Martin OM-18 or 000-18

[Groberts]

I searched for threads where people directly compared a Martin OM-18 (Mahogany) to a Martin 000-18 (Mahogany) directly to learn what they 'hear' and prefer. I mostly found posts comparing a Martin 000-18 (Hog) to a Martin OM-28 (rosewood). (Not exactly apples-to-apples comparison since Rosewood sounds very different to me than Mahogany)

I'd like personal feedback from anyone who has compared an OM-18 to a 000-18? (Mostly interested in the current production model)

I realize the main difference is scale length (000-18 = short scale) and OM-18 = Long scale. Differences on the short scale include lower tension, perhaps a little less volume. I am more interested in any direct comparisons between models.

Was the OM-18 louder, did it project more, did it have richer better low end or vice versa etc?

Thanks!

[Skip Ellis]

Originally Posted by Groberts

I searched for threads where people directly compared Mahogany Martin OM-18 to Mahogany Martin 000-18 directly to learn what they 'hear' and prefer. But I mostly found posts comparing 000-18 versus OM-28's. (Which isn't apples to apples since Rosewood sounds very different than Mahogany)

I'd like personal feedback from anyone who has compared an OM-18 to a 000-18? (Mostly interested in the current production model)

YES, I realize the main difference is scale length with the 000-18 being short scale, lower tension, perhaps a little less volume. I am more interested in any direct comparisons between models.

Was the OM-18 louder, did it project more, did it have richer better low end or vice versa etc?

Thanks!

I've had both: OM-18v and now, a 2014 000-18. I much prefer the 000-18 with it's shorter scale. For some reason, it just sounds a little more open and is definitely more comfortable to play. BUT, you can't go wrong with either.

[Groberts]

Originally Posted by Skip Ellis

I've had both: OM-18v and now, a 2014 000-18. I much prefer the 000-18 with it's shorter scale. For some reason, it just sounds a little more open and is definitely more comfortable to play. BUT, you can't go wrong with either.

I Love the 000-18 short scale too. I simply have not had a chance to hear and 'feel' the difference directly. I agree, no losers here. Not a dog in this contest for sure! Thank you Skip!

[Arthur Blake]

Here are some notes I copied from my research online, and a video comparison. Although the video is for rosewood, not mahogany, it still gives you an idea of the differences.
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Hi, The difference between a 25.4" and 24.9" scale length with lights is about 4%. Doesn't matter if you are in standard or dadgad, the difference in tension is about 4%. As a point of reference, the difference in tension between mediums and lights is about 15%. Does that 4% translate to a discernible difference in either volume or string tension? My opinion- I don't think it does.
Regards, Brian

posted December 03, 2010 02:14 PM
I have a 0002HE with the standard 25.5” scale length. I recently started to wonder if I should have bought the short scale version of the 0002HE since from what I had read the shorter scale would make playing “easier” because of the lower string tension ( I didn’t start playing – mainly fingerstyle - until I was 60, am now closer to my mid 60s, so anything that’s makes playing easier is of interest!). So I decided to see how much lower the string tension would be in moving from the 25.5” scale to 24.9”. Based on the formula for the tension in a string, the percentage reduction in this case turns out to be less than 5% (actually 4.65%). You can more than accomplish this tension reduction by moving to a lighter string. It also turns out ( based on a formula for the force required to displace a string) that the percentage reduction in required fretting force is even less – on the order of 2.35%. This is a pretty small change to say the least, and I wondered if short scale really does make a detectable difference in playability after all, or we just think it does (perception based on expectation). I then ran across an interesting article by Liutaio Mottola on the Lutherie Information Website called Lutherie Myth/Science: Human Perception of String Tension and Compliance in Stringed Musical Instruments(http://www.liutaiomottola.com/myth/perception.htm ). This article discusses a number of issues relating to how a guitar “feels” with respect to string tension, and refers to some experiments by luthier Bob Benedetto (who, I learned, makes guitars that sell for the price of a nice car) in which the conclusion was that in a “blind test” guitar players could not detect the difference in string tension between standard and short scale.
The other “advantage” of short scale is that the frets are closer to together making reaching chords easier. But here again the difference seems minor to me, e.g., the distance from the nut to the 4th fret is reduced by a total of only 0.186” for the 25.5” to 24.9” scale change. Changes up the neck are even less.
Before I started looking into all this I was seriously considering trying to sell my 2009 000HE and buying the short scale version even though that would entail some financial loss. But now I really wonder if I would truly gain anything in playability.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frPj39nCw0Q

[Groberts]

Nice post Arthur! I get it. (*just turned 60 yrs myself)

The Martin video contrasting the 000-28 to OM-28 is apples-to-apples, so quite relevant. Thanks.

[noledog]

Hey Gary,
I've played several of the new 00018's and they are quite lovely in tone and playability...I have the MLO/PA profile on my D18 and love it. As far as short scale, I prefer the slightly punching long scale of the OM because I've tuned down a half step for years as a fulltime musician. I've spent time with the '33 OM18A and I prefer it over the 000 and even the beefier neck is nice tho I still like the mlo/pa is my fav.

My choice is the OM by a small margin.

eric

[zmf]

Originally Posted by Arthur Blake

Does that 4% translate to a discernible difference in either volume or string tension? My opinion- I don't think it does.

Have to agree. Never owned either one, but have played them from time to time. Spent time checking out the Eric Clapton 000 models, and it didn't feel different (to me) from an OM.

Now a Martin 12 fret, elongated body 000 does feel (and sound) different.

[Rogee]

As a 62 year old fingerpicker with 35 years of playing I have owned many guitars including Guild D55 -Martin D35 (1979) - Martin OM 45 – Martin D42 – Martin OM 28 Marquis EIR and Taylor K14-L7.
Currently own a Martin OM 28 Marquis Madagascar (2007)– Martin 00018 GE 1937sunburst – (2006) and Martin OM 18 GE (2006) original banjo tuners. Getting older my preference leans towards mahogany because of the clear separation of the fundamentals. For me the guitar to go for is the OM 18 GE, it is a very powerfull clear and articulate instrument and also prefer it because of the wider string spacing at the bridge (2-3/8). The trebles on the 00018 GE (shorter scale 24.9) which is also fantastic are more fat than the OM 18 and also sounds warmer but is not so loud as the OM 18. All guitars have the modified V neck and very comfortable to play. I have decided to stay in the same ball park and have an OM 18 authentic on order.

[Groberts]

Originally Posted by noledog

Hey Gary,
I've played several of the new 00018's and they are quite lovely in tone and playability...I have the MLO/PA profile on my D18 and love it. As far as short scale, I prefer the slightly punching long scale of the OM because I've tuned down a half step for years as a fulltime musician. I've spent time with the '33 OM18A and I prefer it over the 000 and even the beefier neck is nice tho I still like the mlo/pa is my fav.

My choice is the OM by a small margin.

eric

Thanks Eric! I love the MLO/PA neck profile ..and punchier tone of the OM as well. Since I have an OMC-18E, I might consider a DC-18E instead of a 000-18. I realize that's different beast. But a 000-18 would be way too similar to my OMC-18 (which is simply a cutaway OM-18) But I was also asking for a friend who loved my guitar and was also checking out a 000-18.

[mercy]

There is no OM-18 in Martin's product line

[Groberts]

Originally Posted by mercy

There is no OM-18 in Martin's product line

I think they may have announced it around summer NAMM . Might be an OM-18E?

[madhat]

Originally Posted by Groberts

I think they may have announced it around summer NAMM . Might be an OM-18E?

Yes and it does look sweet!
https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars...series/om-18e/

The answer is = both.

You just can't go wrong with the 18 series...

madhat.

[mercy]

Ah, but youd need to rip out the electronics.

[fongie]

While the popularity of the new 000-18 is on the up and up, I don't think we will see a OM-18 for a little while yet. So start saving, I think it will be a beauty when Martin decides.