Played an all ovangkol Martin today

[Shadowfox]

So basically it's Martin's version of a Taylor 524/526?

[beyeond]

Originally Posted by Shadowfox

So basically it's Martin's version of a Taylor 524/526?

If I'm not mistaken, The ovangkol taylors are the 4 series. 5 series I believe is mahogany.

[beyeond]

Just got the new GC catalogue in the mail and the GPC Ovangkal Special is in it, listed at $1599.

[lowrider]

I tried to look for it this morning but didn't know what to call it. Here it is;

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Martin/...tric-Guitar.gc

[M19]

Interesting.

I'll have to check to see if "my" GC has one to try.

[pjk424]

So here's the skinny:

Walked into a guitar center last Thursday and this immediately caught my eye. I played a few before getting to this, picked it off the wall . . . and immediately wanted to take it home. Being the savvy shopper I am, wanted to get some reviews online just to see if there was anything wrong. Couldn't find anything. So I put it back, searched for it the next morning and STILL couldn't find anything. Then I called Martin :

I spoke with the CSR and he asked me to send a picture. When he saw the picture I took immediately said "Ohhhhh, these are REALLY REALLY New!"

Told me it was a guitar center exclusive but based on the immediate feedback they're ramping up the wood use for other models.

Here's the direct link : https://www.guitarcenter.com/Martin/...#productDetail

[pjk424]

Originally Posted by beyeond

If I'm not mistaken, The ovangkol taylors are the 4 series. 5 series I believe is mahogany.

You're right - Taylor used these a lot on the 400 series.

My buddy who is a huge Taylor buff loved this Martin GPC but made a comment that while the front had a glossy finish the back didn't. He said that was a sign of a 'cheaper' quality Taylor. Doesn't make a difference to me!

[merlin666]

Originally Posted by TBman

Attachment 7427

The side in this picture looks like some laminate that got wet and then shriveled up. But it's probably just a reflection.

And I just can't like this kind of colour for guitars, reminds me too much of kitchen cabinets in low price condos or other cheap furniture.

[Chickee]

Originally Posted by merlin666

The side in this picture looks like some laminate that got wet and then shriveled up. But it's probably just a reflection.

And I just can't like this kind of colour for guitars, reminds me too much of kitchen cabinets in low price condos or other cheap furniture.

Ovangkol doesn't look the way it's portrayed in that picture. It's quite beautiful in person.
Definitely not cheap cabinet veneer. You will be pleasantly surprised.
I'm so interested in this thread because I am currently obsessed with the recent release of Washburn's Ovangkol comfort series guitar. Just by the reaction I'm seeing to Martin's Ovangkol release I am feeling it isn't the red headed stepchild of tone woods I thought it was. That makes me happy.

[merlin666]

Originally Posted by pjk424

Told me it was a guitar center exclusive but based on the immediate feedback they're ramping up the wood use for other models.

Here's the direct link : https://www.guitarcenter.com/Martin/...#productDetail

Interesting choice for Martin. I had a look at the specs and also found this:

To dial in the right amount of tone and projection, the top has been braced to perfection, using Martin’s world-renown 5/16” Forward Shifted Scalloped X Bracing Pattern.

It does not say what material the bracing is made off, so assume it would be ovangokol too.

[TBman]

I'm going back to GC tomorrow or Saturday and see how it sounds now that those new strings had a week or so to settle in. I really liked it.

[SnowManSnow]

Seems like I played one at a GC last year. Seemed very.... unresponsive to MY ears. But to each his own. Could have been due to a lot of factors

[NavyChap]

I saw the Martin Performing Artist Series GPC Special Ovangkol Acoustic/Electric in the recent Guitar Center flyer I got a few days ago in the mail. It REALLY looks interesting - I may be adding to my "stable."

[lowrider]

I haven't seen this new model, but I have the Road Series mutenye and spruce version and it's a thrilling guitar. Mutenye is supposed to be very much like ovangkoi. The size and the tone is bigger than a 000 but much more comfortable than a dread.

[TBman]

Originally Posted by lowrider

I haven't seen this new model, but I have the Road Series mutenye and spruce version and it's a thrilling guitar. Mutenye is supposed to be very much like ovangkoi. The size and the tone is bigger than a 000 but much more comfortable than a dread.

I love those Mutenye RS guitars. I play them every chance I get.