New Martin OM-28 VTS or 2018 Martin OM-28 or Used 2018 OM-28 MAD

[palsed]

Also check out the new OM-28 or 000-28 Modern Deluxe to add to your choices. I just got one and it’s spectacular IMO.

[Taylor814]

Originally Posted by Achilles

That’s a great suggestion! Don’t know if I could get passed the bare head tho...

Don't worry, your ears will take care of that.

[vindibona1]

It wasn't too long ago that I had the opportunity to play a regular OM28 and a OM28VTS side by side. It was clear to me that the regular top sounded MUCH better than the VTS top. I suppose you could consider that confirmed when two weeks later the VTS version was still at the store and the regular model had been sold. I'm necessarily a fan of torrefication or top treatments of the sort UNLESS it is done by a boutique guitar maker who is paying attention to the nuance of every instrument turned out.

As far as the one with Madagascar wood, I'd tell you to play it first rather than buying it blindly. You know how these things go. Even the above example where I expressed my preference, playing both instruments side by side could change my mind as it turns into the selection of a unique instrument.

[Achilles]

Originally Posted by vindibona1

It wasn't too long ago that I had the opportunity to play a regular OM28 and a OM28VTS side by side. It was clear to me that the regular top sounded MUCH better than the VTS top. I suppose you could consider that confirmed when two weeks later the VTS version was still at the store and the regular model had been sold. I'm necessarily a fan of torrefication or top treatments of the sort UNLESS it is done by a boutique guitar maker who is paying attention to the nuance of every instrument turned out.

As far as the one with Madagascar wood, I'd tell you to play it first rather than buying it blindly. You know how these things go. Even the above example where I expressed my preference, playing both instruments side by side could change my mind as it turns into the selection of a unique instrument.

I agree; though, I believe GC is going to make me purchase it before they’ll ship it to one of their stores. So I won’t be able to test it until it arrives.