2015 Martin OM-21 "AMBERTONE" Acoustic Modern + OHSC

2015 Martin OM-21 "Ambertone" Body Finish

Great overall condition. Some light superficial scratches on the front/back of body. East Indian Rosewood Back and Sides. Ebony Fretboard, Mahogany neck. Scratches/marks have no affect on guitar tone, playability, etc.

Everything all original, no repairs, cracks, mods. Very bright, resonant and loud guitar despite a smaller body size than a Dreadnought or Jumbo. No fretwear at all.

Beautiful rosewood grains for the back as well as the stellar Ambertone finish for the body. Pictures do not do it justice.

Not much else to say about this guitar, but if you've played Martin OMs (OM-21, OM-28, OMJM, etc), then you know the quality you'll be getting. The Ambertone finish just adds an extra touch to an already highly regarded Martin OM-21.

Comes with original Martin hardshell Case, Original Martin Paperwork, COA and original owner warranty card.

Will be shipped with love and care :)

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The Martin OM-21 is a part of Martin Guitar's Standard Series and is a well-regarded model in their lineup, known for its exceptional craftsmanship, balanced tone, and versatile playability. It features a traditional "Orchestra Model" (OM) body shape, which is smaller than a typical dreadnought, making it a popular choice for players who prefer a more compact guitar with a bright, articulate sound. The OM-21 is designed to offer a balanced tone that excels in both strumming and fingerpicking styles.

Key Features of the Martin OM-21

1. Body and Construction

• Body Shape: The OM (Orchestra Model) body shape is known for its comfortable size and balanced tone. It's slightly smaller than a dreadnought, making it easier to handle for players who prefer a more compact instrument. The OM shape is highly versatile, ideal for both fingerstyle and flatpicking.
• Top Material: The OM-21 features a solid Sitka spruce top, which is a popular choice for acoustic guitars due to its bright, clear tone and excellent projection. The spruce top offers a wide dynamic range, making the guitar suitable for a variety of musical styles.
• Back and Sides Material: The back and sides of the OM-21 are made from solid Indian rosewood, which contributes to the guitar's rich, warm tone. Indian rosewood is known for its deep bass response and pronounced midrange, which enhances the overall tonal balance of the guitar.
• Finish: The guitar features a gloss finish on the top and a satin finish on the back and sides, giving it a polished yet natural appearance. The gloss finish on the top adds to the guitar's visual appeal and protects the wood, while the satin finish on the back and sides allows for a more natural feel and improved resonance.

2. Neck and Fingerboard

• Neck Material: The neck of the OM-21 is made from select hardwood, providing a solid and stable foundation for the instrument. This neck material is durable and contributes to the overall tonal quality of the guitar.
• Neck Profile: The OM-21 typically features a modified low oval neck profile, which is comfortable for most players and provides a smooth, easy playing experience. The neck profile is designed to accommodate a variety of playing styles, from strumming to intricate fingerpicking.
• Fingerboard: The fingerboard is made from solid black ebony, which is a dense and durable wood that offers smooth playability. Ebony fingerboards are known for their fast action and bright tonal response. The OM-21 has 20 frets and a 16-inch radius, which is slightly flatter than a traditional acoustic guitar radius, making it ideal for more precise note bending and lead playing.
• Scale Length: The scale length of the OM-21 is 25.4 inches, which is standard for most Martin guitars. This scale length contributes to the guitar's excellent sustain and tonal clarity.

3. Electronics (Optional)

• The OM-21 is available in both acoustic-only and acoustic-electric versions. The acoustic-electric version typically features the Fishman Matrix VT Enhance pickup system, which provides a natural, amplified sound when plugged in. This system includes an under-saddle pickup and a preamp with tone controls, making it suitable for live performances and recording.

4. Hardware

• Bridge: The bridge of the OM-21 is made from black ebony, which complements the fingerboard and provides solid support for the strings. The ebony bridge enhances the guitar's tonal clarity and sustain.
• Tuners: The guitar is equipped with chrome enclosed gear tuners, which offer smooth tuning adjustments and good tuning stability. These tuners are reliable and easy to use, ensuring the guitar stays in tune during performances.
• Binding and Inlays: The OM-21 features multi-ply binding on the body and classic Martin inlays on the fingerboard, which add to the guitar's visual appeal. The inlays are simple but elegant, maintaining the guitar's traditional aesthetic.

Sound and Tonal Characteristics

The Martin OM-21 is known for its balanced tone, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles. Here are some key tonal features:

• Bright and Clear: The Sitka spruce top provides a bright, articulate sound with excellent projection. It offers a wide dynamic range, making the guitar suitable for both light fingerpicking and more aggressive strumming.
• Warm and Full: The Indian rosewood back and sides contribute to the guitar's warm, full-bodied tone with deep bass response. The combination of the spruce top and rosewood body creates a rich, complex sound with pronounced midrange and clear treble.
• Balanced: The OM-21 is known for its tonal balance, with no frequency range overwhelming the others. This makes it an excellent choice for fingerstyle players who need clarity in the bass, midrange, and treble.
• Versatile: The guitar excels in a variety of genres, from folk and bluegrass to rock and blues. Its ability to handle both strumming and fingerpicking makes it a versatile choice for musicians who play multiple styles.

Playability

• Comfortable Size: The OM body shape is smaller and more ergonomic than a typical dreadnought, making it a great choice for players who prefer a more compact and comfortable guitar. The guitar is easy to handle, whether you're sitting or standing.
• Smooth Neck: The modified low oval neck profile and ebony fingerboard provide a smooth, fast playing surface, making it easy to navigate the fretboard. The 25.4-inch scale length offers a familiar feel and allows for easy string bending and accurate fretting.
• Action: The OM-21 typically comes with low action, making it easy to play and reducing the effort needed for fretting notes. The action can be adjusted to suit individual preferences.

Who Is the Martin OM-21 For?

• Fingerstyle Players: The OM-21 is a great choice for fingerstyle guitarists due to its balanced tone and articulate sound. The smaller body size and clear, dynamic response make it ideal for detailed fingerpicking.
• Strummers: The guitar is also suitable for flatpickers and strummers, as the OM body offers a full, resonant tone while remaining manageable for extended playing sessions.
• Singer-Songwriters: The Martin OM-21 is an excellent choice for singer-songwriters who need a versatile, high-quality acoustic guitar that can handle both rhythm playing and lead parts.
• Traditional Acoustic Players: With its classic Martin design and high-quality materials, the OM-21 is perfect for players who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and a vintage sound.

Conclusion

The Martin OM-21 is a well-crafted, versatile acoustic guitar that delivers a balanced and articulate tone. Its Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides provide a rich, dynamic sound that is suitable for a wide range of playing styles, from fingerstyle to flatpicking. The OM body shape offers a comfortable playing experience, and the guitar’s traditional design and craftsmanship make it a favorite among acoustic guitarists. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, the Martin OM-21 is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality, well-rounded acoustic guitar.