Martin OM-28

Guitar Description

For many decades, the Martin OM-28 has been one of the most popular models from this long-established American guitar manufacturer. With its balanced tone, excellent dynamics, and comfortable orchestra-style body shape, it is popular among both fingerstyle guitarists and players looking for a versatile acoustic guitar with a rich sound.

However, the 2016 Martin OM-28 offered here is something special even within this time-honored model series. In terms of tone, it ranks among the most impressive OM-28s we’ve had the pleasure of offering at Ruhr Guitars to date. Right from the very first chords, it captivates with its exceptional resonance, immense richness of tone, and remarkably direct response.

The solid Sitka spruce top and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides form the foundation for a powerful, open sound rich in overtones. The guitar produces an astonishingly deep and resonant bass, which is particularly impressive for an instrument of this body size. This is complemented by warm, prominent mids and beautifully clear highs, which lend the sound an excellent balance.

What’s particularly fascinating is the immediate responsiveness of this OM-28. Even with a light touch, it produces an enormous richness of sound and responds sensitively to every nuance of your playing. Individual notes stand out clearly and distinctly in the room, while chord playing produces a full, harmonious overall sound. Even with vigorous strumming, the guitar remains defined and balanced, without losing any of its clarity.

The OM body style combines the tonal versatility of a large acoustic-style guitar with a particularly comfortable playing feel. Thanks to its long scale length of 645 mm and balanced construction, the guitar offers outstanding dynamics and clear tone projection. The Modified Low Oval neck profile and the nut width of 44.5 mm provide a comfortable foundation for a wide variety of playing techniques.

To us, this Martin OM-28 is a true sound monster. It’s an instrument that really drives home just how impressive a well-played Martin can sound. If you’re looking for an OM-28 with exceptional resonance, great dynamics, and a full, distinctive tone, you should definitely take a closer look at this guitar.

Condition

The guitar was built in 2016, and we purchased it directly from the original owner. Overall, it is in good, well-maintained condition, with some signs of wear due to age and use.

The instrument shows minor signs of wear, a few minor imperfections, and very fine cracks in the finish. These are extremely subtle and, in some cases, barely visible in photographs. They do not affect the guitar’s stability or playability and lend it a slight vintage character.

The binding on the back of the body had come loose in places and was professionally reattached by our luthier. The repair was done very neatly. Upon close inspection, the repaired area is still visible, but overall it is barely noticeable.

The frets show slight, isolated wear marks but still have plenty of material remaining. Refretting is not necessary at this time.

Structurally and technically, the Martin is in impeccable condition. It has been thoroughly inspected and offers excellent playability.

Setup & Playability

We carefully set up every guitar. We adjust the neck radius and string action to ensure that the guitar plays cleanly, comfortably, and without buzzing across the entire fretboard.

The string action is 2.5 mm on the low E string and 1.8 mm on the high e string, measured at the 12th fret.

Specifications

Model: Martin OM-28
Year built: 2016
Country of origin: United States
Body shape: Orchestra Model, 14-fret
Scale length: 645 mm
Saddle width: 44.5 mm
Top: Sitka spruce, solid
Back and Sides: East Indian rosewood, solid
Neck: Select Hardwood
Neck profile: Modified Low Oval
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge: Ebony
Bracing: Scalloped X-Bracing
Finish: Natural Gloss with Aging Toner

Link to Martin Guitars: Martin Guitars

More Martin guitars from our store: Martin