Martin OM-18 Authentic 1933 (2013) - Detailed Review & Demo

The Martin OM-18 Authentic 1933 is a meticulously recreated replica of the original Martin 1933 OM-18. It's a high-end guitar designed for players who value quality and authenticity, as well as collectors who appreciate its historical significance.
This model was recreated using a CAT scan machine to detail an original Martin 1933 OM-18 at the Smithsonian Institute, enabling Martin to produce a 21st-century replica that's as true to the original as possible. This innovative use of technology reflects Martin's embrace of digital technology in their guitar making process.
The OM-18 Authentic 1933 has an authentic “barrel and heel” shaped neck, which may initially feel thick and somewhat difficult to wrap an average-sized hand around, but becomes comfortable once you get used to it. The Orchestra Model body is great for a range of playing styles, from fingerpicking to strumming.
Its back, sides, and neck are made of mahogany, while the top is Adirondack spruce. The guitar also features old style “18” abalone fingerboard inlays and a head plate, back purfling, and endpiece of Madagascar rosewood. The fingerboard, nut, and heelcap are ebony, and Waverly nickel tuning machines with butterbean knobs add to the air of authenticity.
In terms of playability, the guitar's action is remarkably easy, almost interactive. The barrel-shaped neck stabilizes your left hand and can quickly become addictive. The ebony fingerboard is as black and tight as can be, making for a silky smooth playing experience.
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🌟 About Nick Brightwell: 🌟
Nick Brightwell is an acclaimed musician with a passion for acoustic guitar and a deep knowledge of vintage instruments. His expertise and engaging playing style have made him a sought-after reviewer and performer in the world of guitar enthusiasts.
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Gear we used:
Audio Recording:
Neumann KM 184 MT Stereo Matched Microphone Pair (Matte Black)
MixPre-6 Preamp
Video Recording:
Nikon Z9
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8
Lighting:
Two Amaran 200x Bi-Color LED Light
Phottix Raja Quick-Folding Softbox 32x47in (80x120cm)
‪@NickBrightwell‬ ‪@studio1vintageguitars‬ ‪@martinguitar‬
#martinguitar #vintageguitars #acousticguitar #fingerstyle

[@haroldclark1787]

You are a soaring talent and a brilliant musician with a vast and enviable understanding of the acoustic guitar universe. Thanks for sharing this video, and for showing us what a virtuoso truly can do with an exceptional guitar. Cheers and thanks for your enormous gifts!

[@studio1vintageguitars]

Wow, thank you!

[@ericecklund676]

Nick, the lower two back braces are laid flat on the Authentics. That's one of the tells that you're looking at Authentic bracing. Try looking inside your OM-28 Authentic 1931, or a D-18 Authentic 1939, or a 000-28 Custom Shop Authentic 1937. The bottom two back braces will all be lowered. It's like that to help with the Bass response.

[@studio1vintageguitars]

Yes, Nick understands that and can hear the difference. The question Nick is asking what is the name (correct terminology) of that kind of bracing?

[@ericecklund676]

@@studio1vintageguitars That would be a good question to ask Martin Guitar Customer Service. Inside of the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum (UMGF) we see that as part of the Authentic bracing patterns, for 1930's and early 1940's Martin's.

[@el34glo59]

Which also changes the sound. The lower, but wider authentic braces, are less stiff. Same exact amount of wood used, but taller and thinner is always stiffer. So with the authentic bracing yiu hear more of the back wood refections. With regular back bracing, the stiffness is adding a little of the bracing sound. Stiffening the back. I think back bracing is much more important than people realize. You can also have you existing tall braces shaved down to get the authentic lesser stiffness. But you obviously don't go as low as they're already thinner. I tnink its about half way down. Bryan Kinsey will do it

[@el34glo59]

​@@studio1vintageguitarsIt's just authentic back bracing. I don't think there's a name. It's just how they used to do it. And eventually taller and thinner became easier to produce in mass numbers and used that.

[@vanhuber]

Great playing, wow. What strings are you using? Did you say John Pearce 12-53 phosphor-bronze? I have one of these, 2015 with VTS. Absolutely love it. The Santa Cruz Low Tension strings are great for finger picking. I live in the USA and bought mine new from Australia for a very reasonable price (and actually there are no import taxes, as it is coming back to its origin of manufacture; but some paper work). Curious too about the clear finish... I also thought these were only offered with the shaded top.

[@studio1vintageguitars]

Thanks for sharing, Glad you to hear you've got one similar to this! John Pearse 12-53 phosphor bronze.

[@user-kw5tb7ff7o]

Bro, have you ever tried the om-18ge? Would you say it’s similiar? As I have the opportunity to get one from 2004. with those sick banjo tuners

[@studio1vintageguitars]

Hey bro, I got back to you on instagram. Not on here anymore!

[@joerouse6205]

I’ve a shade top non vts. Version, great guitar.

[@studio1vintageguitars]

Excellent guitar!

[@gibby6904]

I have a 000-18.....wish I would have went with an OM for the scale length......my binding is loose

[@studio1vintageguitars]

Maybe up the strings tension slightly if you want a longer scale feel. Binding can come loose from humidity issues, it can easily be re-glued!

[@andrejapremrl3703]

I tought these ware made only in shaded top ?

[@studio1vintageguitars]

These were made natural and shade top

[@oatgibson]

If its made in 2013 its a non vts. Martin started using vts in 2015

[@NickBrightwell]

Phew, thanks man! I got it in store understanding it was non-VTS but then a description from a reputable resource said otherwise, was very confused. Thanks for clearing that up, found the original Martin release article.

[@oatgibson]

@@NickBrightwell your welcome. I have the om18 authentic vts version. Coming from a guy who has this model gotta say you really made that guitar sing. Great Job Nick

[@NickBrightwell]

@@oatgibson Man, I am getting confused by this VTS stuff, we have a 2013 D-28 authentic (madagas) that has VTS braces! (Confirmed on spec sheet). What's your thoughts?

[@oatgibson]

@@NickBrightwell for all i know is martin only introduced vts in 2015. So it doesnt make sense if they would use vts even on the bracing 2 years before they introduced it. You should try check it with martin.

[@el34glo59]

I want the NON vts

[@smithjeff3002]

Hello: gone already??

[@studio1vintageguitars]

Yes, sold in the blink of an eye!