations. Also, don't believe the price on these, as it's probably listed IAW Martin's MAP policy. A phone call will get you the real price.

http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/00028H.htm

Have you joined the Martin forum? I'm sure there are folks over there that have played the Mayer as well as this Custom 000-28H.

mtw_21211:

The JM is a nice guitar and does have the 11/16" nut. As Joyride mentioned you might try the 00028 for a lot less money. Also, the OM bracing allows for Medium gauge strings if you choose.

If you are willing to wait, ordering an OM28V with a low profile neck & 11/16" nut would still be quite a bit less than the JM. If you are looking used, I would jump on the Collings OM that was in the classifieds a couple of days ago. They are one of the best OM's going and you can strum the beejeezes out of them just like a dread. The standard nut is 11/16 also.

Good Luck!

Mike

the jm is a beautifull guitar but i feel that it is way overpriced. i have the 00028 hd and it is a great guitar for a lot less money.

Hi Matt,
I'll try to be as unbiased as possible here.. although that will be tough... :)
I've played the Mayer sig model, and no doubt it's a fine guitar. But for me a least, the Collings OMs are superior in every aspect. Again, this is just "my" opinion. I have a OM1AC and for its size, its projection is substantial. The Collings guitars may be one of the models you might want to "test drive" if you get the opportunity. You'll find them only to be slightly more expensive than the Mayer, if not very close, depending on what Collings you look at and what options it has, i.e. addy top, cutaway, etc... Again, not bashing Martin....they make great stuff, but I'm pretty smitten with the instruments from the Austin gang. I use light-medium stings on mine (.012 - .056") and have no issues. Also....directly from the Collings website, "An OM should be fine with medium gauge strings."

There was a thread a while back on the Martin forum talking about a new OMJM. This new one is a little less bling blingy (no silver border around the headstock and bridge, etc). And I'd also assume this one to be a tad bit less expensive.

Here's the thread: http://p082.ezboard.com/ftheunoffici...ID=28413.topic


-dan

Just a quick FYI: all Martin steel string guitars (except for the 12 strings) are designed to handle medium strings. Before you pop for a new one, throw a set on your 000. You might be pleasantly surprised.

As for the John Mayer model: I've played a couple of them. Had one been readily available before I ordered my custom, I'd have bought it. It's a great guitar. (Full disclosure: the only thing I know about John Mayer is that he has a Martin signature model.)

Hope this helps...

David

I believe that one of the Martin Paul Simon SEs and the Graham Nash SE also have the nut width you are looking for in a smaller body -- but these are harder to find and of course demand a premium.

Definitely join the UMGF. There is a wealth of martin-related info over there. If you have problems logging in contact me and I'll try to help you with that.

The 000-28H that Elderly sells as a custom does have a low-profile 1 11/16" neck. It is very similar in specs to the JM. However, it is a short (24.9") scale instead of the long (25.4") scale on the JM. Also, the top is sitka instead of engelman. The good news is that they are both great. You can't lose.

The Elderly model sounds tempting, but how does the short scale change the sound?

If your still interested, I was looking around and found an OM-28JM For Sale:

http://p082.ezboard.com/ftheunoffici...cID=7676.topic

Not an expert here, but Englemann is the softest of the spruces - more like cedar than spruce. In my mind, soft does not sound so good strummed (typically). This bad-boy must have some serious bracing!

BTW... how does one sign up for a UMGF acct??? It is a mystery to me. I have an easyboard acct, but cannot post. Any help on that is certainly appreciated!

If you get a good Collings OM they are pure magic. The Santa Cruz OM/PW is worth looking into at a lesser price than most.

Tough decision - standard OM28V or the JM - one thing I don't know about is the engleman top of the JM under the stress of medium strings - seems like that is not right, based on the general thoughts I haave read on this subject - maybe I should try and locate an OM28V and play it first. Thanks for all the replies here.

hi

i too am deciding between an OM-28V, OM-28JM and an OM-35.
a guy i've come to know has played both the OM-28V and OM-28JM, and here's what he had to say:


I own a HD28V so I've really become accustomed to the V shaped neck & found myself quite at home on the OM-28V. That's not to say that the Mayer didn't play well because it is superb also. I like the V shaped neck.
The OM-28V sounded like I expected it to. Warm, heaps of bass, delicate but loud treble. Organic but controlled. Even & not at all washy across the strings.
The Mayer is quite surprisingly louder, It has as much bass but it's more focused. The instrument is more alive & the treble sings out rich not sharp. It's definitely a better guitar. $1500 better? I'm not sure. Both guitars would make great fingerpickers or blues guitars. The OM-28JM sounds much better strummed than the OM28V & I think has a definite edge overall tonally.