Martin OM-18 Authentic 1933 - Need help.

Lyssenko · #1 05-07-2021, 10:07 AM

Hi

I am looking to buy an OM-18 Authentic VTS. I want a more versatile OM format. I like all of its aspects, the V neck, etc. Unfortunately, I cannot try it because this model is out of stock and it is rather rare in my area. So I should buy it blind. All the videos I have seen sound quite different and it is difficult to get a clear idea. I read everything that could relate to it too. But I still can't get a clear idea.

I would like to know, if you have this model, if the sound is still warm and the bass is sufficiently present. I know it doesn't sound like a standard 000-18. But more specifically, I wouldn't want the sound to be in the same range as my other two guitars: a Waterloo WL-14L Ladder brace and a Waterloo Jumbo with Rosewood back and sides. These are two guitars that are very dry and woody. I am thinking of selling them.

I'm looking for a more mellow and warm sound than my two Waterloo. I wonder if the OM-18 still has the Martin "sound".

I would appreciate more recent opinions.

Thank you in advance for your answers and your help.

DaveG · #2 05-07-2021, 12:24 PM

I bought one just over a year ago. I don't think you will be disappointed in the sound. It was one of the best sounding and most responsive guitars I've ever played, which includes some pretty high end ones. While it won't sound like a dreadnought, I did not find it lacking in warmth or bass at all. The only reason I sold it is that I couldn't handle the neck. I've never played a Waterloo, so I can't compare them.

zoopeda · #3 05-07-2021, 01:07 PM

It's not a huge neck, but not thin. Not sure I'd describe it as "versatile" by OM standards, but it's got a really warm, old, responsive sound for sure. Good luck!

Bluenose · #4 05-07-2021, 02:51 PM

I bought one over a year and a half ago, a used pre VTS 2012 model that I found online, languishing in a GC in Plano Texas. I was looking for one because I'm a fan of Rainer Brunn, a German blues/rag fingerpicker that has a bunch of Utube videos out in which he plays a great sounding VTS model. I'm not familiar with Waterloo guitars so I can't make that comparison but I do find mine to have a warm tone, great for finger picking but also quite loud with a distinct Martin tone when flatpicked. I'm happy with mine and now my gas has virtually disappeared - I haven't bought anything since which says a lot.

Good luck,
Tom

scriv58 · #5 05-07-2021, 02:59 PM

https://umgf.com/om-18a-authentic-club-t150933.html

lowrider · #6 05-07-2021, 03:10 PM

I don't have an Authentic but I have a Custom Shop OM-18 Special and it has the Martin tone in spades. No one would confuse it with a Waterloo. I got it used at GC and at first I thought it was an 000-18 but it was like the best one they ever made. It's got a lot of presence and a lot of punch. This is the guitar I take if I'll be playing with a large group and I want to be heard. It projects and cuts though like no other, not even a dread.

Lyssenko · #7 05-07-2021, 05:21 PM

Thanks everyone. I bought one... Couldn't resist the offer someone gave me.
Will see with tone and sound.
Martin

JMW01 · #8 05-07-2021, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveG

I bought one just over a year ago. I don't think you will be disappointed in the sound. It was one of the best sounding and most responsive guitars I've ever played, which includes some pretty high end ones. While it won't sound like a dreadnought, I did not find it lacking in warmth or bass at all. The only reason I sold it is that I couldn't handle the neck.

I had the same experience as DaveG. Great sounding guitar but I couldn’t handle the neck. It hurt my wrist if I played it too long.