Studio Acoustic Guitar Comparable to OM-28?

[CM4]

I'm looking for a good studio acoustic guitar (for recordings mostly) for a reasonable price. I played a Martin OM-28 a couple weeks ago and it was a dream but at $5,000 after tax (CAD) it just does not seem all that worth it to me. Is there any guitar that even comes close to this sound and feel for half or less the price? I've heard good things about Alvarez and Larrivee but would like to get some specific recommendations to models closer to the OM-28.

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Do you have Eastman guitars available to you?

[zoopeda]

Bummer. Stateside several of our forum sponsors let them go, new, for $2400 USD. I didn’t realize Martins were that much more in Canada. I do love a good Seagull as well!

[gmel555]

Check out Larrivee OM-40R Legacy Series with newer scalloped braces. Has gotten "good press" and I had the chance to play one....was impressed.

[Jaden]

On the used market in Canada I think the OM will be much more rare to find than the dreadnought and hold its value better. I would think a good condition used could be had for just over 2k.

[Stevien]

Since you are in Canada, I would check out a good Northwood. The best bang for the buck around!
Steve

[Treenewt]

FWIW, I fell in love with an OM-28 about 5 years ago. I tried to find a suitable replacement at a lesser price, but never found one that matched what I heard in that 28. I would check out as many models and makes as you can and see if you hear something similar or comparable.

I’d definitely look hard at Larrivee. It’s not going to sound like that Martin, but it will be a fantastic instrument in every way.

[rolleiguy54]

I would suggest calling some of our sponsors that carry Martins. Ask for a used om28. That might fit in your budget. If you but a substitute you may always be looking for the Martin.

I love my OM 28. Good luck.

[Hoyt]

You can find recent used OM-28s, in excellent condition, for $2000 or less USD.

They are excellent guitars. Only reason I sold mine is I have a guitar that fits a little better for playing in my recliner, which is what I do most of time nowadays.

Like other posters said, check with forum sponsors if you are looking for new.

Good luck.

[aw meyer]

Check out Bluedogguitars.com. They're in North Vancouver. They have a Webber OM for $2700. They are excellent guitars made in North Vancouver. They do mail orders.

[Tony Burns]

Only a Martin sounds like a Martin -
seriously , you wont have to work up the ladder to get one-
used their a tad over 2 grand - for decent
OM-28 or maybe a OM-28v (if your lucky )
I love my OM-28v -its about as good as it gets.
Id say Colling's are pretty much at the top as well
( maybe a tad different sound -but a great sound of its own )
I use to own a Larrivee OMv60 -good guitar
clean sounding , perfect intonation -but not the Martin sound .

It seems like alot of money -Ive been their
but in the long run its cheaper - your done and its what you really want

[Bob from Brooklyn]

You can look at OM21's also. Very similar, a little less bling.

[Joseph Hanna]

Originally Posted by CM4

I'm looking for a good studio acoustic guitar (for recordings mostly) for a reasonable price. I played a Martin OM-28 a couple weeks ago and it was a dream but at $5,000 after tax (CAD) it just does not seem all that worth it to me. Is there any guitar that even comes close to this sound and feel for half or less the price? I've heard good things about Alvarez and Larrivee but would like to get some specific recommendations to models closer to the OM-28.

I’ve posted this clip before but this is a plain Jane 000-18 albeit an older one. It’s a friend of mine and I found it the easiest, most honest guitar for intimate style recording I think I’ve yet encountered. I found some better sounding but not without a ton of work to get there. This was two quick takes and done. Interestingly the guitar wasn’t as impressive away from the mic. It was good acoustically no doubt but for recording it was just a gem.

https://soundcloud.com/joseph-hanna/martin-000-18

[emtsteve]

I'm not sure how available they are in Canada, but try and find a Masterworks by Alvarez. I used to have an MD65, cedar over mahogany dread, that I never should have sold. Well below budget too.

BTW, that 000-18 in the Souncloud clip above sounds fantastic.

Steve