#16
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Best to you in your choice. You'll have a fine guitar either way. Let us know which way you go. At any rate, the music in the end is more important than the gear. Bill |
#17
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Quite interesting that I also am caught between the two instruments in discussion. Difference is that there is $600 difference between the two, used. Would the OM21 be more of an investment for the $600 difference? This will be used for leading praise...
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#18
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Regardless, if one is considering either the OM-03 or OM-03R or Martin OM-21, it all boils down to just a few things: tone (the primary thing to me), satin or gloss finish (I prefer gloss, others prefer satin), neck profile (either is fine to me, though some prefer one or the other), and bridge string spacing (2 3/16" on the Larrivee and 2 1/4" on the Martin). For me, I prefer the Martin tone, gloss over satin, and 2 1/4" string spacing over 2 3/16" for my fledgling attempt at learning fingerstyle. Any of these guitars will do well in leading worship. I take it you're referring to a large group setting where amplification is needed. I do find more volume in the OM-21, but with amplification that's a non-issue, IMO. It all boils down to what one wants. I initially bought an L-03R that I later traded with an AGF member for an OM-03R. I had a thing against buying a Martin because I didn't want to be accused of buying for the name on the headstock, and I really like Larrivee as a company. The OM-03R just didn't have the lower end in tone that I wanted, so I eventually overcame my aversion to buying a Martin (silly, I know) and bought a used OM-21 in great condition from a UMGF member in Denver. I've been very happy with it. As seen in this thread, we have AGF members who love their OM-03/03R guitars, and some prefer them over the OM-21. To each his own. The music is more important than the gear, so play what has the sound and playability you like. Bill |
#19
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A very good point, often lost in the endless discussions of guitar "tone."
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#20
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Yes, thank you for your detailed explanation it's very helpful. I agree that tone is what I am searching for and since these two guitars aren't located very close by and with my GAS problem, I sought after the wisdom and experience of a fellow AGF members. I guess I should just stop being lazy and go drive out there to check it out.
I do actually prefer the mid range more and have been seeking cedar topped guitars. A friend of mine has the 500 series Taylor with cedar/mahogany combo which the tone I'm going after. |
#21
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Bill |
#22
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I've done this exact search; looking for the cedar/mahogany tone of the 500 series (specifically the 514ce). After many false starts, I've come come to the conclusion that that particular Taylor tone (514ce) can only be had with a genuine Taylor 514ce. The good news is that the 514Ce is not that far away from the price of the OM-21
__________________
Taylor 612c (1994) Taylor Custom GC All Mahogany (2010) Eastman E10-OM Yamaha NTX700 Recording King ROS-06 Greg Bennett OM 8CE Yamaha CGX 171 SCF Flamenco Ibanez AG95 DBS |
#23
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wow really? Does the OM21 give some mid range as well or not at all? I've heard that Martins do give a lot of bottom end despite the Spruce/Rosewood combo.
I just saw a OM21 for $1100 but I've never seen a 514 at that price range... |
#24
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A man can't have too many guitars
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#25
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Cedar
I'm a fan of cedar; my Seagull 12-string has a sweet warm tone with its cedar top.
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#26
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I've owned both OM-21 and OM-03 (albeit all mahogany) and kept the Martin. I actually love Larrivees and own several but my OM-21 plays and sounds great. I highly recommend one.
On the other hand, the Larrivee OM-40R is well thought of and may sound more like the OM-21. |
#27
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Both great
Just acquired a 2014 OM-21 and it's a dandy. Basically an OM-28 without the bells and whistles. Now I don't have a Larrivee OM-03, mine's an OM-02, but a fine guitar, bluesier tone than the Martin, with maybe less volume. Bottom line is both are fine guitars. This Martin is a wonderful addition to the herd, a good replacement for my '77 D-35 that was getting bigger and bigger in my arms and getting less and less playing time as the OM's and OOO's gained my favor. It went off to Chicago in a swap for a Limited Edition Taylor OM with Koa back and sides that is a true sparkler. So many guitars, so little time.
____________________________ 1995 Taylor OM Koa 1999 Larrivee OM-02 2014 Martin OM-21 2015 Taylor 324CE SEB 2013 Bedell MB28G 2005 Seagull Coastline S-12 2004 Fender Robert Cray Artist Strat 2010 Fender American Special Strat 2016 G&L ASAT Tribute Tele 2016 Epiphone ES-339 Pro P-90 1984 Yamaha MB-II bass |
#28
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Good for you, Michael. My OM-21 is pre-2012 (2005, to be exact), and I like it as much now at when I bought it in '09.
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#29
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I have a 2015 OM-21 which I like very much. However, the one guitar that I've ever regretted selling was an OM-03W. I'd trade back today with considerable to boot if I could.
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Taylor 717 BE WHB Eastman E6OM TC |
#30
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(2006) Larrivee OM-03R, (2009) Martin D-16GT, (1998) Fender Am Std Ash Stratocaster, (2013) McKnight McUke, (1989) Kramer Striker ST600, a couple of DIY builds (2013, 2023) |