Upgrade from a Starter - Looking for a $1200 to $1400 000/OM

[TTiimm]

I'm looking for a 000 or OM with 24.9" scale in the $1200 to $1400 price range and would appreciate thoughts and feedback.

This will be an upgrade from a starter guitar, something nicer to take some lessons with and enjoy for a year or two.

Availability of funds isn't an issue. I'll eventually get to a higher level guitar but don't want to commit to a bigger budget until I'm sure of what I want - scale length, tonewood, etc.

This is an idea of what I'm looking at

Martin 000-12e @ $1299 list: Sitka top with "Layered" Koa veneer/Mahogony core back and sides. Review Here

Martin 000-13e @ $1299 list: Sitka top with Siris back and sides. Review here.

Eastman E6OM-TC @ $1380 list: Torrefied Sitka top with Mahogony back and sides. Review here.

Eastman E8OM @ $1489 list: Sitka top with Rosewood back and sides. Review here.

Can anyone compare these, especially the Eastmans, or give model specific feedback?

Based on the youtubes, I'm partial to the Martin 000-13e sound. Not in love but just a preference. A local shop has the 000-12e Koa/Mahogony guitar in stock to lay hands on. The Eastman's seem like a great value though.

What else should I be looking at?

Any and all constructive comments are welcome.

Thanks.


-Tim-

[Dash_Starkiller]

What about a used Martin 17 series? The black with white pickguard is fantastic looking.

[jacot23]

I would just say go play a Martin 000-15 and a Martin GPC-16.

I started with a 000-13e and it was good, but there's just something different and in my mind better about a USA made Martin. Went back a few weeks later and bought a GPC-16

If you don't need the 1-3/4" nut width the 000-15 is an excellent guitar. I know you specified 24.9" scale, but I don't notice any difference myself.

[warfrat73]

I've never been terribly impressed by those lower end Martins.

If you're not absolutely committed to 24.9" scale, then I'd probably put Larrivee 40 series OM at the top of the list and Furch pretty close.

Otherwise, i'd probably go Eastman over Martin.

[SingingSparrow]

i too would probably prefer one of the 000-15 series. great guitars, very sweet sound.

i would also encourage you to look at some used larrivee offerings. this (new) om-03 goes for 1400 and change: https://reverb.com/item/45352721-larrivee-om-03-mh-0

although, the OMs are long scale.

if you are okay with a 12 fret guitar, i would recommend looking for a us made breedlove concertina within your budget. excellent guitars.

[Silurian]

I read the thread title as $1200 to $1.4 million OM!

[L20A]

Lots of good choices there.
A Martin GPC -16 was already suggested and I will second that choice.
The 15 series Martin guitars are all Mahogany.
I'm not a fan of that sound myself.
I like a Spruce top on my guitars.

[Shortfinger]

Yamaha LS16ARE and get a nice acoustic amp like the Fender Acoustic 100 or the Fishman Loudbox Mini. Sweetwater will take good care of you.

Body width lower bout is 5/8" more than a Martin 000.

[TTiimm]

Originally Posted by Silurian

I read the thread title as $1200 to $1.4 million OM!

Ha ha. Yeah.

I could hire you to play it for me.


Tim (OP)

[RP]

I always considered myself to be a spruce and rosewood kind-of-guy, but I've increasingly grown to appreciate mahogany guitars. I'd opt for the Eastman E6OM-TC or a used Taylor 322/324....

[TTiimm]

Originally Posted by RP

I always considered myself to be a spruce and rosewood kind-of-guy, but I've increasingly grown to appreciate mahogany guitars. I'd opt for the Eastman E8OM-TC or a used Taylor 322/324....

The E8OM or the TC version checks all my boxes.

There are a few dealers in my area. Might check them out.



-Tim-
(OP)

[Bob from Brooklyn]

In that price range, outside of perhaps a Martin 15 series, I'd go with the Eastmans.

[Br1ck]

I think I answered this in another forum. Basically, if you have the money, bypass this interim upgrade and go buy a nice clean $2000 used 000 18 or some such. You can take lessons with one just fine. You'll like it more, you'll play it more, and you'll get better faster. I see no point in incremental upgrades, provided you have the money. If you don't, there are some good guitars to be had for $1000. Lack of funds is the only reason to buy one IMHO.

[Shortfinger]

Note that the Yamaha is all-solid, engleman spruce top with ARE enhancement, rosewood back and sides, 5-ply mahogany neck, ebony fretboard, impeccable quality. I'm playing some Steely Dan and Leo Kottke on my LS-TA right now, same woods, same size. The pickup in the one of which I spoke is terrific.

Lotsa YouTube reviews of it.

[Blueser100]

The Martin 000-18 is a short scale. I love mine. You could probably find one on the secondary market.

I have never paid list price.