Okay, it's not in my possession yet, but I played an OM-03R at lunch today, along with that knockout SD-50.  I can't swing the SD, but the OM is another story.  I've seen quite a few posts around here lately about these OM-03s and now I see what all the talk is about.  Man, what a great guitar!  very open, balanced and surprisingly loud.  I think it'll make a nice compliment to my Santa Cruz OM.  And it looks like the perfect candidate for orsino's finish treatment!!  I'm excited about this one.....if all works out, I'll post pics etc.

B) Frank B)  

Yes, they are sweet.  I just got a bone saddle put in mine today.  They are everything you could want in a rosewood OM but with a price that I am sure has no equal anywhere.  Long live the 03 series!!!

I just got my om-03r today from Jason and love it. Doing the polish treatment tomorrow.

                                    Chris

I got an OMV03RE for christmas and followed the polishing directions provided here, bought a tort pickguard and I am very happy.  You will not regret your purchase.  Looks good and sounds great.

QuoteI just got my om-03r today from Jason and love it. Doing the polish treatment tomorrow.

                                    Chris

Please post about your experience with the polish treatment.  I've seen a few pics of guitars on which this was done and they looked great!  If this works out, I want to try it as well.  I'm just not sure I completely understand all of the steps.  Thanks.
Frank  

Quote

QuoteI just got my om-03r today from Jason and love it. Doing the polish treatment tomorrow.

                                     Chris

Please post about your experience with the polish treatment.  I've seen a few pics of guitars on which this was done and they looked great!  If this works out, I want to try it as well.  I'm just not sure I completely understand all of the steps.  Thanks.
Frank

Frank, There are 3 steps.

1. Prep
2. Polish
3. Preserve (Wax)

The  prep basically knocks down the surface irregularities that make a finish matte. A matte finish is fairly rough by comparison. You do this with Meguiar's Deep Crystal System Polish #1, 0000 Steel Wool, Scratch-X by Meguiars or any number of other products. This also adds a little shine.

Most have used Meguiar's Deep Crystal System Polish #2 for the second step but there are other products which could be used. The secret here is multiple coats and lots of elbow grease. This is where most of the shine comes.

The final step is using a good quality carnuba wax to preserve and protect. Again, the Meguiar's Deep Crystal System Polish #3 has been a good choice. I would think that the Petros wax would be good and Dave's Final Touch might do a good job too.

Good luck and share pictures, stories when you are through.

Thank you very much!!  But now I have a stupid question....what about the clear pick guard?  Doesn't it have to come off? (In truth, if I get the guitar, I plan to replace the pickguard anyway with one of the treardrop style.)

Frank  

Rob will be happy to remove the pickguard for you. If you are going to remove the pickguard anyway, do it before you polish.

It doesn't have to come off. Just a fashion thing. I like the clear pick guard. Sometimes I feel like starting a thread: "Anyone had experience KEEPING the clear Pick Guard?"  ;)  

Question on the polish treatment -

we're trying to shine up a matte finish - how might this work on a thin lacquer-finished guitar (think Seagull)?  How would the results be different or would the polish treatment be advisable at all?

Hey frank,
   Orsino posted somewhere that 0000 steel wool yields much mutter results than than the step#1 Meguiars paint cleaner. Less labor intensive, too. Pickguard comes off with a hairdryer then a little cleanup of glue residue with lighter fluid (naphta) I'm getting ready to go to Lowe's now to get the supplies. I'll let you know how it turns out.

                                   Chris

I can't wait to hear how your guitar turns out!!    

Please give us some before and after photos!!