My Martin OM28 Acoustic Guitar

[@MarySpender]

If you've ever bought a Martin Guitar because you have seen me playing mine - will you email me - with pictures? [e-mail] 🎸 My Fingerstyle Guitar Course! Learn with me. maryspender.teachable.com/p/fingerstyleguitar

[@ajcohen2621]

marins eew the best

[@theresamayx]

Bought a custom shop Martin orchestra model bc of you! I love it

[@theresamayx]

Rosewood back and sides, Sitka top. Flame maple binding on body as well as fingerboard. A triangle wedge of flame maple on the back of the body too.

[@TucsonBillD]

Way back when, Martin guitars were scarce. At the time they were hard to get… you had to pay for it up front and then wait for about two years before it would be delivered. These days, you check with a Martin dealer and you could walk out of the dealer with your own Martin. I’m glad to see you with an OM-28… it is an excellent instrument for a singer-songwriter. More balanced than a D. Not to say that a D doesn’t have a place. If you find yourself in Northern California in the near future drop me a line.

[@hkguitar1984]

Thank You for sharing this with us. Nothing could be more personal a choice than a guitar (and specifically an acoustic guitar). As a player myself, another person could order my meal, pick my cloths and shoes out, even choose a watch for me and I would get along just fine. My choice of guitar though, that can only be decided by myself and no-one else.

[@aprylrittenhouse4562]

I don't own such an expensive guitar. It does sound beautiful. I have a 80.00 rogue. Now before everyone boos. It was all I could afford. Im dissabled and live on a strict budget.I set it up myself. Got the action down to 5/64ths. I named her marcalene the vpire queen. And she has literally saved my life! After my husband and sister died in the same week, I had a breakdown after the hospital I decided to play again. Playing gives me focus and a purpose. 4 yrs later and I've learned 165 cover songs and wrote 14. I'm 60 yrs old and I love it when I see people like Mary show their love for that special instrument. All the best to you musicians out there

[@NickMcC]

As so many have said, the best guitar is the one you're playing! I'm grateful that playing has had a salutary on your life, regardless the guitar.

[@seanbaines]

Isn't it fun listening to and experiencing how these good, all solid wood acoustics age? The depth and strength and subtlety of voice grows. So rewarding.

[@steveanderson2494]

I have a 2020 OM28e Modern Deluxe. I love it. When I first opened the case and strummed it was like angel's singing. Now every few months it seems a new angel joins the choir. I play random rounds around Nashville and almost every night someone asks me about the guitar, telling me how great it sounds.

[@brucelong5125]

Thanks!

[@taylorclarkebennett]

For me Martins are the most authentic sounding acoustic guitar and it always makes me so excited to play on. Great video and you sound amazing!

[@petertownshed884]

The path statement and two hands feeling more connected to your instrument was everything. I appreciate the way you Articulated that. Amazing video. Love your music and style.

[@rushrulz65]

As a guitarist who has had quite a few guitars over the years, nothing touches my Martin D-35. My search for sound was simply over. Now I am wanting an OM or 000 like yours!

[@KomaTimeKev]

Amazing tone in those hands. Great content as always, thank you for sharing!

[@randallbaber7060]

Mary, listening to you play often helps me move passed my own mental block in my playing, this was one of those times. Love your passion. Thank you for yet another great video.

[@johnbackman4475]

In some of your videos you just glow. I finally realized in this one what it is; such an authentic passion! In this world of drama and negativity it is so fresh to see that. God bless you. The feeling I get when I pick up and play the first note on my HD-28 is like walking into your grandma’s house. It was the 41st one I played and the connection was instantly magical. It was 2009 in Gruhn Guitar and still has the mojo.

[@timbennett6644]

yes ! I bought a D28 in 2012. The spruce was so anaemic... 10 years on the table is lovely, aged and dark... and sounds divine. Nice video.

[@michaelfish09]

Wow! You and that guitar are beautiful!!

[@jarrodlewis123]

Beautiful guitar! I have a 000-18 from 1937 and the wood is the warmest I have ever heard. It’s my constant in my small collection.

[@haroldclark1787]

Wonderful guitar, outstanding musician, extraordinary video. Keep up the stellar work, Ms. Spender!

[@MrFagedaboudit]

I've been fingerprinting my D18S as a folks Ingersoll since 1972. It just gets sweeter.

[@MattyK-USA]

I absolutely love my Martins! I have a '67 00-18 and a '99 HD-35, both of which have stellar tone and personalities all their own. Just spectacular instruments. 🔥❤👍

[@jackwalker1822]

I have a '66 00-18 and it is my go to guitar.

[@JAYDUBYAH29]

Hoping this new turn in your content keeps growing your audience, Mary. You’re such a genuine and generous person.

[@mikkeljulius7313]

Hi Mary. I used to own a Martin OM-21. But I sold it during Covid and ended up buying a Yamaha FS5 second hand. Basically a Martin 000-18 in specs. Had an LR Baggs Anthem SL installed and I haven't played any other acoustic since. The FS5 is so punchy, resonant, warm and versatile. Made of good materiales, torrified top, japanese craftmanship and a world class pickup. Every song idea I've been written since april 2021 has been on my Yamaha. I adore Martin but the Yamaha Red Label series are the best sleeper guitars on the market right now.

[@benlucky2me]

I bought my Martin when life's problems prevented me from going on a big vacation to the Swiss Alps with my mountain buddies. I had taken out travel insurance so when the settlement came in I decided to get something special. Not quite my dream guitar like Mary's OM-28 but a nice playing Performing Artist series OM. It continues to sound better each year as it gets played daily so much it is in need of new frets. Still the best vacation I never went on, as I play it nearly every day.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

I am a finger-picker. I have owned 15 Martin guitars since 1961. I currently have a 2015 00-18V and a 1997 (one of 370), 0000-1. Your Martin seems to be an extension of you, beautiful and inspiring.

[@stevedkelly]

I think it's time for you to do an instrumental album. Love hearing you play.

[@jebbytunnelcoats1182]

I was surprised at how the colour of the top changed so much so quickly but I like the more golden look. Really nicely balanced sound. Also prefer using fingers over plectrum.

[@TommyLane]

I have a 1985 D35. It sounds great. It’s one of the first Martins made with an adjustable tension rod. I’ve busked with it in the NYC subways for years, un-amplified. It’s a gem. I would like to get an OM28, like yours. Eventually. I have a Taylor 814ce, also; but it’s the Martin D35 that is my favorite. It’s a workhouse.

[@NickMcC]

Just got mine today and this video was a huge reason why! Thanks Mary!

[@warrenkrivoniak7374]

Mary. Pure joy when you find THE GUITAR. Its upward and onward from here . Awesome.

[@ShalomYal]

I have had a OOO28EC for the last 20 years its a beautiful honey gold color and has an amazing sound. I think I got lucky - just a perfect storm of amazing qualities. It too like yours sounds good strumming but it really comes to life while finger picking. Continue enjoying your beautiful guitar

[@roberthcerff]

Truly is beautiful. My Ibanez 12 string acoustic at about 40 years old has aged well too. Yes you can hear the years of joy.

[@keithwilliams2218]

Love the herringbone finishing on this guitar, beautiful.

[@gouvernor]

Great video, Mary. I went 000-28 recently when looking for my dream Martin and am loving it. I look forward to it aging and getting old with me. I thought I was done getting acoustics when I stumbled upon a Guild M20 that I fell in love with in store previous to this purchase, but I've always wanted a 28 series Martin so now I have both and am fortunate that they are both inspiring guitars. I just need to add one of those Anthem pickups or something similar to one of them to have the plug-in option.

[@mashiela7189]

My dream guitar

[@bevandittberner3147]

You rock Mary.I love your way.bring us home.Bev.

[@sonny1597]

Got a 1975 D-35 and have had it since new! Over the years that's one thing about the D35 .. it sound has just gotten better and better. When I hold it against my chest I can feel the vibrations coming from the sound box .. amazing! 🤠

[@thefatfella]

I've always felt that acoustic instruments choose their musician and not the other way around. It's such an intimate scenario when you play an acoustic that, when you find the right one, you know it and you never let it go. Wonderful video as always.

[@ShapuhiFilms]

I love your playing Mary. You and that guitar are perfect together.

[@TucsonBillD]

No, you didn’t. Spam alert!

[@adamfurnish8481]

I’ve never been so early for a video! I’m really looking forward to the new album! Lone Wolf is one of my all time favorites

[@MarySpender]

Wow thank you Adam!

[@stevecam724]

You make very soothing videos, a pleasure to watch 💖

[@Za7a7aZ]

My dad bought a yamaha classical guitar in 1969 for my mom and it just gathered dust until my eye caught it at age 14. Now 44 years further it sounds and plays better than many high end expensive guitars..

[@tobiasdamm1007]

So getting you just got my first real Martin a few weeks back after years of dreaming. They're such great instruments and to know that your own Martin is always waiting for you to play any time you like is a sweet feeling.

[@StephenOshea]

they way. you play can really influence the guitars sound

[@johnyannelli2480]

Agreed, I bought a D35 in 1975. It was so white in appearance. After 47 years, it is beautiful. Color is rich and sound so resonate.

[@alanpettibone]

Dare I say, you have aged better than that lovely little guitar. I always thoroughly enjoy your videos. Great stuff!

[@jeffsquires6620]

Mary, I moved from a hot humid environment to a cooler dryer one. After a year and a half the tone of my Martin is like night and day. Every day it gets better.

[@davidlilly8014]

I have a Martin OM-21 and it’s 15 yrs old now and sounds wonderful. David

[@Hvellgeiri]

I bought my D-28 in 2004 and had the same experience. After a couple of years it started to sound better and better as the years went on. It was "warming" as you said.

[@ericisenhart4762]

It's nice to see a musician on KZbin talking about a dream guitar that could realistically be purchased by most people, and not some expensive vintage guitar. I recall seeing your video about this guitar from when you got it, and it was one of many pro-Martin videos that influenced me to buy a D-10 for my first acoustic guitar.

[@Nefi0011]

Even lower level martins without rosewood are made with so much love. I have Martin Road series DRS2. It’s about 4 years old I’ve owned it for 2 and omg it has been through so much hell it’s cracked and glued back, but the sound still makes my brain tingle and it feels like the sound keeps opening. I also use the same strings!!! Just the .12-.54. Martins are just really made different. I love my baby.

[@bluesbucker70]

I have the same guitar. I bought it on a trip to the Martin factory in 2019. I bought it a plane seat on the way home :) I also have the dark night finish strat... we have similar tastes it appears. BTW, using Elixir 12 strings really brings the guitar to life. I also replaced the bridge with bone.

[@AndrewBrethourMusic]

Martin's are the best!

[@guildbrother]

I love what you're playing at the guitar

[@stevem-h3562]

I bought mine years ago (2014/15) from Andertons, a DPA5K, which was marked down because it was slightly bruised on the underside. Best acoustic I've ever played. Very very happy with it.

[@MeltWithU]

Wow. Definitely the most incredible sound I’ve ever heard come out of an acoustic guitar. You made me set my sights on it, will have to look to see if I can find one. Thank you. Hope all is well. Keep doing what you do and being an inspiration to many musicians and songwriters around the world.

[@kevinlucken8558]

I loved what you played in the beginning of your video 💜

[@ZeroNilNada]

I built a Martin Dreadnaught style guitar many years ago and installed a K&K Trinity pickup in it (3 under-saddle transducer pickups and a mic). When I first plugged it in I didn’t think the pickup/mic was working. I turned off my amp to unplug it to troubleshoot and things just got quieter. The tone was so pure to the original, unplugged guitar that I didn’t even realize it was on. I turned it up and just enjoyed the sound. For those interested: Engelmann spruce top, East Indian rosewood sides and back, Honduran mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard and bridge, Sperzel locking tuners.

[@doume116]

Thanks for this post, I've the same OM and really enjoy it After sold my D41...different but you are right, for finger style and for singer, it's one of the best guitar ! 😘

[@CristiNeagu]

It really is special when you find the one guitar that is made for you.

[@mikebostic5713]

Beautiful guitar. My personal go-to acoustic is a Martin 000-28. I’ve had it many years. I also love the way these guitars age.

[@IamMusicNerd]

Beautiful. I have a mahogany Martin 00-15M and it has such rich warm tones that I love. Completely different than my Taylor, which is much brighter. I love my Taylor as well, but that Martin just has some magic in it.

[@frankmitman3347]

Love your music. Love Martin. I live a 25 minute drive away from the factory. I photographed Chris Martin for a magazine and everyone there is great people. Nuff said.

[@siyaram2855]

Hey Mary, I have been watching your video from last many years. This is the first time I am commenting. Love your work. Please keep it up. 🙏

[@jaylowe6817]

Beautiful guitar, beautiful sound...beautiful player too

[@eldergeektromeo9868]

Thank You, Mary!

[@markstrain8989]

WOW. What a sweet vignette! Lovely playout at the end. Wonderful stories shared. Thank you ❤️ Cheers 🍺🇬🇧

[@mastrake]

I love how you play!

[@Jack.Waters]

I have a local luthier created violin and HR Pfretzschner Bow that have been with me for over 50 years now. We have all three aged well. Rehaired with Siberian White and the random new bridge and sound post. They are my comfort. Over the past 3 years I've held 15 different guitars. Bought 9 and gave away 5. My LÂG 30 feels so warm. And what a voice she has. That is my first reach always. Second is the Cordoba.

[@Alexander-of7ny]

A lovely story beautifully told. Thanks for sharing.

[@seankm6nfo990]

Nice! Thanks for sharing. I've always wanted a Martin. You're much appreciated.

[@perrybeck1]

Have always played 000 ...but you have made me go to Guitar center to see tgis 0m28!! Beautifull sound!

[@rksnj6797]

Such a beautiful, warm sound!!!

[@billkeaveney1526]

Thanks Mary, it's a wonderful guitar and back story.

[@PabloEscobar-ok8ks]

fantastic publicity for Martin all well earned - i have a couple martin customs and they're magical every time - i have had days where after i hit those initial chords, i stop, take a look at the guitar from a short distance and say, wow - wood, glue, no electronics, and it's the most extraordinary thing I own - and will be even if i were a multibillionaire. Especially the OM-28 - I have a custom that has the specs of the OM28-JM - as i said MAGIC!!!!

[@andrewbowen6875]

Course Martin provided the blueprint and rich history that all guitar builders base their own models from. I’d love a Martin but I actually opted for a second hand 12 fret handmade Brook Taw guitar made in Devon. A guitar I really love

[@connorm1817]

46 hours a day? Thats incredible commitment

[@arealone]

My first Martin was triple 0, love them sooo much :)

[@sanddab]

I bought a Martin 000-28 in 2018. It came down to it or the OM-28. Fortunately, the store had both in stock so I could try them side by side in a very quiet room. In the end, one just speaks to you more.

[@erichutchinson6882]

I have a Martin OM koa I love and now a 000 42 Martin I love. They are great guitars.

[@mjdeluxe]

such a great video, your voice and playing are so relaxing

[@DrJake108]

Love Martin - I have an OM-28 Marquis - it’s amazing I bought it near the factory in Nazareth PA - really cool place

[@scundoalex]

Nothing sounds like a Martin. Loved your playing!

[@danmartinez1177]

I too have an OM28e and it is amazing! It and my HD28 are my favorites. Have a couple Taylor's as well but the Martin is just a different feeling. My OM28 is my couch guitar. Its always around and always makes me smile.

[@wafuladavid2223]

thank you, your talent has really grown. i have liked your style

[@jerrypruden887]

Love the sound

[@petercondaxis7879]

I know how you feel Mary. I've been playing a Martin OMCE (#83 of 150) with Claro walnut b & s since 2010 and it is my "desert island guitar". Does everything well, plays great and is ageing quite nicely!

[@Guitarslingr]

I’ve got a Martin OM-28V. Plays and sounds AMAZING!

[@catherinebrunssen]

Wonderful!! I have the exact same guitar but a 2020 and I love playing it so much!!! I agree it seems to warm up....both in tone, color, and beauty. It's truly an amazing instrument and love hearing you playing it!! You are a joy to listen to!

[@railmastercnr]

I have the OM-28 modern deluxe and they are very special guitars. Have a J-40 also when I want more volume. Great video Mary!

[@guitarrantsandstuff]

You are a fantastic player!

[@Hulkhoagie1]

I own this guitar, minus the electronics. It's versatile. Looks, sounds and plays like a dream. It's a lifetime guitar. Mary, I'm curious, have you ever toured the Martin factory? If not, I highly recommend it. I'm sure they'd love to see you.

[@Hulkhoagie1]

Go away bot. Leave Mary and her fans alone.

[@kawai99100]

Absolutely. Strumming has always felt, well, just not right. From day one of my guitar journey, it's been fingers. 😊

[@johnhunt5844]

Mary, I have the shorter scale cousin of your guitar, the 000-18. It’s an incredible instrument. I also enjoy finger style. Been playing for years, but I seem to gravitate back to finger picking. I really enjoy your videos. Do well.

[@_sonicfive]

I love how her groove drifts when she is talking. Makes me feel better about my playing.

[@ninetythree7835]

I tried different guitars and my fav is the Martin 000 - 15M full Mahogany :)... but yours is so awesome too :D but u make every guitar sound good for sure...

[@mckayuk]

Bought my first ever Martin D36 in Edinburgh 2013 and added a LG Briggs pickup - a lovely Acoustic but you should expect that of every and any Martin because cheap they are not. However I took it to Goa India and played it for 6 Months there then back into its hard case for about 4 Months of Monsoon while I travelled round Asia. Returned and to my horror the strings had risen above the fretboard by about 3-4mm and the inner strutting in 3 seperate places had separated. This had never happened to my previous Acoustic a Takamine 360 that had experienced the same routine 4 times. I also realised the LG Briggs a useless pick-up for Gigs in Goa where you would typically get up on stage after someone else but with the same mixer settings meaning it a must you could dial in bass, treble, volume of the pickup system. Anyway i gave the Martin to a profi Guitar shop in Germany on my return but after 2 Months of treatment the original low action could not be returned and I sold it. The happy end to this was discovering and then purchasing a Sigma DR41 and installing a Fishman Blend. This guitar was/is easily as good as my Martin D36 and the Fishman Blend as good as the LR Braggs at a fraction of the cost. In fact for playing solos the Sigma was and is (unplugged) better I found than my old Martin. So impressed was I that when I saw a rare Sigma SDR-41 on sale which is the full body massive high finish version of the Sigma DR41 I jumped at the chance (only 64 made World Wide) and when I too handed it over to the Luthier to insert a Fishman Blend pick-up system he confirmed what I myself believed, he called me after installation to say it was the best Acoustic he had had in his hands for many a year, better than both Martins he owned a D28 and D36 and would I consider selling it to him. I wouldn't but from what I can tell it would be a Martin D42 that is comparable in build quality as a Sigma SDR41 but the sigma HALF as expensive. Guys its all relative and there is no real moral here but if having 40+ years experience playing and owning many acoustic guitars and you are after a dreadnought then you would not be wasting your time trialing a Sigma DR 41/42 against whatever Martin dreadnought you are considering. You might like me discover they are just as good and at least half the price. Certainly agree with Mary that age changes and mostly improves good guitars because over months/years the body contracting and expanding to changing room and climate changes just matures it, mines sounds better after its relatively young 4yrs although it was Steven Stills & David Crosby that reckoned 10 years is required for every Acoustic to reach their best. Love your channel Mary stay safe, take care.

[@Tzadeck]

I've also got an OM-28 as my main acoustic! Definitely the best purchase I've ever made. I have a string recommendation for you, Mary! Try out the Lifespan 2.0 Bronze strings once and see how you feel. I find that the little bit of extra brightness (compared to phosphor bronze) is really nice for this particular guitar.

[@ajcohen2621]

thanks

[@stephenbedford1395]

Well done Mary, what a beautiful guitar. I just bought a lovely Martin 000Jr-10E.. and I love it, so comfortable! cheers from Australia.

[@despurvoa3]

Thank you for articulating my feelings for finger style as well. I feel like I am always having to make excuse for avoiding a plastic pick when I feel as though there is another direction for me.

[@markhernden9472]

No excuses are needed. I abandoned the pick about 20 years ago and have never looked back. Playing a melody on top of a bass line (fingerstyle) is very rewarding and well worth learning.

[@k2thepeak]

Totally agree with you both. Sure, I strum songs especially covers where the rhythm is so key to the song. But, for me to really enjoy playing and singing, fingerstyle is what truly makes me love playing the song. It’s that connection that Mark describes that connects me to the song. Yeah, I play a ton of John Prine but a surprising number of classic/new rock songs too. And yes, my primary is an HD-35 but a Gibson J-45 is a go-to as well.

[@M5guitar1]

Excellent playing and tone.

[@Henry-sk7gt]

Dearest Mary, while I love the sound of your OM-28, I indeed have the Holy Grail, my 1968 Martin D-28 Brazilian rosewood. It has a majestic sound made in heaven.

[@wallacenock7423]

Mary one day if you are in Guildford I would love to show you my collection of Martins. I have a 000 custom shop Adirondack cocobolo then a EC 2800 a OMJM a custom OM28 Deluxe VTS and a Brooke Legertwood then recently I acquired a 00-28 and have to say I have played everything from Australian guitars to Furch and Taylor and many many more. Honestly I can vouch all my Martins have Anthem pickups and they are absolutely the finest instruments I have ever owned. Just love them