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  #1  
Old 03-27-2014, 03:31 PM
jsanfilippo5 jsanfilippo5 is offline
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Default New OM-28 vs OM-21

Im sorry if this had already been discussed, but I am trying to figure out the main differences, other than cosmetic between the new om-28 and the new version om-21…

Looking at the 2 I thought they looked very similar, unless I am missing something?
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Old 03-27-2014, 03:53 PM
NewMartinFan NewMartinFan is offline
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Assuming the OM-28 ends up being an OM-28V with a different neck profile, the difference is that the 28 will have slightly more bass and "growl" than the 21. The 21 will be more balanced across the tonal spectrum. That's really about it.

I have, by the way, owned both, and still own the OM-21.
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Old 03-27-2014, 03:54 PM
Ted @ LA Guitar Sales Ted @ LA Guitar Sales is offline
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Most dealers haven't received the new OM-28 yet so opinions will be few and far between, but I just spent some time with one alongside the now discontinued OM-28V and tonally they are as identical as two all solid wood guitars can get. So if you have played the OM-28V than you will know what to expect from the new OM-28 tonally.

As far as tonal differences, he OM-21 is lighter built so it's a bit more responsive with a more open tone, while the OM-28 will have a bit more headroom and also more of that vintage Martin growl. No wrong choice here, just depends on the tone you are after. If you search these forums I'm sure you will find more detailed decryptions of both the OM-21 and OM-28V as they are both quite popular.

BTW, you are not the first to ask about this so look for a side by side video of the two on our Youtube page tomorrow.

Last edited by Ted @ LA Guitar Sales; 03-27-2014 at 03:59 PM.
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Old 03-27-2014, 06:34 PM
Hillster Hillster is offline
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According to the Martin website, both are pretty identical except for the trimmings like binding.
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Old 03-27-2014, 07:13 PM
jsanfilippo5 jsanfilippo5 is offline
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I currentl have the OM-21, so I was just wondering really… Thanks all!
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Old 03-27-2014, 07:41 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ted @ LA Guitar Sales View Post
Most dealers haven't received the new OM-28 yet so opinions will be few and far between, but I just spent some time with one alongside the now discontinued OM-28V and tonally they are as identical as two all solid wood guitars can get. So if you have played the OM-28V than you will know what to expect from the new OM-28 tonally.
Wow! I would not have thought that at all. Thanks for that helpful feedback Ted. This only confirms my view that they are going to sell a ton of these... with the new neck and the same tone, it's winner winner chicken dinner!
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Old 03-27-2014, 08:02 PM
NewMartinFan NewMartinFan is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hillster View Post
According to the Martin website, both are pretty identical except for the trimmings like binding.
Yes, but they definitely are not the same and do not sound the same. Just like the HD-28 and HD-28V look the same on paper, but don't sound the same.
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Old 03-27-2014, 09:31 PM
Hillster Hillster is offline
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I beg to differ. If they are of the same wood and bracing. They will sound like two guitars of the same design. These are hand built wooden instruments that no two will sound identical. Maybe those that think they are different are only hearing the sound of one example to a better example. You can grab two OM28s and play them side by side and one will sound better than the other. Now the OM28 is over a thousand more in price, so maybe it is the better quality of the wood used that would garner any advantage in sound.

Don't get me wrong though. I am very excited about these two new releases (OM28 & 00018) I can't wait to play one.
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Old 03-28-2014, 12:37 AM
MJRB MJRB is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NewMartinFan View Post
Yes, but they definitely are not the same and do not sound the same. Just like the HD-28 and HD-28V look the same on paper, but don't sound the same.
I went out to buy an HD28, and finished up with an HD28V at $200 more after a side by side comparison. Either they are different or the HD28 that I played was a less than stellar example.
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Old 03-28-2014, 02:36 AM
MaurysMusic MaurysMusic is offline
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I went out to buy an HD28, and finished up with an HD28V at $200 more after a side by side comparison. Either they are different or the HD28 that I played was a less than stellar example.
MJRB
They are different. The biggest tonal factor is forward-shifted bracing on the HD-28V.

I just picked up 3 OM-28s today at Martin and will soon get the chance to really play them back to back against the OM-21, but we're already sold out on the OM-28V. We sold the last 2 we had moments after they were discontinued.
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Old 03-28-2014, 05:51 AM
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I had no doubt the new OM-28 would sound good...I still don't understand the rational behind the string spacing at the saddle vs the OM-28v or Marquis?
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Old 03-28-2014, 08:29 AM
MaurysMusic MaurysMusic is offline
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Originally Posted by llew View Post
I had no doubt the new OM-28 would sound good...I still don't understand the rational behind the string spacing at the saddle vs the OM-28v or Marquis?
I'll ask around. Maybe one of my friends in R&D or New Instrument Design can shed some light. I'd have to guess it has something to do with tooling.
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Old 03-28-2014, 09:20 AM
llew llew is online now
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Thanks Maury...I'd like to know the answer to that.
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Old 03-28-2014, 09:23 AM
NewMartinFan NewMartinFan is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hillster View Post
I beg to differ. If they are of the same wood and bracing. They will sound like two guitars of the same design. These are hand built wooden instruments that no two will sound identical. Maybe those that think they are different are only hearing the sound of one example to a better example. You can grab two OM28s and play them side by side and one will sound better than the other. Now the OM28 is over a thousand more in price, so maybe it is the better quality of the wood used that would garner any advantage in sound.
I don't disagree with what you wrote. However, while the spec sheets Martin releases to the public provide useful information for comparative purposes, they do not tell the whole story. They are basic spec sheets. Maury's point regarding the bracing position of the HD-28 vs. HD-28V is one example of this.
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Old 03-28-2014, 09:31 AM
Ted @ LA Guitar Sales Ted @ LA Guitar Sales is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by llew View Post
I had no doubt the new OM-28 would sound good...I still don't understand the rational behind the string spacing at the saddle vs the OM-28v or Marquis?
2-3/16" at the saddle has become the industry standard over the years, Taylor, Rainsong and others have used it as their only option with no complaints from customers, it works well for most folks and for most styles.
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