Why the Martin OMJM is a Great Choice for Fingerstyle and Blues Players

The Martin OMJM Guitar is a unique model that was designed in collaboration with Grammy award-winning artist, John Mayer. It is part of Martin's Standard Series and is highly regarded by fingerstyle and blues guitar players. The Martin Guitar company has been around since 1833, and has a long history of producing high-quality acoustic guitars. The OMJM is a testament to Martin's commitment to innovation and excellence in guitar design.

The OMJM features a body shape that is slightly smaller than a traditional dreadnought, with a cutaway design that allows for easier access to the upper frets. The guitar's top is made of Sitka spruce, and the back and sides are made of East Indian rosewood, which contribute to the guitar's rich and balanced sound. The neck is made of select hardwood, and features a modified low oval profile that provides a comfortable playing experience.

One of the unique features of the OMJM is the "Modified Hybrid X" scalloped bracing system, which enhances the guitar's tonal range and projection. This design allows the guitar to produce a balanced and full-bodied sound, with crisp highs and deep lows. The OMJM also features a sleek, simple design, with a tortoise-pattern pickguard and abalone fingerboard inlays that add a touch of elegance to the instrument.

Overall, the Martin OMJM guitar is a stunning example of the quality and craftsmanship that Martin is known for. Its unique design and construction make it a popular choice for fingerstyle and blues players, and its rich and balanced sound has made it a favorite among guitar enthusiasts around the world.

Benefits of the Martin OMJM for Fingerstyle and Blues Players

The Martin OMJM is a guitar that has been specifically designed with fingerstyle and blues players in mind. It offers a balanced sound and tonal range that is perfect for these playing styles, and its unique construction features make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to expand their playing skills.

One of the main benefits of the OMJM for fingerstyle players is the guitar's design. The OMJM features a smaller body size and a more tapered waist, which allows for a more comfortable playing experience. The smaller size also helps to enhance the guitar's midrange frequencies, making it ideal for fingerstyle playing.

The OMJM also uses quality tonewoods in its construction, which contribute to its rich and full-bodied sound. The guitar's top is made of solid Engelmann spruce, while its back and sides are made of solid East Indian rosewood. These tonewoods offer excellent sound projection and a well-balanced tone, which is essential for fingerstyle and blues playing.

In addition to its tonewoods, the OMJM also features a comfortable playing experience thanks to its neck shape and dimensions. The guitar's modified low oval neck shape and 25.4" scale length make it easy to play complex fingerstyle patterns and blues riffs. The guitar's ebony fingerboard is also smooth and responsive, making it easy to move your fingers quickly and accurately across the frets.

Overall, the Martin OMJM offers a well-rounded package for fingerstyle and blues players. Its design, construction, and tonal qualities make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to expand their playing skills and explore new styles of music.

Comparing the Martin OMJM to Other Martin Models

The Martin OMJM is a unique guitar that stands out from other models produced by the Martin company. While the OMJM shares some similarities with other Martin models, such as the OM-28 and the 000-28EC, there are significant differences in terms of construction and sound that set the OMJM apart.

One of the most significant differences between the OMJM and other Martin models is the guitar's size and shape. The OMJM is a smaller guitar than the dreadnought models typically associated with Martin, making it a more comfortable fit for fingerstyle players. The OMJM's smaller size allows for greater playability, which is ideal for players who want to move quickly and fluidly across the fretboard.

Another key difference between the OMJM and other Martin models is the guitar's sound. The OMJM is known for its bright, balanced tone that is ideal for fingerstyle and blues playing. The guitar's sound is achieved through the use of quality tonewoods, including a Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides. The combination of these woods results in a rich, warm sound that is ideal for a wide range of playing styles.

When considering the OMJM against other Martin models, it's important to consider the player's individual needs and preferences. While the OMJM may be the ideal choice for fingerstyle and blues players, those who prefer a more traditional dreadnought sound may prefer another model. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the style of music the player wants to perform.

The Story Behind the Martin OMJM

The Martin OMJM guitar is the result of a collaboration between Martin and Grammy Award-winning musician John Mayer. Mayer, a renowned singer-songwriter and guitarist, has been playing Martin guitars for many years and worked closely with the Martin team to design a guitar that meets the needs of fingerstyle and blues players.

The OMJM is based on Martin's OM body style, which was first introduced in the 1930s as a smaller, more comfortable alternative to the larger dreadnought body style. The OM body style features a narrow waist, which makes it easier to play while seated and provides a balanced sound.

Mayer's vision for the OMJM was to create a guitar that had the warmth and depth of vintage Martins, but with modern playability and a more comfortable feel. The guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top, which provides excellent projection and resonance, and East Indian rosewood back and sides for a rich, warm tone.

The OMJM also has a unique, vintage-inspired look, with a modified low oval neck shape and a vintage gloss finish. The neck is made from select hardwood and features a black Richlite fingerboard with dot inlays. The guitar also features a rosewood headplate with a custom inlay and gold hardware, giving it an elegant and classic appearance.

The Martin OMJM guitar has been well-received by both fans and critics, and has become a popular choice for fingerstyle and blues players. Its unique design and high-quality construction have made it a sought-after instrument for both live performances and studio recordings.

Technical Specifications of the Martin OMJM

The Martin OMJM features a compact 000 body shape, making it more comfortable for fingerstyle and blues players. The guitar's top is made of solid Adirondack spruce, while the back and sides are constructed from East Indian rosewood. This combination of tonewoods produces a warm and balanced sound, with clear treble notes and strong bass response.

The neck is crafted from select hardwood and features a modified low oval shape, with a high-performance taper that allows for faster fingerpicking. The fretboard is made of ebony, which is known for its smooth feel and long-lasting durability. The guitar's nut and saddle are made of bone, a material that provides excellent resonance and sustain.

The Martin OMJM also features high-quality hardware, including an ebony bridge and nickel open-gear tuners with butterbean knobs. The guitar is available in both acoustic and acoustic-electric versions, with the latter featuring a Fishman Aura VT Enhance electronics system for amplified playing.

In terms of dimensions, the Martin OMJM has a total length of 39.9 inches, a body width of 15 inches, and a body depth of 4.125 inches. It weighs approximately 4.1 pounds, making it a lightweight and comfortable guitar to play for extended periods of time. Overall, the Martin OMJM's technical specifications make it a high-quality instrument that delivers exceptional sound and playability.

Reviews and Testimonials of the Martin OMJM

Before making a significant investment in a guitar, it is always a good idea to do some research and read reviews from other guitar players and enthusiasts. The Martin OMJM is a popular guitar that has received praise from both professionals and amateurs alike. Here are some reviews and testimonials of the Martin OMJM:

One happy customer writes, "I was blown away by the sound and playability of this guitar. The OMJM has a rich, warm tone that really sings, and the balance across the strings is excellent. The construction and craftsmanship are top-notch, as expected from a Martin guitar. Overall, I couldn't be happier with my purchase."

Another reviewer comments, "The Martin OMJM is a fantastic guitar for fingerstyle playing. The smaller body size and wider neck make it comfortable to play for extended periods, and the sound is incredibly balanced and versatile. Whether you're playing blues or folk, the OMJM can handle it all."

Experts also rave about the OMJM's qualities. Acoustic Guitar Magazine calls the OMJM a "masterful blend of vintage and modern design" and praises its sound and playability. Guitar World magazine named the OMJM one of the "top acoustic guitars for blues players" and noted its excellent projection and resonance.

When comparing the Martin OMJM to other fingerstyle and blues guitars, the OMJM often comes out on top. Its balanced sound and tonal range make it a versatile instrument that can handle a variety of genres, while its comfortable design and high-quality construction make it a pleasure to play.

Overall, the Martin OMJM has received widespread praise from guitar players and critics alike. Whether you're a professional musician or an amateur enthusiast, the OMJM is a guitar worth considering for its exceptional sound and playability.

How to Purchase a Martin OMJM

When it comes to purchasing a Martin OMJM guitar, there are several options available. One of the best ways to purchase a Martin OMJM is through an authorized dealer or retailer. Martin has a list of authorized dealers and retailers on their website, which can help you find a reputable seller.

Cost is also an important consideration when purchasing a Martin OMJM. The price of the guitar can vary depending on the retailer, customization options, and other factors. It is important to research prices from several different retailers to ensure you are getting a fair price for the guitar.

Financing options are also available for those who may not be able to afford the guitar outright. Many retailers offer financing options, such as payment plans or credit lines, to help make the purchase more manageable.

In addition to purchasing a standard Martin OMJM guitar, there are also customization options available. Martin offers several options for customizing your guitar, including different wood types, finishes, and hardware. Customizing your guitar can make it more unique and personal to you.

Overall, purchasing a Martin OMJM guitar is an investment in a high-quality instrument that is designed for fingerstyle and blues playing. By choosing an authorized dealer or retailer, considering cost and financing options, and potentially customizing your guitar, you can ensure that you are getting the most out of your Martin OMJM purchase.

Caring for and Maintaining Your Martin OMJM

The Martin OMJM is a high-quality instrument that requires proper care and maintenance to ensure its longevity and performance. In this section, we will discuss some best practices for caring for and maintaining your Martin OMJM guitar.

Cleaning Regular cleaning is essential for keeping your Martin OMJM guitar in top condition. After each use, wipe down the body of the guitar with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dust, dirt, or sweat that may have accumulated during playing. If necessary, you can also use a damp cloth to gently clean the body.

It is important to avoid using harsh cleaning products, such as solvents or abrasives, as these can damage the finish and materials of the guitar. Additionally, avoid spraying any cleaning products directly onto the guitar, as this can cause damage to the electronics or internal components.

Storage Proper storage is important for protecting your Martin OMJM guitar from damage. When not in use, store the guitar in a dry, cool location, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid storing the guitar in areas with high humidity, as this can cause damage to the wood and finish.

It is also important to store the guitar in a protective case or gig bag to prevent scratches, dings, or other damage during transport or storage. When placing the guitar in its case or gig bag, ensure that the strings are loosened slightly to relieve tension on the neck and avoid warping.

Maintenance Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your Martin OMJM guitar in top playing condition. This includes routine string changes, adjustments to the neck and action, and periodic maintenance of the hardware and electronics.

It is recommended to change the guitar strings every 3-4 months, or more frequently if you play regularly or perform often. This not only ensures that the strings are fresh and clean for optimal tone and playability but also helps to prevent buildup of oils and sweat on the fretboard.

It is also important to have the guitar professionally set up and adjusted periodically, particularly if you notice any changes in the playability or intonation of the instrument. A professional guitar technician can adjust the truss rod, bridge, and other components to optimize the action and playability of the guitar.

Conclusion The Martin OMJM is a high-quality guitar that offers exceptional sound, playability, and craftsmanship. By following proper care and maintenance practices, you can ensure that your Martin OMJM Guitar continues to perform at its best for years to come. Regular cleaning, proper storage, and routine maintenance can help to protect the guitar from damage and preserve its quality and value.