In your opinion, who makes the best OM?

[DRodgers]

So, I know this is totally up to the individual player, but I would like to know who you thinks makes the best OM and why. Are certain makers better with mahogany, while others better with rosewood?

I'm currently on an aggressive hunt and the market is flooded with choices, so I would just like to hear from you folks. Just to add some extra thought into my process.

Thanks for any input.

[homesteader]

Probably a Martin or a Martin clone.

[Dirk Hofman]

My favorite is the SCGC OM Standard. Rich tone, full of harmonics, strong bass but not too much, great clarity, and beautifully appointed. I also love the neck and find the guitar fantastically playable. Very good projection. A must try if in that market IMO.

[tomiv9]

best is very subjective. Some builders OMs are brighter, some more even, some bassier (more dread like). Some have more overtones, some have more fundamentals. Some more volume, others more responsive. It really depends on what you are looking for in an OM. Martin's new OM-28 gets great reviews, and would be a good place to start. If you want to go higher up the boutique ladder, check out Santa Cruz, Bourgeois, Huss & Dalton, Froggy Bottom, Collings. There is no real best, just different flavors.

[fazool]

The best I ever played was a Bourgeois. I've not played many other boutique builder models but this one was so far above anything that I can't put it into words.

[dneal]

Originally Posted by tomiv9

best is very subjective. Some builders OMs are brighter, some more even, some bassier (more dread like). Some have more overtones, some have more fundamentals. Some more volume, others more responsive. It really depends on what you are looking for in an OM. Martin's new OM-28 gets great reviews, and would be a good place to start. If you want to go higher up the boutique ladder, check out Santa Cruz, Bourgeois, Huss & Dalton, Froggy Bottom, Collings. There is no real best, just different flavors.

+1

tencharacterstopost

[Father Mike]

Originally Posted by homesteader

Probably a Martin or a Martin clone.

+ 1

Agreed.

[momanbilly]

Best value...Eastman Guitars.
Mahogany: AJ615 or AC512 with Engleman spruce tops, E6OM Sitka top.
Rosewood: AC712 Engelman spruce top or E8OM (a top seller) Sitka spruce top.
Each new about $1100, except the AJ615, about $1600, great guitars.

[aknow]

When I visited Hill Country Guitars, I asked them the same question.
In the next hour, I tried Froggy, Bourgeois, H and D, and S &C, and Collings.
I ended up with a Collings, but could have chosen any of these, as they all sounded amazing.
Glad I could clear this up for you!

[rmyAddison]

Originally Posted by DRodgers

So, I know this is totally up to the individual player, but I would like to know who you thinks makes the best OM and why. Are certain makers better with mahogany, while others better with rosewood?

I'm currently on an aggressive hunt and the market is flooded with choices, so I would just like to hear from you folks. Just to add some extra thought into my process.

Thanks for any input.

Totally subjective.........

while I have nothing but respect for Santa Cruz, Bourgeois, Collings, etc. my OM-18A is perfect for me, and the OM-28A the same for rosewood.

To get as good, or if you want to argue better, you have to pay just as much or more as the Authentics, pricey but outstanding........

[GibbyPrague]

Dig my Furch OM, ill vote for that one.

[lizzard]

Lots of great options out there. Personally, I love my Kinnaird F1 - deep OM EIR/Sitka.

Wolf in sheep's clothing!

Check the "Boss is gone for a wee" thread that Ryan started.

It's better in person and you are welcome to check it in person.

Chris

[BBWW]

Santa Cruz, Standard not PW. That is my truth.

[hat]

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi?
Ommmmmmmm

[RRuskin]

As far as I'm concerned and when it comes to factory-built instruments, Collings is the most consistent builder and has been for quite some time.