Martin And Gibson And Taylor

[William2]

Isn't the OM50 supposed to be like the Martin CS, with forward shifted bracing and at least some scalloping? I really wish I could try one. I just know that I've always preferred the more balanced Larrivee's which have a real hi-fi tone to them which is sonic nirvana to my ears. I have my OM05 in my hand now and it's hands down my favourite, just a stellar guitar all round.

I've never played a 50 series, but from what I've read the 50 OMs have a slightly deeper body than the Martin OM. And I think the 50 series has the enlarged sound hole. That does change the sound on my SD-40R special run. Listening to the flagship Martin models, I don't hear a superiority over a Larrivee instrument. I've never read about Larrivee using forward shifted bracing. What I find fascinating about Martin is the different bracings you can get and their location (forward, standard, rear). I have limited experience with playing Martin's as play lefty. I've only owned a D-15, DSS-17, and now a 15-000SM. My impressions are that they are a little lighter build in weight and looking at the sound hole, the tops appear to be thinner. I also think Martin has more than one sound. They have their flagship models, the mahoganies, and the 17 series which competes with the Waterloo sound. The luthier who built my lutes and eventually returned to guitar making said you want to build them light so you think they will break but won't. I'm convinced that weight really impacts response, and it is a number I always look at when I buy an instrument. My new Martin 15-000SM weighs 3# 9 oz. It is a joy hold and pick up and I love the sustain.

[guitarman001]

I agree re weight. My best sounding Larrivee's are also the lightest... No coincidence imo. Thanks for the info and I really need to try out the 40 series bracing again with fresh ears.

I'm on the fence about the Martin. The upcharge for the UK market is shocking.