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Posts: 430
Location: Lebanon, TN | So as a number of you asked I promised to let you know what I was doing with the funds released by guitar sale. Originally I was trying to put enough on the block to make an attempt at buying colins #45 (Oh by the way it was my 45th birthday on the 16th too :) ). Sadly with the ones I was left with I was short of making the number.
So Plan B was I was in Michigan on business so wanted to buy a D-45 (geddit?!?!) at Elderly Instruments as they have a damned fine selection of Martins in stock. So I arrived and played a stock D-45, D-45Koa and a D-45 Vintage. All fine guitars...back behind me I could hear this "angel song" and there was a guy playing baroque style tunes on this beautiful OM. Oh my goodness the sound!
Plan C....I sat and played this thing for 90 minutes. It is awesome!!!!!!!. Cannot believe the sound. So I left it behind, called in later to buy and arrange for them to fit it with a Fishman Ellipse Aura (offset the savings in sales taxtax). All told $900 less than the D-45V I was going to buy.
Spec as stock....Near-replica of Martin's earliest OM guitar. Special features include a slotted peghead with torch inlay, Waverly 3-on-a-plate tuners with ivoroid buttons, premium Adirondack spruce top, Golden Era scalloped bracing, 1-13/16" nut, 12" fretboard radius (vs. the standard 16"), pyramid bridge with long, drop-in saddle, tortoise pickguard with abalone vine inlay. 000-size body, Indian rosewood back and sides, herringbone top trim, ivoroid binding. Modified V neck meets body at 14th fret, bound ebony fretboard, 25.4" scale, diamond & square inlays. Great guitar! Geib style #533EC case.
Now for the guitar porn freaks a small sample  |
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August 2003
Posts: 4619
Location: SoCal | ENJOY |
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December 2004
Posts: 4394
Location: East Tennessee | Martin's OM series are one of the best Wood guitars on the market. I love the wider neck and the slothead. Not to sure about the pickguard. :D |
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July 2005
Posts: 3410
Location: GA USA | The thing I like about the pickguard, Capo, is that that guitar has more character than any Martin I've seen, and the pickguard adds to it. I lnow a lot of you are ga-ga over Martins, but I haven't been drawn to even pick one up, they bore me so in the looks dept.
Congrats, Stu, on what I'm sure is an awesome guitar. If I ever have a windfall, I know who to call about an 06 Koa. |
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November 2006
Posts: 3969
| Very nice, enjoy! |
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March 2007
Posts: 841
Location: CA | Geez, that's almost better than 'real' porn.
That thing is gorgeous. I'm doubly amazed to learn that Martin actually occasionally makes pretty guitars. The 'standard' line reminds me of very efficient CPAs dressed in the exact same gray suit. |
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Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | Very nice, what kind of pickup? and How are they installing it? Those thru saddles are tough. |
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March 2002
Posts: 15664
Location: SoCal | The OM Martins are one of the few that I would consider buying. They are great guitars. Take a look at this webpage and learn a little about the history
Martin OM\'s |
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August 2003
Posts: 430
Location: Lebanon, TN | Many thanks for the comments all. I was attracted by the slothead and that overflowing torch inlay in the headstock, but seriously it was the sound that (literally) turned my head. Certainly I am sure the premium Adirondack, scalloped braces etc must have an effect, the angle of the string over the nut, the pyramid bridge....What makes wonderful? All of the above and more and the intangible mojo.
I had an OMC Aura that I regretted having to sell when my son went off to college and I had to liquidate many items 18 months ago so I am sold on the OM style capabilities and comfort.
Never had a problem with the "bling" as many of you know so the detail on the pickguard appeals to me and adds to the uniqueness of this particular model.
Bill, It is the Fishman Ellipse Aura with controls that hide inside the soundhole. Fishman Ellipse Aura
Martin fits these as standard or an option at the factory in a load of their models. The actual pickup is the Fishman Matrix Natural under saddle. I know Elderly retofit hundreds of these a year in their workshop to Martins as I have spoken to them before about this mod. It also does not invalidate the Martin Warranty as they are an authorised/certified?? Martin Service Center.
It will be a long 3 weeks while I wait to move up their worklist but for now I am happy I found a gem. |
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October 2006
Posts: 5575
Location: big island | you did find a gem, stuart. i'm delighted for ya'! of course, you gave up a few gems too but others are now getting to enjoy those. |
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August 2003
Posts: 430
Location: Lebanon, TN | Originally posted by moody, p.i.:
The OM Martins are one of the few that I would consider buying. They are great guitars. Take a look at this webpage and learn a little about the history
Martin OM\'s
Fascinating story/history and the technical specs of the recreations does make me even happier about my choice. The neck specs are very interesting with the 1 13/16 nut and the 12in radius. Maybe that's why it felt so darned comfortable for my wee fat stubby left had.
The comments about the drop in saddle probably also address Bill's question about the ease of adding the pickup. |
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December 2005
Posts: 17
Location: Yakima, WA | My gain (1719-30CM) is your gain--I like how this system works.
I've played an OM and can understand your excitement. I had a nice '75 D-35 and a newer CEO-4R and sold them both to become a disciple of Charlie Kaman.
1597 Dave |
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February 2005
Posts: 212
Location: France | Wow, beautiful!
Congratulations!
Tom |
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June 2006
Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | Man, I take a day off, and see what happens? That is a beautiful guitar! I know you will love it. |
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March 2005
Posts: 5563
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | Outstanding! Very Nice Guitar! Congrats! Happy Holidays! |
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January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | Love the inlay work on the head. Very nice choice. |
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January 2005
Posts: 4903
Location: Phoenix AZ | Martin OM's are my favorite guitars. Period. I've got two of them (28V and 42) and I am constantly amazed how responsive they are and just how much fun they are to play. You've done well. Congratulations.
Dave |
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February 2002
Posts: 1817
Location: Minden, Nebraska | I'm not a Martin fan, but I certainly respect their history and tradition and their best guitars. And I LIKE that one! Congrats. |
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September 2006
Posts: 713
Location: Alberta, Canada | That is very nice, Stuart! I suspect much enjoyment will come from ownership and use.
I like things that give me as much pleasure to look at as to use. That guitar would seem to fit the bill perfectly.
OM's are such comfortable guitars to play! Enjoy!
Dave |
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July 2007
Posts: 423
Location: UK | Stuart , its the dogs bollocks , enjoy ,i love looking at my 1537 and each and every time ive picked her up i get big pleasure and apreciation, which is several times a day , say no more |
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Suspense is lifted
