Help finding quality OM

[rstanl2]

Worship leader searching for quality sounding,playing smaller bodied guitar. I’m live worship every 2 weeks,so I need something to plug into PA. Like the feel of the OM size, l already have a dread spruce top/redwood back and sides(Breedlove). I love my Breedlove, but I’m 64 and enjoy a smaller body,that will get the job done. Solid mahogany may be a contender in this search. I love rockin with the 30 year olds, help me out guys. Prefer 1 3/4 nut, also I’m a pick strummer, not a finger guy.I would like to spend money on a guitar that could be an heirloom or could be sold and recoup my investment. I take great care of my instruments,and can’t play forever. Thanks so much

PS.. I’ve been asked to lower my price range by my lovely bride...$2-2,500

[SKYHIGH]

Eastman E10OM, Martin 000-18 or 000-15M.

[madhat]

Martin 000-18 gets my vote.
You’d still have enough cabbage to pickup a new Eastman E20OM.

That would make a sweet pair of 000 short scale gitz fer ya
Have fun

madhat.

[mikealpine]

For all mahogany, I like the Taylor 5 series and you can get one inside your budget. Outside of that, look at the Furch OMs, they are wonderful instruments, also within budget.

[Wade Hampton]

I just got done recommending this model over in another thread, but I would recommend the Martin OM-21. I played a superb example of one at Pro Music in Fairbanks, Alaska last week. To my ear it was the best-sounding guitar in the store.


whm

[markrj]

Definitely check out the Larrivee OM 03 or 40.

[JCPO]

Originally Posted by Wade Hampton

I just got done recommending this model over in another thread, but I would recommend the Martin OM-21. I played a superb example of one at Pro Music in Fairbanks, Alaska last week. To my ear it was the best-sounding guitar in the store.

Here's another vote for the Martin OM-21. I bought a 2018 OM-21 in April from Maury's and couldn't be happier. It would serve your purposes very well and is well under your max budget. With the upgraded Geib style 533 case, it was under $2,200.00.

[RussL30]

While slightly smaller than an OM, look at the Gibson LG2 AE or Americana. My LG2 AE strums and handles a pick better than many OM’s I’ve played.

[richnrbq]

I love OM's and have a lovely Santa Cruz OM that I picked up used for under your $3k budget (which is a great budget, by the way...). So one consideration is whether you are interested in used guitars.

My friend picked up a Larrivee OM-40 a few months ago that is spectacular. I've always respected Larrivee guitars, but they always felt a little tame for my tastes, nothing to really distinguish them. But the OM-40 is a totally new design for them with a new bracing pattern; it totally rocks. Awesome dynamic range, great tone and an amazing bargain- they go for under $1400 new and better used. Worth looking into...

And thumbs up for the Martin OM-21 recommendations... Even better is the OM-21 Special if you can find one used...

Rich

[TBman]

Larrivee OM-05 is what I have, but I play finger style. Martin has the OM(C)-18 and OM(C)-28 too.

[Bluesidae]

Another fan of the Larrivee OM's. Mine is the OM-50. Very, very nice guitar.

[brencat]

Originally Posted by rstanl2

Worship leader searching for quality sounding,playing smaller bodied guitar. Prefer 1 3/4 nut, also I’m a pick strummer, not a finger guy. I would like to spend money on a guitar that could be an heirloom or could be sold and recoup my investment. I take great care of my instruments,and can’t play forever. $3K max Thanks so much

Santa Cruz OM/PW -- Sitka over EIR, for $2600 - $2800 used/mint. This is an incredible sounding, high quality boutique guitar from a great builder, and one of the few small bodied instruments that I'd recommend for players used to the deep bass of a dread. 1 3/4 nut with 2 3/16" string spacing is standard. The neck is a rounded soft-v shape of medium overall depth. Great strummer, huge voice. Buy one for the price range I mentioned above and you'll get every penny back on a resale.

Best of luck in your search.

[Filum]

Obligatory recommendation of Yamaha LS16R/M.

Comes with non-intrusive pickup (nothing drilled into the sides), torrified englemann top etc...

[musicman1951]

$3K would get you a very fine used Martin. The John Mayer model is nice. I would also look at 000's. There should be plenty of guitars out there.

[lowrider]

Another vote for the OM-21. Great guitar, great value!