Martin guitar back

jrs146 · #1 05-21-2017, 08:29 AM

Hi all,
I was looking at a Martin OM-28 custom guitar online and this specific one I came across had a very unique back. Is this type of grain or cut different than the standard type for most guitars? Any pros/cons to it? Personally I think it's beautiful with the wood grain but I wasn't sure if it's because of a particular type of cut that may be less desirable.

Thanks!

Josh

Greg Ballantyne · #2 05-21-2017, 09:14 AM

It appears it might be flat sawn rather than quarter sawn, but I am not an expert. There are discussions out there about the pros and cons, but again its a subject i would defer to others on. It's a beautiful bookmarked set in any case - if I was interested in that guitar I would consider it a plus.

Montesdad · #3 05-21-2017, 09:17 AM

Appears rift sawn near a knot hole -

Each grain is different these days - if it appeals to you visually and Martin will stand behind it - - -

ukejon · #4 05-21-2017, 09:26 AM

Odd cut....sort of gives it a plywood look.

jrs146 · #5 05-21-2017, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg Ballantyne

It appears it might be flat sawn rather than quarter sawn, but I am not an expert. There are discussions out there about the pros and cons, but again its a subject i would defer to others on. It's a beautiful bookmarked set in any case - if I was interested in that guitar I would consider it a plus.

I've ready many discussions that quarter sawn is preferable. That's what originally made me wish to ask this question. I wouldn't want to purchase a back that is visually nice if it was compromised in the way it's cut. But I'm surely no expert on this matter and don't know if that's really the case.

oldwasichu · #6 05-21-2017, 09:29 AM

If it plays great, that's all that matters. Worth taking a shot at it. If you don't like it, send it back.

mattcran · #7 05-21-2017, 09:43 AM

Maybe it's one of the "wild grain" one's. I've seen a few of those around lately.

Gmountain · #8 05-21-2017, 10:56 AM

I think it looks great. Seriously, I love figure on wood. Very unique, and interesting, and special.

ManyMartinMan · #9 05-21-2017, 11:03 AM

There is no concern with it being "compromised" as it is under full warranty. I think it is lovely although unique. The book-matching on this is excellent. Only you can decide if it is "less desirable" to you. As a side, Martin has been making guitars for ....... a couple of years........ and I doubt seriously if they altered their cutting of this wood for some reason. Additionally, they know what could be "compromised" and wouldn't use the set if they didn't believe it was stable and usable.

jrs146 · #10 05-21-2017, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManyMartinMan

There is no concern with it being "compromised" as it is under full warranty. I think it is lovely although unique. The book-matching on this is excellent. Only you can decide if it is "less desirable" to you. As a side, Martin has been making guitars for ....... a couple of years........ and I doubt seriously if they altered their cutting of this wood for some reason. Additionally, they know what could be "compromised" and wouldn't use the set if they didn't believe it was stable and usable.

That's an excellent point. It would be hard to believe that Martin would use an inferior cutting process for a guitar. I've just read so much about quarter sawn vs. other forms of cutting it made me wonder.

Gmountain · #11 05-21-2017, 11:15 AM

Here's mine. Yours is cooler.

jrs146 · #12 05-21-2017, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gmountain

Here's mine. Yours is cooler.

Wow that's a beautiful back!

fazool · #13 05-21-2017, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrs146

That's an excellent point. It would be hard to believe that Martin would use an inferior cutting process for a guitar. I've just read so much about quarter sawn vs. other forms of cutting it made me wonder.

I admit, my initial reaction was "is that a real Martin?"

jrs146 · #14 05-21-2017, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fazool

I admit, my initial reaction was "is that a real Martin?"

It's a Wildwood OM-28H custom.

http://www.wildwoodmusic.com/martin-...ppa-album=1047

John Arnold · #15 05-21-2017, 02:18 PM

Style 28 has light colored binding. I believe this custom is based on a lesser model like an OM-21.
Martin does not cut their own rosewood. Indian rosewood is cut in India. However, Martin does employ a rigorous process of selecting wood.
Rift cut with a knot shadow is not ideal, but in this case, it should work OK. My question is why they joined it with the swirled grain in the center, rather than the outer edge. That would be better for stability.