Martin OM-28: Which would you pick?

[skim14]

I've been on the hunt for a Martin OM-28 Authentic and I've narrowed it down to 2 guitars but can't seem to decide which one I should pull the trigger on. Just based on the appearance, which one would you pick?

Guitar A: https://imgur.com/a/aq9w0

Guitar B: https://imgur.com/a/WaMJd

[00045]

Just on the looks, B. A is to boring for my taste. On B I like the spruce top and even more the back.

[skim14]

It's interesting that you say that. While I like the top of guitar B, I don't know how I feel about the drastic variation in color of the back.

[StephenHD35]

I prefer the back on A.

[rsfanforever]

I prefer just from the looks, guitar A. Playing them first would be nice and really make the choice easier for me.

[GGSanders]

Based upon looks alone, guitar B, without a second thought. I prefer its close grained spruce top and far more interesting back.

[bizango1]

Based on looks I would choose B. More interesting back and front.

I was in a similar situation a while back. Of three local OM-28As two had playability issues and one just didn't sound good so I decided to take my chances on a new long distance purchase. At the time Maury had none in stock but Jon at MFG had two. One looked perfect and the other had a rather boring looking back and the top had a bit of VTS darkening and one odd bearclaw look. I preferred the perfect looking one but wanted the tone that appealed to me if they sounded different. Jon was kind enough to take the time to make quick recordings of the two back-to-back for me to compare. Hard to evaluate the tone on recordings except I was able to hear a distinct difference between them and that difference made me choose the less pretty guitar. My wife thought it was the better sounding as well. So glad I asked and Jon was willing to accommodate and the guitar is everything I hoped for. Hopefully you can compare clips of both guitars.

[Bluesidae]

Beautiful guitars. If it were me, instead of a selection based on pics, I would have asked the group to base the decision on sound/tone. I would have presented the forum with an audio clip of A and B!

[brencat]

Really tough call here. I prefer the tighter grained, even colored top on B, but the back is absolutely hideous...slab sawn, with knotted figuring.

I vote NONE OF THE ABOVE, and to keep looking.

A sound sample of both, if the dealers can provide one, could help break the tie. I used to own one of these a couple years back. If you're looking for a wet, lush, ringy sounding guitar, this is definitely NOT it.

[Sagebrush Tom]

I don't think the pictures do guitar A any justice. I vote which guitar sounds the best. Appearance is what first attracts you to the guitar, tone should be the deciding factor.
Tom

[skim14]

I wish I could update the poll. Following bizango1's comment, I gave Jon at MFG a call and it looks like he has one in stock as well. https://www.myfavoriteguitars.com/Ma...S-2058740.html The back looks really nice and the top has nice straight grain but unfortunately also has that dark vts stripe.

Of course, tone is the most important factor and it's great that guitar A from Maury's has a clip but I'm not able to get a clip for guitar B to compare.

Overall "A" has a much more appealing look to my eye.

[Mrbirdog]

Skim
sent you a PM
Mrbirdog

[Orfeas]

I like the B better. Can't elaborate why. I just like the woods.

[jseth]

Didn't vote... I would NEVER buy an acoustic guitar based on looks... the way it sounds is FAR more important to me! After all, that's why I'm buying the thing - I could care less how it looks if it sounds heavenly!