Interesting Video, Comparison of Martin 000 & Martin OM Styles

[guitargarden]

Occasionally, I've seen posts asking about the difference between two different guitar styles: 000 and OM.

Came across this YouTube video today which I thought sheds some light on the topic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z8g01wuE5c

I think the information is very well presented. Except, it leaves out the long scale 000.

[acoustophonic]

I stumbled across the same video today and was getting ready to post it, but I see you beat me to it by a few months so I'll just bump it up.

[gjtoth]

Well, I'll be. Live & learn. Thanks for that!

[db25364]

Is it only about the strings being easier to bend? Or is there a sound difference too?

[rmyAddison]

This video
was posted a few weeks ago.............

A few things, one it depends on when you are talking about, now or years ago.

TODAY, and just talking about standard models, not variations, there are 4 differences:

Pickguard - full size 000, teardrop OM
Scale - short scale 000, full scale OM
Nut width - 1-11/16" 000, 1-3/4" OM
Braces - 5/16" 000, 1/4" OM

There are so many exceptions anymore, and Martin change specs, it blurs the differences.

I've owned a lot of both and my "generality" is 000's are slightly better fingerstyle guitars and a bit more bluesy, and OMs take a flatpick better and have a bit more headroom.

I honestly think the variations out number the standard models anymore......

[db25364]

Rich, what makes the 000 better for fingerstyle from your perspective? I understand it may be easier to play because of the lower string tension but I would think the longer scale would make the OM project better or be more responsive?

[devellis]

Of course, you can also put lighter strings on an OM if you want to a lot of string bends and find too much stiffness on an OM with mediums. Putting heavier strings on a 000 to get higher string tension and the presumed brilliance that produces could work in theory but might overstess the guitar. So, arguably, the OM might be the more versatile of the two. But frankly, I think the differences are pretty subtle and will depend on the specific guitar to a degree.

[bitraker]

Tune my 000-18 down a whole step - so easy to play with mediums - love the 1 3/4 nut for flat picking - if you love hog and Sitka, the 000-18 should be on your GAS list

[kiva238]

Ok, I own a 000-18ge and an OM-18 custom shop with GE specs. In other words, both have adi tops with identical bracing and 1 3/4" nuts. Virtually identical except for scale length. (Alright, low mod neck on OM, mod V on 000).

So what's the difference in sound and playability? I would say, almost nothing.
The OM has maybe a bit more thump in the low end(maybe), and the 000 is maybe slightly easier to bend strings on(maybe). I submit that in a blind test, nobody would even know the difference in sound or playability.

Both guitars sound fantastic and identical, but that's why I will eventually end up selling one of them! Now back to counting the number of angels that can fit on the head of a pin. . . .

John

[Judson]

And string spacing at the bridge? ... 2 1/8 vs 2 3/16

Originally Posted by rmyAddison

This video
was posted a few weeks ago.............

A few things, one it depends on when you are talking about, now or years ago.

TODAY, and just talking about standard models, not variations, there are 4 differences:

Pickguard - full size 000, teardrop OM
Scale - short scale 000, full scale OM
Nut width - 1-11/16" 000, 1-3/4" OM
Braces - 5/16" 000, 1/4" OM

There are so many exceptions anymore, and Martin change specs, it blurs the differences.

I've owned a lot of both and my "generality" is 000's are slightly better fingerstyle guitars and a bit more bluesy, and OMs take a flatpick better and have a bit more headroom.

I honestly think the variations out number the standard models anymore......