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-   -   Why Martin OM-45 is discontinued?? (https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=287129)

mrkpower 03-10-2013 12:34 AM

Why Martin OM-45 is discontinued??
 
There are D-45s, why there aren't OM-45s anymore?

Dru Edwards 03-10-2013 07:47 AM

I can't comment specifically on that model, but when models are discontinued it is usually a sign that buyer demand is low, resources are difficult to come by (i.e. CITES listed wood), replaced by another model, or there is no profit in manufacturing the guitar.

According to the book "Martin Guitars: A Technical Reference", which has the production totals and prices for all Martins, it lists the following production totals for the OM-45, starting from the last year produced:

1994:11
1993: 8
1992: 5
1991: 3
1990: 3
1989: 5
1987-88: 1
1985-86: 1

I'm going to guess that in this case, it was discontinued due to poor customer demand. Are you a fan of the OM-45?

HHP 03-10-2013 07:55 AM

I don't know that the OM-45 has ever been, in recent times, a production model. Its usually limited to special runs and custom orders. The D-45 is sort of a flagship model in the line although production is also much lower than less appointed models.

ferganzo 03-10-2013 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards (Post 3391352)
I can't comment specifically on that model, but when models are discontinued it is usually a sign that buyer demand is low, resources are difficult to come by (i.e. CITES listed wood), replaced by another model, or there is no profit in manufacturing the guitar.

According to the book "Martin Guitars: A Technical Reference", which has the production totals and prices for all Martins, it lists the following production totals for the OM-45, starting from the last year produced:

1994:11
1993: 8
1992: 5
1991: 3
1990: 3
1989: 5
1987-88: 1
1985-86: 1

I'm going to guess that in this case, it was discontinued due to poor customer demand. Are you a fan of the OM-45?

I believe Rich (rmyAddison) has a 2005 OM-45 Tasmanian Blackwood. I guess they have done some limited run production at times.

rmyAddison 03-10-2013 08:19 AM

The OM-45s, at least in recent decades, were never standard model Martins (as in manufactured every year) like the D-45's. They have been limited edition releases in very small numbers, they are rare. The 1930 OM-45 Roy Rogers Deluxe, along with the pre-war D-45s command ridiculous money, OM-45 Deluxe #1 went for $460,000.

In recent years there were a few runs, in 2008 there were 14 OM-45 Roy Roger Deluxes made, in 2005 there were 29 OM-45 Tasmanina Blackwoods, and there have been OM-45 GE and Marquis runs also, always small batches, mostly years apart, using Martin's best woods.

My guess to the rarity is intential exclusivitity, and price, OM-45s are priced higher than D-45s.

I am lucky enough to have a 2005 OM-45 TB, #23 of 29, flamed curly Engelmann over Flamed Tasmanian Blackwood. The pianolike tone falls somewhere between rosewood and mahogany, and it is louder than my rosewood and mahogany 000/OM's. OM-45s get premium inlays, some have headstock torches and hand carved gold tuners.

To me they are Martins finest, both as wonderful examples of craftmanship/materials but also amazing sounding instruments. It's been 4 years since the last run, I think there were less than 100 OM-45s all told in the last 10 years. Martin may be due to sping the next OM-45 run, my guess would be Madagascar or Amazon Rosewood, and I will be in that line.....;)

Here is my 2005 OM-45 TB, #23 , it is NOT for sale. The orignal case was an Accord Carbon fiber.

Alternate torch over Tasmanian Blackwood, hard carved gold Waverlys

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...5/IMG_0637.jpg




Flamed curly Engelmann top, never seen a top like this; uber tight in the center, perfectly bookmatched but the grain snakes in the middle then gets tight again, looks 3D and on fire if you change the light angle

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...5/IMG_0650.jpg



Flamed Tasmanian Blackwood, a cousin to Koa, wonderful harmonics/overtones

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...5/IMG_0652.jpg


MY OM-45 TB is only eight years old and has appreciated nicely, but to me it is a daily player, goes on gigs, and has a very unique lush sound that is wonderful for fingerstyle, but a little too much for my flatpicking.

If you see a Martin OM-45, any run, and can afford the price of admission, buy it!! You will have amazing instrument that will appreciate..........;)

rkl245 03-10-2013 09:16 AM

OMG.. Rich...I think I wet my pants a little bit.

ferganzo 03-10-2013 09:36 AM

Thanks for posting that. One can never have too much Martin -45 eye-candy.

Yeah...they do an OM-45...I'm in line, too. :wink:

rmyAddison 03-10-2013 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferganzo (Post 3391502)
Thanks for posting that. One can never have too much Martin -45 eye-candy.

Yeah...they do an OM-45...I'm in line, too. :wink:

Nice collection, I've downsized "some", what made you sell the Stills, hopefully you made a few bucks, they are in demand............

Bluside 03-10-2013 10:02 AM

Rich- I love it when you post pictures of this guitar. It is just drop dead gorgeous.

ferganzo 03-10-2013 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmyAddison (Post 3391524)
Nice collection, I've downsized "some", what made you sell the Stills, hopefully you made a few bucks, they are in demand............

Just didn't play it due to 1 7/8 nut width. I sold it for the price which I paid. I was happy to pass it along to someone else who would play it. I think I'm reaching saturation and approaching GAS-free.

rmyAddison 03-10-2013 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferganzo (Post 3391560)
Just didn't play it due to 1 7/8 nut width. I sold it for the price which I paid. I was happy to pass it along to someone else who would play it. I think I'm reaching saturation and approaching GAS-free.

I can't play a 1-7/8" nut either, 1-3/4" for me...........

Dru Edwards 03-10-2013 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ferganzo (Post 3391360)
I believe Rich (rmyAddison) has a 2005 OM-45 Tasmanian Blackwood. I guess they have done some limited run production at times.

Looks like it's a LTD, as Rich has stated, and a darn nice one at that.


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