OM Recommendations (w/clear, balanced tone for strumming)

[Trev's Dad]

I may be looking for something that does not exist, but maybe I just haven’t tried the right builder???

I’m in search of an OM guitar that has a well-balanced voice, not too boomy in the bass, no low-mid hump or covered mids, smooth highs that are not too shrill or jangly. I have a brand new Martin 000-28 EC Signature…and I love the neck but the tone is “boxy” and compressed…not a keeper (for me anyhow).

Bourgeois OM Heirloom have been highly recommended and I’ve done some YouTube listening. Any others I should consider and listen to as I continue my search?

Many thanks for your help!

[bobster7]

Collings meet your requirements very balanced, not at all compressed or boomy. The trebles are thick not jangly. Mahogany or Rosewood their signature balance and tone will be there.

[dadio917]

i wonder if your EC will open up as time goes by? Guys smarter than me can weigh in on that. Still, another guitar is always a good idea:-)

[Trev's Dad]

Originally Posted by bobster7

Collings meet your requirements very balanced, not at all compressed or boomy. The trebles are thick not jangly. Mahogany or Rosewood their signature balance and tone will be there.

Hmm…I’ll check them out. I had a 2013 D2HA that I never really bonded with…treble was really piercing in that particular piece.

[Scatcat]

Martin OM15 or 00015M. Absolutely No boxy sound

[egordon99]

Check out a Santa Cruz OM/PW.

[HFox]

Look for a Santa Cruz OM with a Cedar or Redwood top....Nobody builds a OM like Hoover & company.

[Wade Hampton]

Another brand for you to look at is Larrivee: I use my Larrivee OM-03W for rhythm guitar work and it’s perfect - the sound is very even across the tonal spectrum.

Hope this helps.


Wade Hampton Miller

[abn556]

+1 on Larrivee OMs. My OM-40R is a really good strummer and also good at finger picking. Its a very loud and resonant guitar.

+

[douglasfan1]

I found that deep body OM kind of giving a balance tone for both strumming and finger picking. You may try one to see how it works for you

[Trev's Dad]

Originally Posted by douglasfan1

I found that deep body OM kind of giving a balance tone for both strumming and finger picking. You may try one to see how it works for you

Any particular builders or makers that I should consider for deep body?

[soups]

Originally Posted by Trev's Dad

Hmm…I’ll check them out. I had a 2013 D2HA that I never really bonded with…treble was really piercing in that particular piece.

I’ve never bonded with Collings dreads. I have owned over twelve Collings of various models over the years. The OMs in the traditional line may suit you perfectly.

[BlueBowman]

My Larrivee OM is one of the best guitars I own, so I can't recommend it enough. It's also one of the most balanced acoustics out there.

[jaymarsch]

The three OM makers that I find consistently deliver on what you are asking for are: Santa Cruz, John Slobod at Circa Guitars, and Collings. Good luck with your search.
Best,
Jayne

[BlueBowman]

Originally Posted by Trev's Dad

Any particular builders or makers that I should consider for deep body?

John at Northwood Guitars makes a deep body OM/000. It's hands down the best acoustic I've ever played. Very piano-like and great for finger style, but I also get a gorgeous sound out of it via strumming. There's not much info on them, but do a search on AGF. You'll see nothing buying high praise. Hand built, and you can find great deals on them online.

But as always, play as many as you can and disregard the name on the headstock. Good luck with your search.