000-28EC, what do you think???

[mrkpower]

do you like it? any thoughts?

[hellostarling]

I like the Martin 000-28EC very much. I've played it a few times and it's an incredible instrument. And even the price isn't too bad considering it's a signature model... and considering whose signature model it is.

I'm partial to the 000 / OM size and the rosewood is very nice. I dislike Martin's use of toner to get the "aged" look, however. But I suppose if you're trying to reproduce Clapton's own guitar, I can see why toner would be used on the signature model. It plays wonderfully.

In contrast, my own OM-50 plays just as wonderfully, has no toner on the soundboard and has much nicer maple binding with herringbone purfling, in my opinion. (The OM-50 is mahogany, but there's a -60 rosewood model too.)

But if you have an opportunity to pick up a 000-28EC used, I'd say go for it. You won't be disappointed.

[Larrivee4me]

Several months ago I saw a used one at Guitar Center.  It had serious pick gouges,  belt buckle rash, dings and so forth but it sounded great.  Very rich and full with a nice low growl.  I don't know about the V neck profile.  That felt very very strange.  Not sure I could get used to it.   Later that week I stopped by to play it again but it was gone.
They had a brand spankin new one on the wall.  It didn't sound much like the used one at all.  Not even close really.
I agree with the previous comment about the aging toner.  It looks rather fake. 
The one I'd like to try is the OM-21 special.  It has the low profile neck and a standard scale length, and that fake toner.  Oh well. 

[MJG]

OOO-28EC is one of my favorite guitars of all time.  Never owned one and probably won't for a very long time.  But every time I visit a store and one is available to play, it grabs me more than any other.  I love the modified V neck, the comfort, the playability,the rich tone, etc.,  Fingerstyle or strumming it sounds great - to my ears.

Having stated my preference, I've heard criticisms about this model as well, especially at the Martin forum, UMGF.com.  Some claim it to be muddy or too dark.  But it's all subjective and I disagree.  The Clapton Unplugged show is some of the nicest sounding acoustic guitar tone according to my bluesy tastes.

[tadol]

This is a model I also thought would be perfect for me - I've played 3, and 2 were ok, 1 was great. If it hadn't been for the signature, I would not have thought them the same guitar -

Tad

[es-335]

I'd love to own one.
One of the most balanced guitars around.

I've also played 3. and 2 were fantastic. and 1 was good :)
If i could afford one..... it's a no brainer..

[Danny]

 Honestly I have not played one yet that sounded better than my 1993 OM-21. In fact (though I can't hear too well ) I would say they did not sound as good.
  I had considered selling my OM-21 briefly, but today I played it again for the first time in several weeks and as I was my wife said "you will regret it if you sell that guitar" She had already been discouraging me from even considering it so after her telling me twice not to sell it. I replied your right I already regret it. So I'm gonna keep it and sell some others.
            Here is one pic of it, no fake toner here, it's all natural.

[Danny]

OOO-28EC is one of my favorite guitars of all time.  Never owned one and probably won't for a very long time.  But every time I visit a store and one is available to play, it grabs me more than any other.  I love the modified V neck, the comfort, the playability,the rich tone, etc.,  Fingerstyle or strumming it sounds great - to my ears.

Having stated my preference, I've heard criticisms about this model as well, especially at the Martin forum, UMGF.com.  Some claim it to be muddy or too dark.  But it's all subjective and I disagree.  The Clapton Unplugged show is some of the nicest sounding acoustic guitar tone according to my bluesy tastes.

Wasn't that model made in the 40's though?

danny

[Safricanplayer]

I've found the EC's I've played to be hit and miss. Ironically I actually like the toner they use on the soundboard, so I guess again, 'to each their own'. Not to reignite an earlier OM-21 thread, but I've found them to be more consistent and impressive based on my personal tonal preferences than the EC's.

Just my 2 cents

~ Ray ~

[Zohn]

I played a new one once, and if it wasn't for Clapton's signature on the fret board, I probably wouldn't remember it. It had absolutely no appeal to me. Admittedly it hasn't opened up yet, but the 000 model that made a (lasting) impression, was the John Mayer Signature model  . That puppy rang like a bell... I'm particularly fond of Martin's -18 series in both 00- and 000- sizes.

[Steve]

Honestly I have not played one yet that sounded better than my 1993 OM-21. In fact (though I can't hear too well ) I would say they did not sound as good.
  I had considered selling my OM-21 briefly, but today I played it again for the first time in several weeks and as I was my wife said "you will regret it if you sell that guitar" She had already been discouraging me from even considering it so after her telling me twice not to sell it. I replied your right I already regret it. So I'm gonna keep it and sell some others.
            Here is one pic of it, no fake toner here, it's all natural.

I had a '02 OM-21 that I regret selling very much.  It was one of the sweetest sounding guitars I have ever had.  My wife said the same thing to me when I put it up for sale, and she was right on with her comments, I miss it very much.

It had a much better tone than the EC model IMHO.

[MJG]

The OM-21 is a very special guitar.  It is perfectly described as "natural".  The Mayer is another awesome guitar, although the neck is only 1-11/16" :-)

This discussion is a classic case of differing preferences.  Beauty is in the ear of the beholder - just got to play it for yourself.

[bluesman67]

Awesome guitar, I played one at Southpaws.  The only problem I have with it is it's price!

[ducktrapper]

I haven't had the pleasure but I'm tempted to ask, what's not to like? I'm sure the OM21 special is a fine guitar. I've been visiting a D21 special at my favourite wood porn shop. That's a very sweet guitar. It's actually, dare I say it? Larrivée-like. It's almost as nice as my '75 L-0?.   

[bluesman67]

Duck,

As you would expect from a highend Martin, it's got a deep bass tone.  Of course you want to compare it to Larrivees.  I would say that it sounds different than a Larrivee, not necessarily better or less good.  It's beautiful and feels great.  My only problem, frankly, is that I'm kind of cheap when it comes to guitars.  I don't feel good about spending that kind of dough on a guitar and I even shamefully admit that I don't really appreciate the extra quality or tone that I'm supposed to be paying for in that price range.  Sure I can drool over it in the store but when it comes right down to it, that's the reality for me.  I'm more of an 03/05 kind of guy and happy as a pig in poop with them.  To answer your question though, it sounds delightful and is a thing of beauty, deep bass and very loud is what I remember, plus all of the other characteristics of a rosewood guitar.

[ducktrapper]

Bluesman - I hear you. If I woke up one day and all I had was my old plywood Yamaha FG180, I'd still be fine. I'm all about getting the best guitar for the least money. It doesn't matter how the cookie is cut. Only what goes into the cookie and what you get out of it.   

[bluesman67]

Well, I love my old all plywood Yamaha too....but let's not get carried away.  I would suffer a great loss without ole' Charlotte.

[ducktrapper]

Hey, I didn't say I wouldn't cry just that I'd be okay.     

[obe-wan]

Ive played many a 000-28EC, being a big Clapton fan. Ive found some better than others, but one quality I've found is that to me they all seemed to be somewhat subdued and weak in the bass. For an instrument of this size I mean. Ive also played the OM-28V. Very similar, Longer scale, more volume and a nicer overall sound. A beautiful guitar.

Just MHO of course.

Cheers, Scott.

[DJ in FL]

As others have stated, the sound from one to another instrument is sometimes a very GREAT divide, to the point you would almost not believe it is same model.  I have an 000-28EC Sunburst and played many models before I found "the" one.  As we all know, you have to play the field and when you find "the" one, you take it home.  Martin has a chart, where they put all the models and how they stack up sound wise.  The 000-28 EC is about perfectly positioned in the middle, if you believe the chart.  (wish we had that for Larrivee models, at least for discussion purposes).
The Burst is hard to keep clean, although it's kinda like our beautiful brides in that when cleaned and dressed up, all you can say is WOW.  I use Virtuoso polish on mine all the time.  It really is a beautiful guitar.
The modified neck takes some getting used to, so depending on what else you play regularly, might be an issue for some.  When I go back and forth with my Larrivee O00-60, or my classical 2" neck, it requires adjustment.
It is pricey for sure, but the Martin quality is evident. 
Just like here on the Larrivee forum, you often see certain dealers names mentioned as the quality folks, the same is true on the Martin Forum, and if you are pricing one, you need to research who those dealers are and save yourself some big $$.

As we all know, the search should be fun, so good luck.