Custom built Martin OM-28 John Mayer
 

Hello!

There is a ton of knowledge and experience on this forum and am hoping to tap into some of it. I have recently fallen in love with OMs but haven't found "the one." The specs for the limited edition (only 404 were created) OM28JM sound perfect. Given how much people love these guitars has anyone had Martin's custom shop create a similar instrument? I realize that out of respect to the artist they won't create an exact replica but I had a dealer say they could get it pretty close. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

I am sure the CS would build it exact minus the signature.

Anything is possible as long as you have money to pay the CS. $$ is king!

I've played an OM-28v with an Engelmann top, which is the 28JM with different string spacing and appointments. Sounded great.

If you've fallen in love with OM's then you should know the standards all have the wide 1-3/4" nut, and the Mayers (OMJM and the OM-28 John Mayer) have 1-11/16" nuts.

Signature models always have unique specs, there is never an exact existing Martin model or you would be just paying for the name.

To duplicate the OM-28 John Mayer start with an OM-28V (for the 28 level and herringbone trim, long scale), and spec a low profile neck, 1-11/16" nut and Engelmann top, and a Martin Gold Plus 1 pickup, that's the guitar without the signature.............

What's a custom shop Martin likely to cost?

There are so many custom builders of OM ish guitars.

Hans

Well an OM-28V is $4400 list, then you're adding the Engelmann top, smaller nut, low profile neck and pickup. And you are getting more personal attention and payiing for a "one-off", my "guess" would be around $6000 MSRP.

And you can get discounts on custom shops, I didn't get the max discount on my custom shops, but I got around 30%, also from a dealer I have bought a lot of Martins from, and that has influence.

You can go on the Martin site and "build" the guitar you want and have it sent to a dealer for a quote.

http://www.martinguitar.com/custom-s...ur-custom.html

Honestly, even at 40% off with a custom quote, you might as well buy the OMJM.

This is correct, any Martin dealer can duplicate the specs of the original JM, and even enhance it a bit to make it your own. This is done all the time with signature models BTW even if it's a currently available model, some folks just don't want a signature on their guitar.

As for price, the only way you will know is to get a quote from a Martin dealer.

If you want to get a great rosewood OM at the best price and are comfortable with the 1 3/4" neck, check out a 2012 or later OM-21.

These are the best deal going in an OM at around $1900 street. Solid Sitka top, solid rosewood b/s, dovetail neck, ebony fingerboard/bridge, Mod Low Oval neck...

:D

Thanks for all the great input guys. The om21 is a decent option but I'd like all the vintage appointments found on the the JM but without the wider nut and v neck found on the om28v. I'm hoping to find or create my perfect guitar (probably wishful thinking) as it will have to be my one and only acoustic.

Thanks again!

If you are not wedded to the long scale of the OM, have you considered a 000-28H? They are no longer a stock item, but Elderly consistently orders & stocks them as custom items at $2600.

1 11/16" nut, short scale, low profile neck...

http://elderly.com/images/new_instru...ont-detail.jpg

Thanks, Dave. I actually have tried a few 000s and from my experience they just don't have the projection and fullness that the longer scale OMs do.

I generally agree. Just wanted to make sure you weren't overlooking a possible option.

All the best in your search!

:)