Short scale OM Mahogany tips

[Cim Frode]

Originally Posted by Pender

Cim,

First, I love your last album! Congrats!

Second, I put my vote on the Martin 000-18, too. For me it's the template, as Karmadave said. I would like to hear your music played on this

Regards from Lisbon,
Pedro

Thanks mate! A pre war 000-18 would be the dream, it is so hard finding one in Europe though

[Tags]

The Eastman OMs (I have the E10-OM) are pretty unique in that they are short scale (and thus really 000's) but they come with an OM style pickguard -- which I happen to greatly prefer.

[Nanosecond]

Originally Posted by LakewoodM32Fan

But I wouldn't say it's as fundamental-focused a Collings OM1JL which is a very...I don't know if "dry tone" is the right phrase...but it definitely emphasizes the fundamental tone over the overtone to a level that most other guitars I've ever played don't. The Julian Lage is a very unforgiving guitar (and I'm not saying that as a criticism). If you are on-point with your playing, it rewards you. If you are sloppy, it reveals you. I'm very sloppy.

But the Lage is also long scale and OP wants short. I have the Adirondack model. It is my favorite guitar, but it is a taskmaster. When I'm tired I don't like playing it cuz it keeps showing me up.

[Dwight]

Santa Cruz OM/PW Mahogany/Carpathian, ss.

[Cim Frode]

Originally Posted by Dwight

Santa Cruz OM/PW Mahogany/Carpathian, ss.

Not short scale right?

[leepish14]

LOVE my Martin 000-18 reimagined. I can’t imagine a better deal for such a wonderful guitar.

[dreamtime]

Man a 000 with Mahogany that has aged well might be the most killer guitar. It’s being patient in getting to that point. Hmm how about an Astrand? Ha, ha. I’m waiting for mine in 2022. Beyond that Bourgeois, Santa Cruz and Circa guitars come to mind. Circa is probably the one if you have the extra funds, especially if you can get a custom build. Maybe you can send John Slobod a video of your playing and talk to him about a build. Exceptional builders like to align with exceptional players.

[LakewoodM32Fan]

Originally Posted by dreamtime

Man a 000 with Mahogany that has aged well might be the most killer guitar. It’s being patient in getting to that point. Hmm how about an Astrand? Ha, ha. I’m waiting for mine in 2022. Beyond that Bourgeois, Santa Cruz and Circa guitars come to mind. Circa is probably the one if you have the extra funds, especially if you can get a custom build. Maybe you can send John Slobod a video of your playing and talk to him about a build. Exceptional builders like to align with exceptional players.

If you get a chance to audition a Martin 000-18 with sinker mahogany...that may be the aged mahogany sound you're looking for. Some, I think Gruhn's?, may have some paired with Adi (or aged Adi) tops. I, for one, am thrilled with my spruce top version but I know some want that vintage Martin sound from an Adi top.

[SprintBob]

Originally Posted by Dwight

Santa Cruz OM/PW Mahogany/Carpathian, ss.

Yes, a SCGC OM PW with German/Euro or Adi spruce would be excellent and if you can find one used they are usually a LOT of guitar for the money. I’ve also owned a Collings OM1A and I sold it and moved to my current 0001A which is 12 fret and short scale. Very responsive and lots of clarity, a joy to play.

[Cim Frode]

Originally Posted by leepish14

LOVE my Martin 000-18 reimagined. I can’t imagine a better deal for such a wonderful guitar.

I have to try this one, heard great things about the Reimagined series

[Cim Frode]

Originally Posted by dreamtime

Man a 000 with Mahogany that has aged well might be the most killer guitar. It’s being patient in getting to that point. Hmm how about an Astrand? Ha, ha. I’m waiting for mine in 2022. Beyond that Bourgeois, Santa Cruz and Circa guitars come to mind. Circa is probably the one if you have the extra funds, especially if you can get a custom build. Maybe you can send John Slobod a video of your playing and talk to him about a build. Exceptional builders like to align with exceptional players.

I have never played a Circa guitar, they are probably wonderful though. Maybe in the future

[Cim Frode]

Originally Posted by LakewoodM32Fan

If you get a chance to audition a Martin 000-18 with sinker mahogany...that may be the aged mahogany sound you're looking for. Some, I think Gruhn's?, may have some paired with Adi (or aged Adi) tops. I, for one, am thrilled with my spruce top version but I know some want that vintage Martin sound from an Adi top.

Maybe like this:

https://diamondguitars.nl/product/ma...p-000-18-2017/

?

[LakewoodM32Fan]

Originally Posted by Cim Frode

Maybe like this:

https://diamondguitars.nl/product/ma...p-000-18-2017/

?

That certainly looks very similar to mine, looks like they used closed-back Grover tuners in 2017 vs. the open-backed they have on mine (Schaller?). I'd definitely give that a test play if you're able to.

[jaymarsch]

I played a wonderful Santa Cruz 14 fret short scale OM that was all-mahogany. Warm, clear and balanced. I also played one that was German spruce/mahogany that was stellar as well. I remember playing a custom Collings OM that was German spruce and Koa - it was probably long scale but an amazing instrument. Probably more expensive than the Martin choices but head and shoulders above in terms of tone and presence, in my experience.
Best,
Jayne

[rolleiguy54]

Some of the best guitars of this style are made by Circa Guitars, Al Petteway has many recordings with their guitars. A call with Dream guitars may be in order for you. Or call John at Circa. Both are very helpful.

Have fun.