Who makes great TRADITIONAL OM/000 guitars.

Adamski · #1 06-24-2021, 07:27 AM

I have recently bought a Martin 000-28EC and have been really impressed with it. I know that any factory-made instrument can be a bit hit/miss but I absolutely LOVE the feel and style and details (such as the volute on the back of the headstock, the shape, the simplicity)...

So, if I wanted to explore a really good traditional OM/000 (I mean one which would share body shape and dimensions with a Marin 000/OM) what would you suggest I look at commissioning. I know of a few good ones (although haven't played them all) such as - Pre-War, Collings then up from there to Bourgeois, Santa Cruz, Franklin, Circa...

What are your thoughts and what else is there is and what's really good (or not)?

jklotz · #2 06-24-2021, 07:46 AM

How about this guy?
http://www.stephenkinnaird.com/models.html

Matts67 · #3 06-24-2021, 07:50 AM

My Edmonds OM28 is the best sounding and playing OM I've ever played, and his pricing is ridiculously good. I know Scotso recently posted about one he played amongst several high end guitars and it was a stand out. I've had several high end Martin OM/000 models, as well as Collings, Huss and Dalton, Santa Cruz, Bourgeois, etc. Edmonds takes the cake for me.

Adamski · #4 06-24-2021, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jklotz

How about this guy?
http://www.stephenkinnaird.com/models.html

The demo one sounds delightful (rather a dodgy headlock design though don't you think?)

jklotz · #5 06-24-2021, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adamski

The demo one sounds delightful (rather a dodgy headlock design though don't you think?)

I found him very friendly and responsive when I emailed with him. If you are interested, send him an email. Ask if he offers a different headstock shape.

ChuckS · #6 06-24-2021, 08:09 AM

For a traditionally styled, handbuilt OM, you might want to consider Leo Posch. His base price is $4500, and his base model includes things like Red spruce, Waverly tuners, stainless steel frets, hot hide glue, etc.

TomB'sox · #7 06-24-2021, 08:30 AM

It seems to me that most luthiers use Martin as their baseline body shape and size with variations for each luthier. You can not go wrong with any of the luthier sponsors on this forum. Since Steve has been mentioned, he builds a fantastic guitar of which I own several. The headstock looks good to me, not sure what Dodgy means, but doesn't sound good. You could ask for a squared off Martin style I am sure. I for one, like the curves of the Kinnaird headstock.

runamuck · #8 06-24-2021, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adamski

I have recently bought a Martin 000-28EC and have been really impressed with it. I know that any factory-made instrument can be a bit hit/miss but I absolutely LOVE the feel and style and details (such as the volute on the back of the headstock, the shape, the simplicity)...

I've played maybe 10 - 000-28ECs and 2 or 3 of those were some of the best guitars I've played, including those from high end builders. And I've found that that model is consistently very good.

I think you'd have a hard time beating them if that's the kind of tone you're after.

PastorReed · #9 06-24-2021, 11:54 AM

I love my OM built by Jayson Bowerman. He is a quality human being building fantastic guitars.

fredsj200 · #10 06-24-2021, 12:15 PM

I now own a wonderful OM-28 replica built by Joe Konkoly (head repairman @ Elderly Instruments). It is built to 1930 specs with bar frets, banjo tuners, etc,

It is truly a great guitar.

Adamski · #11 06-24-2021, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by runamuck

I've played maybe 10 - 000-28ECs and 2 or 3 of those were some of the best guitars I've played, including those from high end builders. And I've found that that model is consistently very good.

I think you'd have a hard time beating them if that's the kind of tone you're after.

That's really interesting that you've found them to be consistently good (I'm pleased) and certainly for the price this one represents very good value for money.

I guess though with me it's a little bit of the "shiny new object" going on. I always seem to really enjoy the latest purchase!

Adamski · #12 06-24-2021, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fredsj200

I now own a wonderful OM-28 replica built by Joe Konkoly (head repairman @ Elderly Instruments). It is built to 1930 specs with bar frets, banjo tuners, etc,

It is truly a great guitar.

That is absolutely gorgeous. You are very lucky.

jonnymosco · #13 06-24-2021, 02:39 PM

I think you know there is only one builder who won't let you down... (I see from your list that you haven't owned one, shocking).

I'll be playing a new OM for Clive Carroll in the next few days! But don't tell him.

Jonny

Adamski · #14 06-24-2021, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonnymosco

I think you know there is only one builder who won't let you down... (I see from your list that you haven't owned one, shocking).

I'll be playing a new OM for Clive Carroll in the next few days! But don't tell him.

Jonny

Yeah I know...they're very "nice" but to be honest I've played only a few that have real personality. Chris W's madrose OM is incredible and I would certainly have that!

justonwo · #15 06-24-2021, 03:17 PM

A whole lot of people. For a really traditional sound, Blazer and Henkes is great. For a iteration on that sound . . . and perhaps my favorite builder of all time . . . John Slobod. There's a Blazer OM-28 at Schoenberg that I think really captures the vintage OM-28 vibe well.

A lot of builders will do a modified version of that sound.