Which Martin??

[Gee Man]

Originally Posted by Garymontgomery

That's certainly reasonable & would explain why it's relatively cheap. May I ask why YOU think that the oval sound hole is a deal breaker?

Thank you...excellent info

As much as I hate to say it, when it comes to Martin's I'm somewhat of a traditionalist and as such just can't jive with the aesthetics of the oval soundhole. I do not pretend to know of a tonal difference one way or the other.

And the barn door reference was to the pre-amp on the Aura.

Truth be told though, I don't think you could really go wrong with any of your stated options, as they are all Martin OMs.

[Garymontgomery]

Originally Posted by markd

I sure love my Martin CEO-7 for all the purposes that you seek to use this guitar for. Size is comfy, string spacing perfect and tone is different from your other guitars. Good luck.

I'm sure that it is nice, but Mahogany b&s are a deal breaker IMO. I owned a (??) OOO-15 & (OOO body but all solid mahogany) did NOT like the tone.I've played/owned several spruce/mahogany guitars & didn't care for a single one. I am very much a spruce & Rosewood guy...

Thanks though...I appreciate the info!!

[JustMunkee]

Firstly, I don't have any experience with the 3 models you're looking at...

That said - if I were buying a Martin (which I did recently) I'd be looking for a 'classic' - let's be honest, it's what Martin 'do'. An oval soundhole, or a shedload of electronics aren't what I'd want from a Martin.

I bought an OM21 - you can't get much more traditional than that, and it's exactly what I wanted, that Martin sound and look, not something different.