Martin OM21 or 00018 ??

[Wade Hampton]

Epiphone100, both the OM-21 and the 000-18 are fine instruments, and both cover some of the same tonal territory of the other. That body size has been my longtime standard and preference for use onstage. What I have found, though, is that each has its strengths.

Let me ask you this: are you primarily a fingerstyle player, or do you use a pick a lot? Both of those guitars will work fine in both capacities, but I tend to use a pick for most of my playing, and find that in that body size that having a rosewood back and sides gives me more bass response and more tonal versatility for the way I play.

I've also played lots and lots of both OM-21's, 000-18's and 000-28's, and have found that the rosewood instruments tend to be more reliably good-sounding from one instrument to the next, whereas mahogany 000-18's seem to be a lot more hit or miss when it comes to finding a good one.

Bear in mind those are the results I've gotten using the right hand attack that I have. You might get different results. But I've simply had better luck with rosewood in that body design.

Hope that makes sense.


Wade Hampton Miller

[dukebrot]

I just can't help on this. I have an OM-21. Fantastic guitar. Will never, ever sell mine...And I'm keeping my eye out for a 000-18.

Both are fantastic guitars and if one had to choose between the two I really think the only way would be to play them both side-by-side. It should then be pretty clear which is right for you based on the sound and feel you want.

Dave

[Mycroft]

Generally I like Mahogany-backed guitars over guitars with Rosewood backs. OMMV.

[kitarkus]

Originally Posted by Epiphone100

In the market for new 00018 but I am also tempted by an OM21.......any thoughts ??????

Not to defy the good suggestions which have already been made here but...
I purchased a new 000-18 a week or two ago from Jon at MFG and I am quite pleased with it. I specifically wanted a new guitar....short scale....hog....and I feel comfortable that I obtained a good example of the 000-18. It is a simple guitar but is quite well made....feels great....and sounds superb.

[Speedwagon]

Originally Posted by kitarkus

Not to defy the good suggestions which have already been made here but...

I purchased a new 000-18 a week or two ago from Jon at MFG and I am quite pleased with it. I specifically wanted a new guitar....short scale....hog....and I feel comfortable that I obtained a good example of the 000-18. It is a simple guitar but is quite well made....feels great....and sounds superb.

ThT is my experience as well. At one time I thought I was an EIR guy but I have found that I am definitel a Mahogany gug. I absolutely love everything about my post-2014 000-18 and...,it has PLENTY of volume, nit that far kff the pist-2012 D-18 I used to own.

Goid luck invyour search.