Martin OM-21 & LSV-11

[Danny]

This Martin is new to me but is a 1993 model with a Southwest suntan, I know it looks pretty dark, but that is Sitka spruce.  Actually the LSV and the Martin are similar in the tone woods. Neck, bridge and fret board are different, Size is close. The OM is a 14 fret standard scale and the LSV is a short scale. Though the neck is wider on the LSV it is thinner in depth and much easier to play (once you get used to it) The OM is a finger style git that handles strumming.
        I thought I would get a maple or 00 Larri next, but they are scarcer than hens teeth in Texas and I've been considering this OM for a long time. It's a nice size and a one owner, a friend of mine. It also has a Pick up and pre amp and has seen a lot of gigging time over the years. I would like to take the pick guard off, but I know whats under there and it won't have a "tan". I do have a black one on hand that might look better than the tortoise. If you have any thoughts, please share them with me.   Danny

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[tuffythepug]

Dan
Hey buddy they are both great looking guitars and I'm sure they sound sweet as well.  I have to say that even though I'm a pretty firm Larrivee fan at this point that Martin just looks like it's begging to be played.  I don't know if I'd change a thing about it.  I guess if I had a choice to go with the existing pickguard or a black replacement the black one may be my preference but that one looks good as is.
I'm not necessarily a fan of the "no pickguard" look except in a few cases.  A pickguard installed 15 years ago combined with your beautifuly aging sitka top is bound to leave visual evidence if you take it off and don't replace it.  A clear pickguard obviously wouldn't be any improvement.  The biggest drawback I can see about making any changes is that the time it takes to make the change is time you ain't spending playing it.   
Congratulations on your fine duo of Larrivee and Martin guitars.  They're both beautiful.

[Danny]

Thanks Tuffy, as usual, good advice. I'll just lower the action a smidge when I change the strings.  Danny

[jeremy3220]

OM-21's are great guitars. They're one of the best deals among the Martin line up. I had one that was fantastic - loud, responsive, warm, woody. The neck didn't agree with me though and I had to move to something a little thicker.

[Danny]

OM-21's are great guitars. They're one of the best deals among the Martin line up. I had one that was fantastic - loud, responsive, warm, woody. The neck didn't agree with me though and I had to move to something a little thicker.

That's interesting that you went thicker, because it feels a little thick to me, but I have been playing the thin profile LSV and it has got me spoiled.

[jeremy3220]

  That's interesting that you went thicker, because it feels a little thick to me, but I have been playing the thin profile LSV and it has got me spoiled.

Mine was an '03 so maybe they had a different profile in '93

[omozom]

Beautiful! Please don't change a thing about that guitar. O.K. you can change the strings.
Enjoy!

[Danny]

Beautiful! Please don't change a thing about that guitar. O.K. you can change the strings.
Enjoy!

Thanks for the compliment, I know if you took the pics they would come out far better.

[omozom]

  fuhgeddaboutit! Compliment returned and humbly accepted.

[G Man]

She's a looker Dan.  Love that dark top.  I think that these came with micarta nut and saddle back then, in which case, if it were mine, I'd swap em out for bone, as I've done with my '99 OM-21.  Not a huge difference in tone, but defiinitely noticable for the better.  Enjoy her in good health.

[Danny]

She's a looker Dan.  Love that dark top.  I think that these came with micarta nut and saddle back then, in which case, if it were mine, I'd swap em out for bone, as I've done with my '99 OM-21.  Not a huge difference in tone, but defiinitely noticable for the better.  Enjoy her in good health.

The saddle is in good shape, but I don't think it is bone. It is also not compensated and I noticed the later models use a compensated bone saddle, did you switch to compensated or was it already? I guess I should replace it with the best choice.   Thanks,   Danny