Vintage = 30 years old
Condition is very good/near excellent, and has a pickup installed for amplification. Includes Original Hard Shell Case. There is some pick wear on the finish at the neck-side of the pick guard visible in pictures.
Description:
The Martin OM-21 from 1993 offers a blend of traditional styling with high-quality tonewoods and solid construction. The OM-21 delivers exceptional tone and performance.
This guitar has excellent projection, clarity, and articulation, well suited for fingerstyle players and those looking for a more balanced, responsive sound compared to larger-bodied guitars. The OM-21 also stands out for its comfortable body shape, making it easier to play for long periods, especially for players who prefer smaller to medium-sized guitars.
Specifications:
• Body Style: Orchestra Model (OM)
• Shape: Slightly smaller than a dreadnought, but with great projection and clarity.
• Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
• Sitka spruce is known for its bright, clear tone with a broad dynamic range.
• Back and Sides: Solid East Indian Rosewood
• This combination produces a warm, resonant tone with deep bass and crisp treble.
• Neck: Select Hardwood (typically Mahogany)
• Known for stability and smooth playability.
• Fretboard: Ebony
• Ebony provides a smooth, fast-playing surface with a bright tone.
• Scale Length: 25.4 inches (645 mm)
• Standard for many Martin guitars, offering excellent string tension and playability.
• Nut Width: 1 11/16 inches (43 mm)
• A narrower nut width, comfortable for both fingerstyle and flatpicking.
• Bracing: Scalloped X-bracing
• Helps to enhance resonance and tonal balance, making the guitar responsive and full-sounding.
• Binding: Black and white purfling (often with a contrasting rosette)
• Aesthetic detailing that gives the guitar a refined look without being overly flashy.
• Pickguard: Tortoise-style plastic
• Adds to the visual appeal and is durable.
• Finish: Gloss (on the top) with satin back and sides
• A classic Martin finish that balances durability with a warm, open sound.
• Electronics: Typically none (unless factory-installed later)
• Acoustic guitar only, though aftermarket pickups or microphones could have been installed.
• Total Length: Approximately 40 inches (101.6 cm)
Sound Profile:
The OM-21 delivers a very well-balanced sound with a focus on midrange clarity, making it an ideal choice for fingerpicking or flatpicking. It has a more focused, articulate sound compared to the larger dreadnought models, with excellent sustain and tonal clarity. The solid Sitka spruce top combined with East Indian rosewood sides and back provides a sweet, dynamic range that shines both in solo performance and in ensemble settings.
Build Quality and Construction:
Being a Martin, the OM-21 is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The quality of materials and craftsmanship in the 1993 model are consistent with Martin’s reputation for building long-lasting, professional-grade instruments.
This model is perfect for players who enjoy versatile, responsive acoustic guitars that excel in both studio and live performance situations. The OM-21 is particularly popular among folk, country, blues, and light rock musicians due to its well-rounded tonal properties and comfortable body size.