Martin Om-21 - New Guitar

[Grantgreen42]

So I was in the market for another steel string acoustic guitar to complement my CEO-7. I test drove several suggestions from a Martin O0015, 00015SM, used Bourgeoise, Atkins, Collings etc. At the end of the day all of the guitar's sounded great but I ended up with a slightly used mint condition Martin OM21.

A couple of things to note. This came with a Fishman pickup in it with a volume and tone... is this a standard feature and or is this an add on on? To be a honest, I haven't even plugged it in.

Year...my serial number is 2465086. According to my internet research this puts it at around 2021. Can a real Martin fan confirm this. The information I have is as follow:

Year Last Serial No.

2020 2454224
2021 2576415

Strings...not sure what is on it but it plays well...I'll probably put 13s on it. Lastly, I may end up a Martin fan boy ... past guitar's have included 00-28, and a D-18 and now I have 2.

Here is what it sounds like with my jazz/pic playing:

https://youtu.be/REEocyj8Kvc?si=DL7Lc2l_v6-GdOy8

Here is what it sounds like A'bd against my Martin CEO-7:

https://youtu.be/FIC5i9FR66A

[rabbuhl]

Congrats! Both great sounding guitars! You're correct on the serial number if you looked at the Martin site. Try using this site too https://serial-number-decoder.co.uk/martin/martin.htm.

I've got an OMC-15ME. I'm looking at a D-18 but not sure. How do you like the smaller body size vs the dreadnought?

[Corndog]

Originally Posted by Grantgreen42

A couple of things to note. This came with a Fishman pickup in it with a volume and tone... is this a standard feature and or is this an add on on? To be a honest, I haven't even plugged it in.

I have never seen or heard of an OM-21 with a p/u from the factory. But it could have been ordered that way -or- someone installed it afterward.

Nice guitar indeed!

[Grantgreen42]

Originally Posted by rabbuhl

Congrats! Both great sounding guitars! You're correct on the serial number if you looked at the Martin site. Try using this site too https://serial-number-decoder.co.uk/martin/martin.htm.

I've got an OMC-15ME. I'm looking at a D-18 but not sure. How do you like the smaller body size vs the dreadnought?

Thank you...as for large bodied acoustics I love them...for years I only had a Martin D18 and my archtops. I had it set up for fingerstyle guitar and it played like a dream. That was one guitar that I wish I had kept.

[Kh1967]

I have always liked the OM-21, a lot. Yours sounds great! Congratulations!

[JN-YYC]

I have basically the same guitar (also purchased used, but mint). No pickup.

[Glennwillow]

Congrats on your new Martin OM-21! Very nice guitar!

- Glenn

[Borderdon]

Enjoyed your clip(s), I’m a fan of the OM-21, yours looks great, congrats.

[PassingThru]

The OM21 is a nice guitar. I bought a used one years ago. Played well and sounded really good. GAS being what it is sold it to buy more that were the next best thing for me.

You got a good one. Make some music.

[dnf777]

PUP is most likely added on. Great guitar, that can really do it all.

[gwlee7]

There is an OM 21 at the local shop. It plays and sounds great. One of my favorites they have in right now. You will enjoy yours I am sure.

[stevo58]

I play a 2007 model, which I bought new. Rosewood rather than ebony. Nevertheless, it sounds very much like yours. After 15 or so years, I think the tone is getting more complex, but who really knows.

I liked the comparison with the CEO7. Very different guitars, to my ears. I may have to get one. My wife will kill me.

[waterlooz]

Sounded great! Congrats and enjoy playing your Martin!!!!

[KenL]

Sounds great! Give it a few years and it will sound even better.

Congrats!

[Stevien]

Yes, the OM-21 is a good bang for the buck! It can do everything pretty well! This is a little off the subject, but I remember your 00-28. IMO that guitar fit your playing style to a T! It sounded like it was designed for you! I hope you still have it.
Steve