Why You Need an OM Guitar | TNAG Feature with Lindsay Straw

Mid-sized, suitable for a wide range of styles, and ready to pivot between fingerstyle and a flatpick without skipping a beat? The versatile OM is one of our favorite guitar shapes, and for many reasons. Tune in to learn a bit about the history, physical and tonal characteristics, application, and common tonewood pairings for the design.
Video filmed and produced by Thien Phan. Scripted and performed by ‪@LindsayStraw‬. Songs played include the traditional Irish tune "Byrn's March", and Davy Graham's arrangement of "Hares on the Mountain".
OMs featured in this video:
Tippin OM-T:
thenorthamericanguitar.com/pr...
Martin Custom Shop OM:
thenorthamericanguitar.com/pr...
Borges OM-18:
thenorthamericanguitar.com/pr...
Collings OM1G SB:
thenorthamericanguitar.com/pr...
Bourgeois OM DB Signature:
thenorthamericanguitar.com/pr...
#acousticguitar

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Thanks for checking out this video! We are aware that some viewers have had issues with the voice and guitar balance, and have taken this into account for all subsequent videos. Unfortunately for this video, we can't edit the audio on the backend of KZbin or change anything without re-uploading it entirely. If you're struggling to understand the voiceover, we suggest turning on the closed captioning/subtitles. Thanks for your understanding!

[@flash8051]

Haha...I was going to leave a comment about this (helpful suggestion) but obviously you are aware already! Regardless, GREAT video and YES, everyone needs to have at least one OM/000 body guitar. For me, I just bought an incredible Boucher OM SG-51 with some awesome upgrades/options (Master grade, torrified Adi top, Koa binding w/abalone rosette etc.) It's a Rosewood and it is absolutely stunning visually and audibly!! HIGHLY recommend you check out Boucher (pronounced "Boo-shay") 😄

[@dreamtimej]

Lindsay is the first online reviewer that I’ve heard pronounce Bourgeois correctly! This is after many years and videos I might add.

[@RRStout]

OMs are really nice, but I tend to lean toward the 000. I have a 1971 000-18 and after all these years it is now a part of my body. I don't go anywhere without it. Thanks for the very informative video.

[@seancoxe1094]

I have a Spruce and Rosewood OM build by my friend, the late Homer Ledford of Kentucky. He built it for his wife, Colista, but the fretboard was uncomfortably wide for her, so he sold it to me. I've had it for over thirty years now, and it's the one guitar I'll never get rid of. It holds its own backing up old-time string bands or solo performances featuring finger-style accompaniment.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

That sounds like a fantastic guitar!

[@ravi230988]

Thank you very much Lindsay, for this beautiful video, you are very much knowledgeable and expressive to solve all the queries about this shape. keeping making videos like this.🙏

[@john15333]

I absolutely love her. Incredible musician. I have a tradional Collings OM41 and always wonder about trying a short scale version of the same guitar.

[@JKlasen]

Terrific! My Martin OM 28 is my favorite. I also have a small seagull folk model, which I love also. Thank you for good information! And gorgeous playing!!!

[@johnchaumont6234]

The very best review of the OM style guitar that, I've heard. Thank you!

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Thank you so much!

[@WScott-gd2mj]

Great explainer and lovely playing. I have a Martin CS 000-18 and a Taylor 714ce that cover my bases nicely. The Martin has piano-like clarity and articulation and the Taylor grand auditorium body and long scale gives just enough thump without boominess. And both are so comfortable in the lap. No dread needed..

[@petrotmyrcz308]

Thank you for the great video. I'm sure Lindsay can make any guitar sound good, but her playing these high end guitars is musically magical. Well done! I own a cheap old all laminate OM that's almost unplayable anymore due to fret wear, but I still bring it out once in a blue because I love the size. I need to get another OM!

[@haroldclark1787]

This is wonderfully instructive and very enlightening. She is amazingly adept at explaining the attributes of the OM-sized guitar. Thanks for this most educational and entertaining video!

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

So glad you enjoyed it, Harold!

[@kevinbishop7512]

Lindsay, you know guitars and you hit it out of the park with this review, educational, and wonderful delivery, Bravo!!!

[@blakebruner6173]

Great work by Thien as well.

[@scom3173]

Beautiful playing, Lindsay!

[@mpstenz3520]

Wonderful clear balanced tone.

[@kevingreene6893]

Cheers Lindsey, enjoyed the review. The 12 fret OM would be my choice - the right balance for comfortable playability with the additional depth of sound and volume. Thanks Lindsey - love the playing - as always 👏👏🎶🎶😊

[@2li678]

Loved hearing "Hares on the Mountain" on that! Excellent playing as always, Lindsay!

[@LindsayStraw]

Thanks so much!

[@chasmenear7130]

THANK YOU C.F. MARTIN. The birthplace of the design. ALSO, you CAN flatpick the instrument, BUT the OM design is an amazing fingerstyle instrument!

[@Dave-White]

Well done video and great playing!

[@RohitSguitar]

What a fantastic, thorough video on the OM - well done, Lindsay and TNAG! Even before watching, I considered the OM the most versatile, Goldilocks guitar that offers the best combination of balanced tone, projection/volume, responsiveness, and comfort. Thanks for such a great video on one of my favorite guitar body sizes.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Our pleasure! We clearly think alike!

[@drzainnas]

Thank you lovely demonstration have alovely Merry Christmas and happy new year 🌈🙏💯🎄

[@JohnDoe-tw8es]

I bought a Martin M36 a few months back. Just love it's crisp and sparkling sound. Really glad I have one.

[@Mounta1nKing]

I've been looking at getting one of those. What do you primarily play? I have an OM-28 at the moment and like it, but with my long arms it feels like my pick ends up almost over the frets.

[@NickMoore56]

Absolutely agree. I love my OMs. In the 90s I traded my Martin HD 28 for a 00028EC for the exact reasons you mention. I've never been a driving flat picker. I've had an om42 then a Ritchie Sambora signature. Currently have a Collings OM1 Baked Sitka/ Mahogany and a Bedel Bahia 0rchestra Adi/Brazilian and the McPherson Camrielle Engelmann/Madagascar. You describe the strengths of each wood perfectly. I appreciate your videos because you help me justify my G.A.S. 😉 Seriously you speak the truth and obviously know what your talking about. Truth is I'd watch anyway just to hear you play! Thanks for making them ❤️🎵❤️

[@TheGrasspond]

A really nice presentation!! OM's are my favorite. Makes me want to buy another one. :-)

[@StephenRybacki]

That was quite possibly one of the most informative videos I've ever seen on different sized guitars in the acoustic world. I wish I'd seen that 20 years ago LOL

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

So happy to know you found it helpful!

[@captainkangaroo4301]

My Collings OM1AC is my go to guitar for fingerstyle playing. I love it.

[@tomadams8890]

Nicely explained and good insights.

[@ka3uxu1]

Great review. Thank you!

[@phillipholt6005]

I've never heard the term OM guitars until today. You are a very knowledgeable and awesome guitar player. I'm going to subscribe to your channel because I have a passion for acoustic guitars.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Thank you kindly! We hope you'll enjoy our other videos, too!

[@chasmenear7130]

In addition, I completely agree with this excellent player regarding wood choice- though I favor mahogany as a general principal. This lady knows her stuff!!!😃

[@staleyexplores]

I could listen to this intro, all day, ty.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

It's an Irish traditional tune called "Byrn's March" - glad you like it!

[@rirrid5662]

I love this song. Every time you play it my heart melts. IF you have tab for sale I would like to buy it.

[@jayteesgear]

I use many of the same playing techniques. Sounds beautiful! These all look and sound fabulous🙏🏻

[@CMRWoodworks]

Lots of good information. Thanks!

[@paulboden7850]

Excited to see this. I love OMs! I have an Eastman E 6 OM, which is surprisingly good for the price, but the Collings OM JL is at the top of my shopping list.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

You can't go wrong with the OM JL!

[@LoneWolf-cv6pl]

Check out McNally guitars!

[@greeneggsandham6720]

Great overview and great playing too. NAG really has some great reviews and videos. Thanks!

[@richziehm7752]

Love your playing Lindsay. I thought I had the OM thing covered. Was hoping the latest addition would be a lifetime guitar but as it turns out, I'm back in the market. Thanks for the rundown and I agree, a good OM is hard to beat.

[@jgod7966]

Bonjour, Magnifique présentation et explications complètes sur les modèles OM avec votre très belle mélodie. Félicitations. Jean (FRANCE) Hello, Wonderful presentation and full explanations on OM models with your beautiful melody. Congratulation. Jean (FRANCE)

[@doughuras5407]

My Simon & Patrick CH is very similar. Great tone and fun to play!

[@DLynn-vi4vz]

Exallent overview of guitars in general

[@rmyAddison]

Very nice video !~!~! I'm 72, my dreads are all long gone, and several playing buddies have done the same, OM/000's are just more comfortable and super versatile. I retired with 3 OM's and even one 00. My Martin babies: a first year OM-18 Authentic, 2005 OM-45 TB (Engelmann over Tasmanian Blackwood, CS OM-28 (Alpine over Madagascar) and CS 00-42 (Adirondack over Madagascar). To me OM/000's are the perfect size and more balanced than dreads. Keep on pickin'..............

[@JohnDoe-tw8es]

That was a nice tune you were playing there, never heard that before..

[@chasmenear7130]

These are excellent reviews, by an excellent judge of the tools. That said, I mention another factor; The impact of the aesthetic of an instrument. I have seen this labeled as 'placebo'- which I find patently untrue. The guitars very appearance, shape, history, as well as smell (yes, smell) can have a great impact on the inspiration that the player feels playing it! It is not unlike finding a mate- only we tend to be a little bit more fickle with the guitars Lol. It's not a placebo, and follow your passion in choosing.

[@GregoryPearsonMusic]

I love the sound of it - it seems to have the "boom" of an big Martin - but the tone of a classical guitar.

[@batman48195]

Great video. I have a Martin OM Jeff Daniels with Adirondack and Madagascar. Heavenly!

[@bernhardnizynski4403]

Nice playing!

[@davidjohncox7333]

I just bought a new OM Guild 260CE made with Austrian Blackwood. It plays and looks beautiful! I can’t stop playing it! Love the more ergonomic size and feel!

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Nice!

[@sharp_guitars2417]

I love my Morgan OM and Boucher OM hybrid!!! OM for the win 🤩

[@ghostblock1]

I have had a Martin D35 Since Boyhood (It's a 1969) I have been interested in a complimentary guitar -- which might better suited fingerpicking. I want to compliment this video - it's comprehensive and I learned more about guitar choices than would have imagined .

[@flylippfantom8425]

I was always dreadnought until I bought a nice OM and it is my go to guitar cedar top and Honduras rosewood. Absolutely love it

[@KaukTim]

Fantastic, informative video...thanks for sharing this series!

[@hotlov72]

Your right! I do need one please send mine soon

[@warburgaby]

Now i understand why i love OM guitars 😇❤️❤️

[@nicolen.9642]

It's my favorite. More comfortable than dreds (my taste of course). 🎶🎶🎶

[@steves12strings]

My Blueridge 183a is my all time favorite acoustic guitar. Technically an 000, it sits right at the same measurements of an OM. Never played a more balanced guitar and it's hands down the easiest to play too.

[@jasonchow8407]

Thank you so much for the great content!!! May I know more about the first song you played in this video? Really love Irish music but can't find tabs/ scores or even other covers online. Would love to learn this song very much😢 from🇭🇰🇭🇰🇭🇰

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Hi Jason! Lindsay here - tried replying to your comment via my own account but I think it deleted my comments because I tried to leave my email address. I have sheet music with chord suggestions for this tune if you'd like!

[@stewartcohen7683]

I have a Collings OM-1; I prefer the OM for one reason--articulation. Anything smaller loses some depth. And dreadnought's overwhelm the midrange, which might be great for rhythm, but not clarity. They are perfect for supporting a few singers though in the end a single dreadnought and single singer don't work as well IMO, as the voice lives in midrange and can get overwhelmed by the mid-forward sound. What a lovely collection of OM's!!

[@emilloffler1216]

Well, thanks for some reassurance Stewart, it means I must rather keep my Martin OM 28V OOO size. I was keen on swapping it for a D28 recently, but it seems I'm not going to get much more fullness and quality of sound from a D28.

[@lebe220]

I aggree with everything you say ;-) . I have a wonderful Takamine dreadnought and will soon record my next song live. But I´d rather have an OM because it´s difficult to sing with. With a few singers it would be good thing. I don´t like too much sustain from the guitar either or the bell ringing tone from some Furchs. Gets in the way of my singing. Needs a bit of a funky groove, too, as well as classical tunes.

[@fcsolis]

I think my Yamaha Storia is an OM. Same shape, same size. I like Byrn's March. I'll find the time to learn to play it. Thanks.

[@donhartigan9446]

awesome video and commentary. i have a ton of guitars...all sizes and recently got my commissioned OM Black Limba 12 fret. my dreads are usually more dynamic and my OMs more focused and articulate ( i only fingerpick--hate plectrums) but this Black Limba OM has it all including the dynamics and volume i usually only get from my dreads. Granted it does have a 400 year old red spruce top :) . my other dreads/parlours/etc are feeling neglected but so be it, i am in the deepest love with this OM and it is the nicest stringed instrument i have played in 40+ years of my love affair with guitars. Black Limba is highly underrated imo and i suspect it will become the new rosewood in the future, plus it is stunning visually. Cheers to OM guitars :)

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Yes, we just got a Concert model in Black Limba from luthier Michael Kennedy, and it is really something else! Thanks for your feedback and for sharing!

[@martinaddison4880]

@@TheNorthAmericanGuitar You know of course, whoever did the final video edit can edit this in 5 minutes. I do this all day long for a living. There is a music bed with a voice track and an instrumental track. The voice over and instrumental were NOT recorded simultaneously. If you are too lazy to fix and re-upload, then I would never purchase from you. Take care.

[@SergeUnplugged]

Brilliant instruments

[@danb821]

Thanks for the video. I actually think the balance of the background music and your voice complimented each other very nice. I’m debating between a OOO vs OM. In practice is there any truth that the OM models are harder to play the OOO because of the longer scale length and resulting string tension? Especially thinking of barre cords.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

I think most people would agree that short scale is easier on the left hand, both in terms of horizontal reach and for barre chords. But that said, you get used to whatever you play the most! Unless you struggle with hand/arm injury/overuse issues, there's no reason standard scale length should be a long-term challenge, and the benefits you get in volume and power are worth it, especially if you plan to jam or perform acoustically.

[@friendofbeaver6636]

I have a budget OM with a Sapele top, back, and sides. It may not be as loud as a spruce top/rosewood or mahogany body, but it has a tight, balanced response with less resonance/overtones to muddy-up the mix.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Sapele is a great tonewood! That sounds like a great guitar for recording and live performance

[@InPursuitOfLiberty]

Great video. Your channel is very informative. I have a Martin D28-Authentic 1937 and I'm in the start of a custom build. How do you feel about a Grand Auditorium? I love the fullness of larger body guitars.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

They’re great guitars as well, and definitely fulfill a similar role for diverse players who maybe err more towards strumming, but still want sensitivity for fingerpicking!

[@tanukibrahma]

I wholly agree about Engleman/rosewood as my preferred combination for fingerstyle; but I like the 1 11/16" nut width because, among other things, it makes grabbing the F# on a D chord with my left thumb, alla Mississippi John Hurt, a lot easier for me to do. The narrower width does make some things tricky, however, so I guess -- as with all things -- that's a trade-off.

[@caniwim12]

love my OMs and some great playing as usual Lindsay , been searching all over for a score for Byrn's March, anyone have one?

[@peterlaidler3895]

Hi Lindsay, I'm based here in the UK. What is the guitar your playing at the outset on the video please?

[@BarberChad606]

Love my OM-21

[@russell3259]

Great video Lindsay. Beautiful OMs. What is your own OM you have at home that is your inspiration?

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

A Collings OM1-T with Adirondack spruce top!

[@charlesjohnston5315]

@@TheNorthAmericanGuitar Excellent choice! I remember you did a demo for a OM2HT with a German top for TME. It's the best demo of a guitar I've ever seen or heard. I really enjoy your take on the John Renbourn material.

[@jaredpurdy2164]

No argument here!! Love my 2011 Martin OM28 Marquis.

[@emilloffler1216]

I have the Martin OM 28V 000 size Acoustic guitar, which has a very, very good sound. But I sometimes wish I had rather bought the Martin D28 for the bigger body and what seems to me to be a fuller sound. I even placed an ad locally for a swap, mine for a D28. But have had no takers for 2 months now, and I have become not sure if I would go through with it. After all the Martin OM's are Eric Clapton's favourite acoustic guitar too.

[@michaeldonaghey]

Clapton plays 000

[@loucasella5148]

Mine's in the shop... at Martin.

[@googleboy7]

I own quite a few quality guitars. But but I'd never bought a Martin. So, during the covid quarantine I ordered a new *Martin SC13-E. It had issues, like the built in tuner being worthless and fret sprout so bad it cut my fingers. When I told them about the pickguard having sharp edges they said: "We only bevel the pick guards on our more expensive guitars". I guess $1,600 isn't expensive enough. To be fair, I sent it back to Martin and they fixed the pick guard. The also tried to address the fret sprout, but it kept coming back. Martin co. Said the problem was low humidity. But why doesn't it happen on any of my other guitars. So, I fixed the fret sprout myself, spending nearly $200 in Luthier tools from StuMac you do it. But the wood must still be shrinking, because the fret sprout is coming back. (Note: my father's 1940's Gibson never did that. Nor did any of my other twenty guitars) I get mad every time I pick the Martin up. "You need to buy a martin", my friends would tell me. Yeah, right! NEVER AGAIN!!!! Good luck with yours. Shalom/gw

[@tomgardner6294]

Thanks

[@pmscalisi]

I love my dreads but am considering building an OM because I like the longer scale length. I have a Martin C2 conversion and would love to get that sound in a personal build. Julian Lange uses an OM and it’s just as punchy as the D-28s that most flat pickers use.

[@chrislandry5797]

I believe a regular d-28(dread)and an Om-28 have the same scale length but the 00 and 000 have the short scale.Idk I switched to nylon but I still have a 00-28 Om made by Martin recently.It has the 24.9.

[@chrislandry5797]

And Idk for sure but I think the short-scale is a hold-over from the days of the 12th fret connect.Ha!

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Julian is a more sensitive player, but he definitely proves that you can still get a lot of articulation and pop out of the OM size!

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

That is correct! Most OMs are standard scale (unless otherwise noted) like dreadnoughts.

[@christianlacheze3323]

Over the last 50 years or so, I have never come across an OM or 000 ( and I have owned and/ or played quite a few very good ones from the 20’’s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s) that was punchier or fuller all across the neck than a (good) D-28. To my ears, the D-28 remains the best all-round guitar , by no means only a bluegrass flat picking guitar , even although originally intended for that.

[@neumeisteranimalhospital2627]

I have a domestic Breedlove OM in my hands right now!

[@ThePandaProcrastinates]

Excellent video! Why you need a Parlor next????

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Ooh, good call!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Excellent video, but the music was too loud and drowned your narrative. You have a beautiful playing technique with a magical touch. I am curious if you usually play in standard tuning or some variant. Thanks from So. Oregon. I have owned many guitars and long ago gravitated toward 000/OM models and then 0000. My main "gripe" about most OM models is the abbreviated pickguard. Petty, to some yes.. but to me they are a deterrent to purchase, but could be replaced ( I have often done that if the guitar is calling to me) My preference would be a 000/OM with a full pickguard, anywhere from a 24.9 to 25.4 scale and a a 1 13/16ths to 1 7/8ths nut width, 2 5/16ths to 2 3/8ths bridge string spacing.. and of course mahogany backs and sides with a perfectly straight and quartered, wide spaced sitka top. For those who want it all, try the 0000/M, favored by me and by Stefan Grossman. Liked and subscribed.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Glad you enjoyed it (voice/music balance aside)! The 0000 is really one of the best "do-it-all" options, isn't it? And you're not alone in your preference for the 000 pickguard! Speaking as Lindsay, the vast majority of the time I play in standard or drop D, but these demos are a great excuse to mess around with other drop tunings.

[@kevinlucken8558]

Can someone please tell the exact guitar sitting behind her that is second from the viewers left (with the leopard style pick guard)? That may be the best looking acoustic I’ve ever seen!!!

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

That's the Collings OM1 G SB Varnish! thenorthamericanguitar.com/products/collings-om1-g-sb-varnish-acoustic-guitar-honduran-mahogany-german-spruce-pre-owned

[@danabiondo9243]

Hi Lindsey, Please Explain Is the Om Guitar a Model Or Manufacturer? If so Explain How to Choose One. Thank You!

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

It’s a model, made by many different makers, with Martin originating the design. But Collings, Bourgeois, Santa Cruz and countless others make their own OMs. As far as how to choose one, a good starting point is trying out a classic mahogany and spruce, or rosewood and spruce OM, such as Martin’s Standard Series OM-18 or OM-28, or Collings’ OM1 or OM2H. From there, you can get a sense of what tonal palette you prefer, and narrow your search based on your budget.

[@smflyboy]

Great video! What is your opinion of an all mahogany OM? I don't own an OM yet, but I own several spruce/rosewood guitars, so I want to try something a little different. I found a nice Larrivee OM40 all mahogany, but not sure if I should instead go with the spruce top, mahogany back and sides or just go for the all mahogany OM? I can't find an all mahogany OM in a local store, so I am not able to actually play one before I buy it. Thought I was ask you what you think? Thanks!

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Generally speaking, we find that spruce and mahogany is a more versatile guitar than all-mahogany - warmer, articulate, works well for almost any style, plenty of headroom for most players. That said, for vocal accompaniment and folky fingerpicking, an all hog OM is lovely, too! A great secondary or third guitar.

[@smflyboy]

@@TheNorthAmericanGuitar Thank you for the reply. I am a singer songwriter doing a lot of strumming and flatpicking with some fingerpicking. I think I’ll look at the spruce top with mahogany OM. Thanks again!

[@danherrick5785]

@@smflyboy I needed what you described. Something different. So I found a Taylor 324. It has a mahogany top and tasmanian blackwood back and sides. The back and sides are chimey bell like rosewood. And the top is like melted chocolate and caramel. Totally different than an evergreen top. My goal was to get something different - and it is great.

[@smflyboy]

@@danherrick5785 I love the 324! I went to a local guitar shop a while back that has a HUGE selection of new and vintage acoustic guitars. I played about 30+ guitars and finally the salesman got annoyed and just left me to go do other stuff while I sampled. I kept going back to the 324 and eventually decided I would come back and buy it. But as fate would have it, I ended up coming across and buying a new Martin Custom Shop Sinker Mahogany OM18 with an Adirondack Spruce top from Gruhn Guitars in Nashville. It’s absolutely phenomenal. Then about six months later I bought a new Larrivee OM-03re which is my daily player and a very nice guitar. Enjoy that 324…I really really love that one.

[@davidsarauz6016]

Hi! Taylor makes grand Auditorium and the smallest Grand Concert. Which one fits into the OM or OOO category?

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Taylor’s Grand Concert would be it! With the short scale length, it’s essentially a slightly deeper bodied 000.

[@davidsarauz6016]

@@TheNorthAmericanGuitar Thanks! According to Taylor, Grand Auditorium is like the jack of all trades. Good for fingerpicking and flat picking as well. I thought that grand concert is more to fingerpick due to it’s shot scale and small soundboard. I really appreciate your reply! Thanks again!

[@jacquesmerdkhanian]

Hi, you sound good , owner of Martin OM42, what string make and gauge are you playing in the video?

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

We string OMs up with standard light gauge phosphor bronze strings, typically D’Addario

[@jacquesmerdkhanian]

@@TheNorthAmericanGuitar thank you so much 😊

[@cyber-psych2503]

Post is interesting and helpful, but the associated link for each guitar just takes you to Carter Vintage homepage, good luck finding an OM there or anything related. Bait & switch.

[@BreadLightPray_EWFMgtr]

🔵 thanks ❕ really well explained ❕ having owned many different american built acoustics , i've concluded body shape and size should be the foremost consideration after the desired builder. anyhoo , my top favourite body shapes for flattop acoustic are OOO & OO 12-fret with 24.9" scale length (open headstock) , and OOO 14-fret & OOO 12-fret with shorter scale length (eitherwise it's called an OM - right?) ❕ 🐸 🍀

[@danherrick5785]

No - the long scale is OM the short scale is 000

[@joemalkovich2078]

What is the fingerstyle song being played at the end? I'd like to learn it.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

It's a Davy Graham arrangement of a traditional song called "Hares on the Mountain" from the album Folk Roots, New Routes. I actually tabbed it out ages ago (halfway down the page under tutorials and transcriptions): lindsaystraw.com/teaching

[@joemalkovich2078]

Thanks so much! I will enjoy studying the tab. Very kind of you to direct me to it.

[@1ProShooter]

Is this a smaller size guitar compared to a dred? is it made a a cutaway also? Thanks

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Yes, it is smaller overall. There are OMs available with cutaways, too!

[@riccardoguadagna3513]

Interesting video. I think it's a matter of tastes thou. Personally i find hard to strum on a OM after I got used to my martin d28 and guild d55... they all sound very thin to me and lack of magic . And you can surely fingerpick on a dreadnought with excellent results, just a different sound. As a matter of fact, music history is full of great players who use only dreadnought or jumbos, Rev Gary Davis and lightnin hopkins, just to say a few names. Maybe is just a false myth that you "need" an OM in your arsenal. As some people say, size also matters! I'm quite tall, so OM are just a bit too small for me to embrace, good when I lay on the couch but not when Im seated. All that being said I just bought an m36(0000 size) , just to seek a different sound and maybe a bit more of responsiveness in fingerpicking. Good music to everyone! :)

[@markstrain8989]

... perfectly versatile for a songwriter.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Yes, indeed!

[@StephanieHughesDesign]

Isn't the 000 also the same as the 00? I believe the 000 has a smaller set of frets 12 instead of 14, otherwise the same. The 000 is more affordable as I understand it, which is why I am interested in it. I like how Martin doesn't overly emphasize cutaway models on their guitars like so many other brands do.

[@asandiegoguy]

The sizes are 0=smallest 00=larger 000=largest. However if you look at the Martin 0-18, 00-18, and 000-18, you will find them all priced at $2,799 (in June 2024). Also, the Martin OM and 000 have the same body dimensions.

[@redmed10]

OM in acoustic guitars stands for “orchestra model” guitars. What’s the difference between an OM guitar and a dreadnought acoustic? When it comes to OM vs. dreadnought guitars, the main difference is size. OM guitars and dreadnoughts both have approximately the same width. However, OM guitars have a smaller waist.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

In addition to the difference in waist, there’s a significant size difference as well! The width of the lower bout of most dreadnoughts is 15.5-16”, with a depth typically at 4-7/8” at the end. Compared to OMs, which typically clock in at 15” wide and 4” deep, that makes quite a bit of difference in volume and sound!

[@marlonmadera8651]

What's you opinion on E20 OMTC Eastman guitar?

[@danherrick5785]

Great guitar!

[@velvetunderpants44]

I much prefer that shape to the dreadnought Not just for sound, but for comfort. The dreadnought is deeper and more tiring to play for longer periods

[@startreker8591]

Got guild m20 D20 Martin backpacker D18,GPC solid ovangkol( lovelier than other wood y unica) all solid koa Martin ukulele…etc…I need OM 21

[@davidharvey8812]

Had the Martin om-21 she’s sadly missed 😢

[@yellowboot6629]

❣️

[@no59do56]

Maybe Norman Blake he had a lot of kool acoustics

[@timsmith190]

I can barely hear your commentary over the music.

[@dylanthomas7443]

What exactly is the difference between the OM and the Concert? Can you tell me?

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Concerts and OMs are very comparable, in terms of being mid-sized guitars with a tighter waist that are versatile for all playing styles. In our experience, many concert models have a more rounded lower bout, and are a little bit larger in depth and and sometimes lower bout width than a standard Martin OM, but there's some variation there. For many players, they serve the same musical purpose, having similar volume, presence, and balance, but can have a slightly different tonal character. The use of the term OM, like dreadnought, 000, etc, is common amongst builders who are more traditional and Martin-inspired. Whereas Concert, Auditorium, etc. you see used by a lot of the more "modern" or West Coast-style builders like Taylor, Breedlove, etc. So if you know you like the OM dimensions but prefer guitars with a more contemporary tone or look, a Concert guitar could be the way to go!

[@dylanthomas7443]

@@TheNorthAmericanGuitar That was the most comprehensive presentation and the most elaborate answer to my query. Thank you for taking the time to answer so well. Thanks.

[@rickdavis2235]

What difference, if any, is there between an orchestra model and a concert model?

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Thanks for your question! Copying this response from a similar question: Concerts and OMs are very comparable, in terms of being mid-sized guitars with a tighter waist that are versatile for all playing styles. In our experience, many concert models have a more rounded lower bout, and are a little bit larger in depth and and sometimes lower bout width than a standard Martin OM, but there's some variation there. For many players, they serve the same musical purpose, having similar volume, presence, and balance, but can have a slightly different tonal character. The use of the term OM, like dreadnought, 000, etc, is common amongst builders who are more traditional and Martin-inspired. Whereas Concert, Auditorium, etc. you see used by a lot of the more "modern" or West Coast-style builders like Taylor, Breedlove, etc. So if you know you like the OM dimensions but prefer guitars with a more contemporary tone or look, a Concert guitar could be the way to go!

[@rickdavis2235]

@@TheNorthAmericanGuitar I don't have the pocketbook for the high end guitars but I picked up a Yamaha AC1M (concert body) and love it. I've owned a lot Yamahas over the years and can't seem to get away from them. I did look at a Gibson Hummingbird about 5 years ago and was disappointed in the fit and finish plus I didn't think it sounded $1500 better than my LL6T jumbo I had at the time. Thanks for the reply and best to you and your family.

[@tcoudi]

Can we get a little jam with you and Carl?

[@hankevans7890]

I bought an Eastman E2om for $500 brand new and it sounds every bit as good as any Martin. Check ‘em out.

[@danherrick5785]

YES - The very best choice! I took it a step further and got the E08 OM with a thermo-cured top. BUT, for the price, there is NO OTHER guitar on the planet that can compete with the E2om... Also, you do know that Eastman OM's are short scale making them technically 000's?