Description

PLAYER’S PERSPECTIVE

We’re proud to present this gorgeous Martin Custom Shop OM-28 that we collaborated on with our friends at Martin Guitars! Starting with the venerable OM model as the foundation, we spec’d out some classy appointments to make this instrument heirloom-worthy – Ziricote back, sides, and headstock, classic Martin inlays and styling, understated antique white binding, and a beautiful piece of Italian Alpine Spruce for the top.

In terms of both sound and playability, this guitar is every bit as special as it looks. Ziricote, which is usually used as a fingerboard wood, serves the guitar well here with its inherent bright, clear, and ringing tone resonating beautifully with the spruce top, and the beautiful bookmatched grain will have you staring at this guitar’s back just as you do the front. The Italian Alpine spruce is gorgeous, having a beautiful yellow color to it along with an added “3D” depth to the grain.

The classic combination of spruce top, mahogany neck and ebony fretboard is Martin’s traditional combo of tonewoods for a reason – it has been the formula for the most balanced, pure acoustic tonal resonance since the Pre-War era. Along with the OM’s body shape, it will provide more-than-respectable volume, clear and full tone, and have a wide dynamic range conducive to both finger-picking, strummed chords, and single notes. This guitar embodies the quintessential Martin “orchestra” sound – focused, shimmering, warm, and balanced.

For the players here at the shop, the greatest “Custom Shop” instruments combine the tone and playability that a certain model is known for with appointments such as the ones on this one that make it a true one-of-a-kind instrument and heirloom piece. As expected from the Custom Shop of arguably the most renowned and storied acoustic guitar builder in American guitar history, the playability, tonality and build quality are all top-notch.