HELP! Martin owners...

[guitarhan]

Recently I was asking about OMJM (what ppl think about this guitar) and a member from this forum actually gave me a constructive analysis of this guitar (in short, he believed this guitar was not worth it's value because it is based on a 16 series martin guitars). So, I went away and did more research and am narrowed my future guitar to three.

They are
1. M36
2. 000-28EC
3. OMJM

If anyone own any of these guitars could they give me their feedback on using em???

After all, I just want an all-solid martin guitar...

Thanks please help me choose ...I should probably let you know that I am a fingerpicker and a light strummer.

[Tobias Music]

I vote for the 000-28EC.
Smaller body, rosewood, well balanced, and very versatile.
Classic Martin.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Of the three my favorite is the 000-28EC but I would suggest you try all three and buy the one that speaks to you.

[loucamaro91]

I own the 00028-EC.

I have owned MANY Martin guitars throughout the years... Kind of a Martin snob at times. The OMJM is a nicely done guitar. It is by no stretch a "16" series guitar. It might share the same bracing, but thats it. The 16 is more of the entry, lower end guitar. They typically don't have such features as; Gloss finish, Herringbone style binding or two piece backs, ebony fretboard and bridge, snowflake or mop fret markers. I don't know if the OMJM is a bolt on neck or Dovetail? I know the Martin Performing artist are bolt on necks(M&T for you snobs:P), but so are ALL Taylor.

I am pleased with my Eric Clapton. Its very fitting for me, because I love his acoustic style playing(Who Doesn't!?) I like V-shaped neck ,which the OMJM doesn't have. I used to own an OM-28V, which was my absolutely favorite acoustic. The fretboard started to life off the neck, so I took it back and forgot all about buying another guitar.

I recently got my Clapton, about 3 days ago. I knew about the specs and knew it was a dead match to my OM-28V, just so happen to have a signature on the fretboard of EC. Otherwise, the same....

[StephenHD35]

Of the three, my personal choice would be to exclude the OMJM. But that's just me. The other two are SO different from one another, you really should play them. I think they each have plenty to recommend them- but nut width, scale length, size, sound- they are just different breeds entirely. I think a lot of people would agree that the M-36 is a very versatile guitar. It certainly has a fair number of enthusiastic proponents. I agree with loucamaro91 that the OM-28V is a really nice option, but it is varies from the EC in significant ways. The OM is long scale and lighter braced, (1/4" vs. 5/16"). They will feel, play, and sound different. Enjoy the search, there are a lot of nice options out there.

[RobertForman]

if I was looking for a Martin 000 or OM, I would look for something in the V = Vintage Series, GE = Golden Era Series, or A = Authentic Series, and maybe the M = Marquis Series. otherwise the signature models have been hit or miss where the most famous and long lasting signature model seems to be the Clapton which is a good guitar.

[AZLiberty]

The M-36 is highly under-rated IMHO.

You get a 0000 size body, with the depth of an OM. Very comfortable to play, and responds well to a lighter touch.


The 000-28EC sounds nice, but it has the evil "V" shaped neck. Generally, people either love or hate the V-neck. You definitely want to play one in advance to know whether it will work for you.

[brencat]

Originally Posted by loucamaro91

I recently got my Clapton, about 3 days ago. I knew about the specs and knew it was a dead match to my OM-28V, just so happen to have a signature on the fretboard of EC. Otherwise, the same....

Actually the Clapton is based on the discontinued 000-28H if I'm not mistaken.

As mentioned already, it has the wider 5/16" braces and is short scale, vs the 1/4" bracing and long scale of the OM-28V. To me, they don't sound anything alike.

OP, out of the 3 you listed, my pick would be the Clapton too, but if you are trying to select a Martin based on specs only, you may be doing yourself a disservice. If you have the ability to go to a shop with a wide selection to play, you may surprise yourself in what you pick. Hopefully you have that option.

Good luck.

[Gcunplugged]

I haven't played the M36 or the OMJM, but own the 000-28EC and really like it. As others have mentioned, best to play one if you can. Several factors to take into consideration:
- Short Scale
- Wider fingerboard (I think 1 13/16 at nut)
- Modified V neck profile

All of which work for me, but did take some getting used to. Here's a short example of mine played fingerstyle:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHFCTw-Zc9M

I find it to be more balanced than my Martin dread (HD-28VR), and it definitely would not be my go-to guitar for strumming or rhythm playing. The bass response is also drier with more blues "thump" than anything else I own. In this vid, I'm using a Slack Key (Bb Wahine) tuning, which means strings 1-4 down a whole step each, and string 5-6 up a half step each.

Hope that helps,
gc

[DAVE 57]

HI,I OWN A D28 and M36.I HAVE HAD THE M36 ABOUT 3 MONTHS NOW. I CAN'T SPEAK HIGHLY ENOUGH OF THIS GUITAR.ITS A GREAT ALL ROUNDER FOR ANY STYLE OF PLAYING.ITS GOT VERY GOOD VOLUME(JUST SHORT OF THE D 28)AS ITS A LOT SLIMMER THAN A D 28 MAKING IT VERY COMORTABLE IN PLAYING.ITS GOT A LOVELY BALANCED TONE ACROSS ALL STRINGS.AS BE PREVIOUSLY SAID I AGREE IT'S MARTIN BEST KEPT SECRET. GOOD LUCK

[drplayer]

Originally Posted by loucamaro91

I recently got my Clapton, about 3 days ago. I knew about the specs and knew it was a dead match to my OM-28V, just so happen to have a signature on the fretboard of EC. Otherwise, the same....

Well, not quite...5/16" bracing on EC vs. 1/4" on V; fine herringbone rosette on EC vs. Style 28 on V; fine herringbone top inlay on EC vs. bold herringbone on V; 24.9" scale length on EC vs. 25.4" on V; polished neck on EC vs. satin neck on V; 2-1/4" bridge string spacing on EC vs. 2-5/16" on V; compensated saddle on EC vs. drop-in on V; long-pattern diamond and square fingerboard inlay on EC vs. short-pattern on V; and yes Eric's signature inlayed on the fretboard of the EC.

Retail cost (according to Martin's web-site) - $4599 for EC & $4399 for V. So for me, Eric's signature inlay, herringbone rosette, long pattern fingerboard inlay, and short-scale are EASILY worth the extra $200. I too vote for the EC...I love mine!

[Tony Burns]

Sorry- not a big fan of Artist models -i feel you can get pretty much the same guitar for a lot less -without the vanity .

Id say look at the newer OM-21 ( 2012 and up )
or the OM-21 special
and if you can tolerate the v neck -the OM28v ( i own one of these -its a great guitar )

better bang for the buck models -in the OM size

[conacher]

Check out my post on your OMJM topic. Dont listen to anyone that tells you the OMJM isnt worth the value and definitely dont listen to anyone that tells you the OMJM is a 16 series guitar. The comment is getting old and worn out.

In addition, the M-36, 000-28EC and OMJM are all worlds apart in terms of specs. I would highly suggest that you try all of them because not a single one of them is like the other.

[TwoMartinMan]

I love the specs of my 000-28EC. The V neck, 1 3/4" nut, and short scale work for me.

[Judson]

I had the privilege of comparing the M-36 to several other top end models at the Martin Factory "Pickin Parlor" a couple of weeks ago. I liked it a lot! It's has a large profile, but a very shallow body compared to other Martins. Produced a big sound and very comfortable to play.