Martin OM-21 vs OM-28

000JB · #1 06-20-2014, 06:33 AM

Looking at the specs, these two guitars are very similar. Same type of wood for the top back and sides, same bracing pattern, same size braces, same method of joining the neck to the body. And so on.
My question is how similar will these two guitars sound? From a sound perspective is it worth the difference in price? Is the quality of wood the same?

llew · #2 06-20-2014, 06:46 AM

I haven't tried the new OM-28 but hear great things about it. I did have an OM-21 for a short time. It wasn't a bad guitar but to me it was lacking somehow? It could have been that particular example but it lacked a certain quality tonally that I was searching for. Wish I could offer you more...best of luck!

000JB · #3 06-20-2014, 06:54 AM

I have played the Om-21 and liked it, also I have played an OM-28V liked the sound but not real fond of the neck. Unfortunately it was months apart between playing each one.

se7ent7 · #4 06-20-2014, 07:07 AM

Martin denies doing anything special with the 21 series (like rumours that they're shaving the rosewood thinner, making old D-21s closer to D-18s), yet lots of people are convinced they do.

From what I understand previous OM-21s are "lighter" more "springy". This was noted in the days of the OM-21 Special, which was a lot closer to the OM-28V, yet the latter was still described as being darker, more vintagey, authoritive.

There were some minor differnces though like neck material (spanish cedar on the 21 special, neck shape, and the pyramid vs belly bridge)

However, the specs of the new (2014) OM-28 and OM-21 have no structural differences. The only thing could be that the 21 series is more likely to have a spanish cedar neck as opposed to mahogany (Martin until recently said they haven't used spanish cedar on 28 series yet).

Alpione · #5 06-20-2014, 07:11 AM

Just played both of these and both are excellent.

OM-21 was a bit brighter, particularly when strummed with gusto. A somewhat plain looking guitar unless you get one of the many sunbursts or ambertones that are out there right now. The dark burst looked fantastic on the guitar I played.

OM-28 was a little darker in sound and fit my hands and ear well. Herringbone trim, zig-zag backstrip and diamond freboard inlays. Also looks fantastic. Mine arrived on Tuesday. Check my signature for the NGD thread if you'd like to see pics and stuff.

Good luck!

Adam

brencat · #6 06-20-2014, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llew

I haven't tried the new OM-28 but hear great things about it. I did have an OM-21 for a short time. It wasn't a bad guitar but to me it was lacking somehow? It could have been that particular example but it lacked a certain quality tonally that I was searching for. Wish I could offer you more...best of luck!

Jim is spot on here. I've played both and I'd take the new OM-28 hands down. Much more complexity, depth of tone, frankly...everything. But the OM-21 also has legions of fans here. Just not me.

Hope that helps

Ted @ LA Guitar Sales · #7 06-20-2014, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 000JB

Looking at the specs, these two guitars are very similar. Same type of wood for the top back and sides, same bracing pattern, same size braces, same method of joining the neck to the body. And so on.
My question is how similar will these two guitars sound? From a sound perspective is it worth the difference in price? Is the quality of wood the same?

This might help. Someone was wondering the same thing back in March so Pierre recorded a short a/b comparison.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1rQleFhTI4

000JB · #8 06-20-2014, 09:52 AM

Thanks for all the great replies. That link for the video comparison is great. I just watched it on my ipad. I will watch it on the home computer, it seems that the 28 has more depth. Just like y'all have said.

000JB · #9 06-20-2014, 10:02 AM

brencat
I see that you have a Collings OM1. I know they are totally different, how would you compare that to the Martin.

$ongWriter · #10 06-20-2014, 10:31 AM

28 all the way, Played a great new Martin om-28 at Gruhns yesterday for approx $2400. They also had a used "custom" om-28 with torch headstock inlay and a gloss neck...for I think $2600. Both were great...I've never played a "21" that was this good....just my 2 cents!

brencat · #11 06-20-2014, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 000JB

brencat
I see that you have a Collings OM1. I know they are totally different, how would you compare that to the Martin.

No comparison. The Collings is pure awesome, and in a completely different league. Better than any Martin I own or have ever played, period.

Martin: more bass influence, warmer, slightly scooped midrange

Collings: loud, clear, articulate, more harmonics, strong midrange, balanced.

Yes, I'm a Collings fan.

000JB · #12 06-20-2014, 12:18 PM

brencat you are not making this easy! I have had my eye on an OM-1. I think I need to go play it again.
Too many guitar choices.

brencat · #13 06-20-2014, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 000JB

brencat you are not making this easy! I have had my eye on an OM-1. I think I need to go play it again.
Too many guitar choices.

Keep your eyes peeled. Collings OM1 and OM2H do show up periodically in the classifieds here. I know they can be a little pricey when new, but on the used market they are great value.

Mine is a 2011 with a 1 3/4 nut and the Adi bracing upgrade, and I bought it right here in the AGF classifieds.

cke · #14 06-20-2014, 03:10 PM

It's obvious. 28's have white binding, the 21's have torti. Makes the 21 sound turtley.and the 28 ...

fongie · #15 06-20-2014, 04:14 PM

To me, it sounds like you are still unsure. My opinion, take your time, try a few more, before pulling the pin. There are so many great guitars out there that sounds better than the 2 (not saying their bad) you have mentioned. Good luck