The Collings Forum

I've never owned an OM, but this one has my attention. Probably won't pull the trigger, but it has my attention. Thoughts about the top please.
[url]https://themusicemporium.com/products/c ... -body/[url]

I love the Alaskan reclaimed blue spruce tops they have been using. A very striking and unique look. The few I’ve heard in demo videos sound great. I’ve not encountered one in person though.

I have two OMs, and I really like the sound and size. I don't find anything lacking, and almost prefer them to my dreadnaught. I think you owe it to yourself to try some.

I like the look and figuring of the "blue spruce" and am intrigued by a possible tonal advantage from its age.

dave42 wrote: ↑Wed Jul 28, 2021 3:49 pm I've never owned an OM, but this one has my attention. Probably won't pull the trigger, but it has my attention. Thoughts about the top please.
[url]https://themusicemporium.com/products/c ... -body/[url]

Great looking top. Just a beautiful guitar!

Red Oak wrote: ↑Sat Jul 31, 2021 10:28 pm Great looking top. Just a beautiful guitar!

Yes it is! Walnut is something I've looked at many times.

absolutely beautiful back!! Thanks for posting!!

A couple of years ago I had Martin build me a Custom 000-18GE with the following options:

* Deep body
* 1 11/16" nut
* Mod V neck w/full gloss
* 1935 Sunburst
* No runout (not a option, but you can request it and they really delivered)

I've never owned a smaller body than a dread because I always found anything smaller sounded boxy and/or hollow. However...

The Deep Body option (adds 1/2" to body depth) cured that and made for an easy playing, great sounding guitar that exhibited no boxiness whatsoever.

I foolishly sold that guitar to finance another dread and I've been trying to buy it back from the new owner ever since. Unfortunately (LOL), he loves it and won't give it up.

I'll keep trying!

SO... regardless of the top material (Adi on that 000-18GE), I would consider the Deep Body option a MUST on anything smaller than a dread. YMMV.

Bill

Hey, There--I think the spruce top is beautiful, can't see how one could go wrong there. Myself personally, I've never been a big fan of walnut. I'd just as soon have a good set of Honduran mahogany or, even better, a good set of Cuban mahogany. Walnut is a beautiful wood, no doubt, but I always associate walnut with Lowden and McElroy guitars and not with traditional American instruments, which is where I spend my money. This just me talking, of course; I'm sure there are 100s of guitars out there made with walnut that sound and play wonderfully. It's just not quite for me.