Martin OM-21 vs. OM-28 | What's The Difference?

[@ArthurWilson-y6y]

This channel is fast becoming my go-to location for in-depth, informative and entertaining demo's of really great guitars. I like the comparison videos a lot and the way you guys discuss differences is really helpful.

[@ektalon1]

Great comparison video, as always. I like the herringbone of the 28, but the Rosette of the 21. I thought the 21 had a cleaner sound, but they both sound great. Thanks guys.

[@1funkybasslady]

OM 28 has fuller warmer overall tone, and treble side is sweeter than the 21. For my money, I would save up to pay the extra $400 for the 28. Interestingly, I suspect that most folks would love the 21 if they didn't have a 28 on hand to compare side-by-side or if they don't watch this video. Yet another great comparison video guys!

[@michaelmahoney672]

Same guitar

[@TommySG1]

Great video as usual you guys. I love these deep dive explanations on all these beautiful guitars. Thank you 🤙

[@michealhuskeymusic4508]

I’ve had the OM 28e with the Aura VT system for a couple of years now. It’s the best guitar I’ve ever owned. Super comfortable! Deep bass, great mids and highs…very balanced. It is also very versatile. I cover blues, folk and some finger style on it. It is a beauty too! I can’t find any better sound in an OM outside of the Santa Cruz I once played. That was a lot more $$ and just a hair more presence. Thanks for another great video guys!

[@derekgladden5200]

I’ve got an OM21 and it’s amazing! I could not tell a difference in tone when I played both the 21 and 28

[@uria702]

The difference is only the inlays and all that stuff. Blindfolded nobody could ever tell and I’m a om28 owner.

[@carpediem4413]

Went to buy an OM-28 … walked out with a M36. Never heard of the M36 but holy cow…. Martin’s best kept secret IMO.

[@daleonov]

Googled what's an M36... it's a good vintage tank! They knew how to make them back in the '40s. Congrats haha :D

[@frankie_CALB]

M-36 rules!!!!

[@ericchuret2789]

The same happened to me. I spent 2 hours in the store and kept coming back to the M36. Just had it serviced after 7 years. The action had raised a bit. Plays amazing.

[@ParkourRhett]

🧢

[@Jimi_7-7-7]

@@ericchuret2789 same to me… I walked in the store, wanted to buy strings 🤣… saw that “guitar” on the wall… steered at it… the seller came: “… do you want to try it”? -> “yes, why not…” … and now, there we are 🙈 The M-36 🤯! I would prefer the look with just a 2 pice back instead of 3 and also no binding on the neck, and the open gear tuner… baut man… who cares at the end of the M-36 sounds better than every other Martin they had in the shop! And they were a lot … M-36 rules 🤝💯🤩

[@dwightlowes]

Both are Outstanding. I couldn’t hear much if any differences. I don’t want to talk myself it hearing something I didn’t.

[@RohitSguitar]

Sounds like the style 21 essentially has the tonewoods of style 28 with the appointments and wood grades of style 18. Personally I prefer the overall aesthetic of the style 21 even though the herringbone and diamond inlays are cool on the 28. As far as tone, I think I also prefer style 21 even though the differences are subtle (I heard deeper/thicker bass on the 28). I've heard the OM-21 referred to as "the most mahogany sounding of the Martin rosewood OMs", and I prefer mahogany over rosewood :-) Great comparison!

[@chrisk.6246]

Thanks for the excellent explanation and demo!

[@johnwbanjo]

They’re both really nice instruments. I heard a little more richness in tone from the 28 but either one would be a handsome tool to have in your kit.

[@justjen1114]

We’re living in the matrix, if you expect to hear more bass your brain will help you hear it

[@hullabaloo2601]

Love the content. Love both of you. Really good chemistry. Feels like we’ve been friends for ages though i’ve only seen you through the screen. Thanks!

[@Fronz05]

From what I hear on this video with my Sony MDR-7506 headphones, that are pretty fair to all sound, the 28 is noticeably richer, fuller and more full. I was hoping to hear that they were the same except for the aesthetics but that didn't sound through. Thanks for the comparison. My dream guitar is still an OM 28ce with the LR Baggs Anthem pickup. I play a Zager OM that is set up so well and easy/fun to play but it lacks the full rich sound of the Martin. I can still dream!

[@maximumaverage]

At one point I was so into the differences, trying my hardest to hear the differences. At this point, it's really marginal gains in sound quality when dealing within the same tonewoods. An acoustic guitar sounds like an acoustic guitar 90% of the time. Just enjoy it and play!

[@markmenhorn8398]

Thanks.. lots of information on the om's

[@arkadyromanov7803]

I'd love to see you guys do a video on the Yamaha L series. The L6 and L16 are incredible value: solid rosewood, aged Engelmann spruce top for rock bottom prices. Then the L26 hand made in Japan start to finish by one employee per guitar. Scalloped bracing specific to the top. Yamaha makes great budget guitars but their premium stuff is still grossly underrated. I went looking for a solid rosewood/spruce guitar and started with Taylor and Martin and ended up with a Yamaha because it sounded just as good or even better and cost much less. Plus it's fun. I never get tired of people being surprised by the sound that comes out of my LS26 because they always equate Yamaha with a student/first guitar that you move on from.

[@albertlee4036]

I don't think the L6 has solid rosewood back and side, but the L16 and the models above yes.

[@arkadyromanov7803]

@@albertlee4036 you're right about the 6. I got an LS26

[@dxcman1]

I was thinking the same thing. For 2K less a Yamaha ll16 is so good. I love my Yamaha's. I sold my Taylors and others now all my acoustics are Yamaha.

[@matthewgroff433]

I live in Eastern Pennsylvania about 7 miles from Martin Guitar. Great video!! I love Martin Guitars, but never owned one, yet! Lol

[@aficionadolurecompany700]

I have a Martin OM-21 that was built in 2004. It's a pretty nice guitar. I just put some light gauge phosphor bronze String Joy strings on it a couple days ago. Sounds pretty damn good!

[@radimvasol168]

Thanks for the presentation guys. You're great. My ears can't tell the difference. Only the eyes see more decorative details and since they play with their eyes closed, I take the OM-21. Money is money .

[@olivierbasile7809]

Bonjour, j’ai eu deux O.M. 28 et puis une OM 21. Cette dernière est pour moi plus précise ,des basses moins envahissantes Lorsque l’on joue en Picking rapidement le son est plus clair moins confu ,L’enregistrement est meilleur Je préfère la 28 pour le look mais la 21 pour le son

[@uria702]

I bought a 28 after this video came out last year.

[@dmar3651]

Cheers for the Fiji shoutout!

[@julesdiakogiannis]

Excellent video.

[@CoolCat11]

This was so informative. I always believed that the 21 has a slightly thicker neck. 😱 I have a 000-28 MD and it's amazing. I played a few but did not like it until finally one arrived that I loved and felt it was worth the extra. It's always about the wood and variations even with the same models. But then my ear changed and off I went on the mahogany hunt. Result: way too much GAS! 😂

[@brettmorrical6978]

Because I already have an OM-42, I would choose the 21 in this comparison. The fundamental, warm, rich tones are awesome on the 21. Love the 28 too, but everything it offers, I feel I already have in my 42. Instant 21 envy.

[@mariodriessen9740]

I've always had a preference for guitars with as little embellishment as possible. The simpler the better. So in terms of esthetics I prefer the OM-21 over the OM-28, the D-18 over the D-28, the 00-15m over the 00-28, the Gibson Les Paul Junior over the Gibson Les Paul Standard with a flame maple top or a 50's style Fender Esquire over a modern Fender Telecaster with all sorts of cutaways. I'm stubborn too. I listen with my eyes. I want the simpler guitars to sound better. And to my ears they usually do. 😁

[@paulheartsongs]

My choice was the OM21 … I put the saving towards a telecaster 😂 There’s a lot of knowledge here, and some great playing! Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@olivierbeekman]

In this comparison I liked the sound of the OM 21 more ( Attack and pronunciation).

[@user-eg7nj1is7l]

Both sound amazing. The 21 sounds a bit more separated and bright distinct and the 28 sounds richer and formed together to me, almost as if the strings blend & sing a bit more harmoniously. Would love either of them.

[@sc12100]

The 15 series uses Sipo, not genuine big leaf mahogany. “Select Hardwood” being used is in fact Genuine Mahogany. They also will use a Spanish Cedar depending on the availability of Mahogany. This applies to the standard series.

[@glennmelrose607]

The specs that actually contribute to tone are essentially identical. Other than being in a store and comparing the tone of specific in-hand examples of these models, the decision is one of aesthetics (and price). Tonal differences heard between the two could EASILY be reversed in a different 21- and 28- OM side-by-side comparison. Both models currently have the same modified low oval neck profile. Good video that IMO sheds light on the under appreciated 21! Put a classic Ambertone finish on the top and you've got a fantastic "Depression Era Looking" guitar! 🙂

[@johnoffutt898]

I own the Martin O-18 and switched out the factory bone nut and saddle and plastic bridge pins. Replaced with Fossil Walrus Ivory nut and saddle and bridge pins. Wow it sounds like a Martin OM-42 mini me. I would own either of these guitar's and replace the factory with the Fossil Walrus Ivory nut,saddle and bridge pins. They would sound like a Martin OM-42 and save alot of monies.

[@PaganTorres1]

Thanks for the review, I am looking forward to the next step guitar. I am between these two beautiful guitars. Very informative on the details and the history. Big fan here, take care guys!

[@TheGamermouse]

Love you guys ♥

[@kevincrouch3956]

Thanks, that was very interesting about the reason why the 28 has the volute- who knew? I prefer the 21 for a number of reasons,- aesthetics, sound and not really price.

[@752brickie]

I am playing my OM 21 right now. Mine has the aged toner on it too. The Rosewood is very tight grained . I think it is a great guitar. I want a mahogany one next like the 000 18 or 000 15 S. I really love the 12 fret guitars too.

[@Ravenscaller]

There is an OM-Cherry that doesn't seem to have a number designation. Spruce top with sustainable cherry back and sides. I think it's a satin finish all over but has the snowflakes and other 28 appointments. Would love if you reviewed it.

[@deborahmcalister3936]

I had a 2012 OM 21 that sounded like a Cannon! Regrettably sold it!

[@Tony-vk1qr]

The guy with the long hair looks just like Andy Durant from the Australian 1970’s Country-Rock Group “Stars”. See “West is the Way” by Stars in 1977 !

[@CarlosGonzalez-tx4cb]

Listening to both side by side, the OM21 sounds thinner to my ear. The OM28 sounds richer and fuller. In and of themselves, the 21 doesn’t sound bad, but for my ear, the 28 sounds better. But then again, there are always preferences to account for. I prefer rosewood to mahogany but many people swear by mahogany, so at the end, to each there own

[@patricklundquist9869]

Who would have though there would be that much difference in tone? I set the video to HD and full screen and could see that, in addition to the rosewood grain difference you mentioned, the grain of the spruce top is a lot different. The OM-21 is fresh out of the box while the OM-28 was hanging in the shop so I'm guessing the strings have more play time on them. in my opinion, any guitar shootout should require fresh strings of identical brand, weight and materials on both guitars plus they should be setup as close as possible.

[@saintless]

28 had more overtones, slightly muddier.. but, I'm assuming that's just the difference between any two of the same model rather than a difference between the 21 and 28. 21 gets the vote for me, I'm all in on fauxtorts over the white stuff. Can't decide if I prefer one over the other with ambertone though.

[@sdfswords]

They SHOULD sound the same, but the 28 is richer and fuller, the 21 will probably open up with more play. I have a 000 MMV that I bought used, in virtually unplayed condition. It has the 25.4" scale, with the 1.69 neck, sitka, rosewood, ebony, gloss nitro with an aftermarket Fishman installed. Though several years old, it obviously was a closet queen, and was so tight and unresponsive, I almost sold it. It took about a year to start opening up, and now it blows me away, it's my favorite overall guitar among a select quiver of a dozen instruments. Martins start out a little tight, but reveal an almost mystical warmth over the years as they play in, I love the balanced sound they produce.

[@eurly93]

Fact of the matter is that the 21 is a $3,000 guitar but missing many of the aesthetic appointments one would expect at that price point. The 28 at $3,400 simply looks the part more so it is going to sell much more. Martin knows this and they specifically sell the 21 as a way to use up some of the very slightly blemished wood that doesn't make the cut for the 28, but they don't want to impact sales of the 28 so they keep off the flair like the binding and design along the edge of the top

[@nicolen.9642]

I have a 000-15M but I'd also take the OM-28 but too expensive outside my budget... Great demo guys, thanks.🎶🎶🎶

[@nicolen.9642]

@@user-otzlixr It sounds wonderful. I've tried other guitars during my learning, woods, etc. My Martin was sweet to me, the difference was huge, sound, sustainability, great projection (even though it's not a dreadnought, which was too bulky for me). Great basse and treble, maybe softer than spruce (too bright on the OM-21, but that's a matter of taste). I play folk, blues anything. Cheers Bryan 🎶🎶🎶

[@stephenkennedy7347]

The OM-28 definitely richer and deeper the the OM-21 although the OM-21 is still vey good.

[@jan-frederiknieborg8410]

At 17:15 you are playing a melody of which I wonder if it is just some picking of yourself or is it an existing song?

[@softsouthernknight]

Wish they made the 12 Fret 00-21 still.

[@dhruvkhanduja2835]

Could I ask the songs being played ? The melody at around the 17:20 time point is so sweet and I'd love to learn it.

[@syabilacoustic7435]

My father just bought me new acoustic…. Takamine dreadnought Jumbo G series…. martin is my next choice…. ☺️👍

[@artfulalias3984]

Same body, neck, bracing, and construction. There is more difference in sound between individual guitars than between the two series. The 28 has fancier binding and inlay. I actually prefer the tortoise binding of the 21 with the light spruce top. I do like white bindings with dark top and sides. At one time I envied the fret inlays of the 28. But I have come to love the physical beauty of the 21 as much as its beautiful sound. The simpler accents emphasize the natural beauty of the wood, along with perfect fit and finish. Its warm and calm. There is nothing wrong about the contrasting binding and decoration on a 28. I does kind of pop when first seeing the guitar. But the simple beauty of the OM-21 just grows and grows on me over time. The OM is a gorgeous guitar in either aesthetic.

[@glennjustice2760]

I bought an OM-28 that had a 3 piece headstock. My OM-21 is solid. I simply prefer the elegance of the understated that I find in the OM-21. And.....my particular 21 sounds and plays better to me. Until I bought the OM-28 I didn’t know Martin would piece the headstock on the 28 models. No problem with saving precious woods, just didn’t know. Thanks guys.

[@angelg8445]

the Om-28 doesn't have a 2 piece neck.

[@glennjustice2760]

@@angelg8445 . No it doesn’t. It did have a three piece (headstock) though.

[@angelg8445]

@@glennjustice2760 Martin does NOT use multi piece valutes or neck for their guitars in the last 100 yrs.

[@glennjustice2760]

@@angelg8445 Look up Martin OM-28 on reverb and look at the backs of their headstocks. You will see glued on pieces on the sides of the headstocks.

[@angelg8445]

@@glennjustice2760 you mean the veneers on the headstock? Otherwise the only other thing I can think is the scarf joint on the neck which Martin doesn’t use.

[@edyue1]

The 21 sounded a tad more mahogany-ish, the 28 sounded a tad sweeter (this on my iPhone 11😂) I’m about to pick up an OM 21 from Craigslist that has a top crack repaired and cleated for $1200. I haven’t played it yet but I’m hoping it sounds as good as the one in this video 🤞

[@roberthealy1814]

I don't hear a lot of difference in the tone except the 21 seems to have a tad more bass sound in the lower end, which I like. Also, I like the ascetics of the 21 better.

[@samnewton5959]

You should clarify , "higher end wood" , is based on how it looks, (an aesthetic determination, nothing more).

[@chipa7996]

It may be splitting hairs but I saw a video given by Dana Bourgeois where he said that uniformity in grain pattern in a higher grade of wood is also better at translating into a more uniform tone. A lot of runout or figuring in a piece of wood disrupts the way the wood wants to vibrate. If you’re building a custom guitar or just seeking the best instrument possible, it makes sense to pay attention to wood grade. Of course, all the usual qualifiers apply but with everything else being equal(guitar model, same luthier, etc.) I’d opt for a better grade of wood if I had the choice. Can you hear the difference? Maybe not but in your mind you’ll know that you didn’t make any sacrifices in that department.

[@andorrasrevenge1683]

I know every guitar has its own sound but i had a Om-21 and i liked it pretty well but my om-28 blows it out of the water. i also think the Om-28 looks amazing.

[@startreker8591]

So if the top is blemished y had some burst or whatever coloring or shading finish there is the layman will hardly could tell the grade ( or non)of them,that includes the sides y back as well

[@cmcg5788]

It seems that the 28 is louder and a bit more resonant (maybe?).

[@TheoDahlemPickups]

OM21 for me. It's kind of more airy and opened up versus the 28 being more mid rangy

[@jamespaul906]

Great comparison. OM 21 sounds better!!

[@johnoffutt898]

OM-21 bass, mid, treble has a better blend of natural timbre colours and flavors that blend together evenly. OM-28 the bass is too heavy over taking the mid and treble. I would prefer the OM-21 for fingerstyle and strumming and flatpicking.

[@DoDifferent]

I bought an OM-21 back in 2003 after trying out many guitars at Elderly Instruments (I lived in the Lansing, MI area so it was my local store.). I thought THAT guitar had the best sound of all of the guitars I tried. Some were quite a bit more expensive. I don't know why the OM-21 model has gone up so much in price but (ha ha) 18 years have gone by. :-)

[@Neal_Sporin]

I bought a brand new OM-21 in 1998 from the now defunct Acoustic Roots in Jenkintown, PA. Back then, the fingerboard and bridge were made of rosewood. I've been playing it for 25 years now. I absolutely love the tone, which is, of course, better than ever! I also love the plain Jane looks and the rosewood appointments-- I prefer simple design aesthetics. I had the bridge slotted many years back and switched to solid ebony pins. Yumm!

[@vickyhendricks5357]

Can I get these with electric and/or cut away?

[@jeffdell9472]

Slight advantage to the 28 in flat picking otherwise both very nice

[@roberthealy1814]

How does the Martins Compare to a Taylor? You guys seem to like the Taylors better.

[@heartsoulofmusic2583]

The Martins have a beautiful balance of lows and highs while the newer Taylor's with the Y class bracing have very bright tones with less bass.

[@AlamoMusic]

We love both. We have been reviewing more Taylor’s lately due to Martin’s production issues but Martin guitars are finally coming in. -Chris

[@michaelgao8621]

@@AlamoMusic Hi Cooper and Chris, I thought you guys did prefer OM 28, because of sounds and Tonewoods.

[@Simon-df2ku]

tried two of both today and a 00028ec and came away with the OM-21

[@ricksmith201]

Great playing Chris! I prefer the 28 personally (I have a D28) but they both sound awesome. Next stop for me acoustically is 000-42…

[@pplareppl]

I did had an 000-42 but I liked my 000-18 much more. Surprisingly the 18 just producers more powerful sound, boomier bass and even the characteristic of the open low E is so much richer than my 000-42. Eventually I sold my 00042 and still keeping the 00018 and it continues to amaze me.

[@robmiller3464]

Chris why go off on a tangent on inconsequential subject Matter. Please discuss and play the instrument. Thanks

[@hectorcruz1162]

How does the ooo-18 compare?

[@sgtmac62]

Some do not like flash. Like me.

[@startreker8591]

Love balut!

[@davidscotbrown3241]

The OM21 is the thing. Not only the best value in the line, but a giant-killer. Put it against a friends OM42, he quickly put it away and never brought it out again. DON'T pay the extra... not worth it!!!

[@arkadyromanov7803]

I really dislike how opaque Martin is about what they are using. Like, if it's laminate, be open about it. If it's not made in the USA, say so. If it's sapele, say so, don't call it mahogany. The classification of their models is challenging enough.

[@adamricard9410]

Feel like it says all of the tin the description on their guitars online. Not sure what trouble you’re having.

[@Artful.Guitarist]

I have a 1970 Gibson SG. it has a veloute. Gibson guitars of this period have been criticised for this stengthening feature. People, eh? Go figure.

[@bradleydewey9083]

I do miss the days when Martin basically just had the standard line up...18, 28, 35, 41, 42, 45 and a couple standard body shapes. Stretching the brand to its limits in all directions and boosting production 3x or so in last 25 years...I dunno.

[@artrogers3985]

Chris - Do you have at least 7 Taylors so you can sleep with a different guitar every night? 😉 🎸

[@lennartkick1067]

About 7, good one haha

[@aum3.146]

Could you guys possibly be any cooler ?!

[@whskywolf]

I could not tell difference and really 400 dollars is quite step up least in my book.

[@gosman949]

Why was the OM-28 Modern Deluxe not discussed?

[@jimmycollette9209]

I closed my eyes and could not tell the difference. I would have to play both but there's no $400 difference with the eyes closed.

[@PhillProbst]

Gotta say ... on 18's ... I wanna see😢 rosewood bridges & boards ... or Kataloxox ... or whatever .... definitely NOT ebony. Ebony belongs on 20's and up ... NOT on 18's. Nuff' said . Also the "diamond Volute" is a non-starter. That's one of the reasons I would choose a 35 over a 28. Why anyone would value Martin "FAKING" an obsolete construction feature is beyond me. If I were to spec a "custom" from Martin. I would make sure it did not have the "WART".

[@seongpark5553]

15:20

[@enzodeltoro6743]

OM 28 the Best !

[@Tzadeck]

If I'm being honest the sounds comparisons in these videos are always pretty useless, especially with similar instruments like these. When you're playing them in person the experience is totally different. Still a great video though with the explanation!

[@wesmrtz16]

The 28 sounds scooped.

[@douglasshaw1320]

To my ear the 21 sounded better. Weird ears I guess. The 28 is definitely prettier lol.

[@keithmadison8754]

Why the he# are you talking about the 15 series !

[@underdog8797]

Nope I'll stay with my Gretsch Rancher Falcon Jumbo Acoustic

[@beef88]

I stopped watching when the millennial said “that’s derogatory”.

[@AlamoMusic]

Excuse me sir I am borderline Gen Z

[@seongpark5553]

16:20