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Average Price: $3,470
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Description
The Martin Custom Shop OM-18E is a testament to exquisite craftsmanship and superb acoustic performance, seamlessly blending traditional design with modern enhancements. This acoustic-electric guitar features a classic Orchestra Model (OM) body shape, renowned for its balanced tone and versatile sound, making it a favorite among fingerstyle players and strummers alike. The top is crafted from high-quality Sitka spruce, while the back and sides are made from genuine mahogany, which provides a warm, resonant tone with excellent midrange projection.
Equipped with the Fishman Aura VT Enhance electronics, the OM-18E offers unparalleled amplified sound, capturing the guitar's natural acoustic essence with remarkable clarity. The neck, carved from select hardwood, boasts a comfortable Modified Low Oval profile with a High-Performance Taper, ensuring ease of playability across all positions. The ebony fingerboard and bridge add to the guitar's visual elegance and tonal integrity.
Each detail of the OM-18E is meticulously crafted, from the hand-finished gloss top to the subtle yet striking appointments like the old-style 18 multi-stripe rosette and tortoise-pattern pickguard. Built for the discerning musician, this guitar promises an inspiring playing experience both on stage and in the studio.
Key Features:
- Orchestra Model (OM) body shape for balanced tone
- Sitka spruce top with genuine mahogany back and sides
- Fishman Aura VT Enhance electronics for superior amplified sound
- Modified Low Oval neck shape with High-Performance Taper
- Ebony fingerboard and bridge
- Hand-finished gloss top with old-style 18 multi-stripe rosette
Product specs
| Brand | Martin |
| Model | OM-18E |
| Made In | United States |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Body Shape | Orchestra |
| Model Family | Martin OM-18 |
| Model Sub-Family | Martin OM-18E |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | None |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Martin Custom Shop |
| String Type | Steel |
FAQs
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What is the body shape of the Martin Custom Shop OM-18E?
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The Martin Custom Shop OM-18E features an Orchestra Model (OM) body shape, which is known for its balanced tone and comfortable size, making it suitable for both fingerstyle and strumming.
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Does the Martin Custom Shop OM-18E come with a pickup system?
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No, the Martin Custom Shop OM-18E does not have a built-in pickup system, making it a purely acoustic guitar without electronic amplification.
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How many frets does the Martin Custom Shop OM-18E have?
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The Martin Custom Shop OM-18E is equipped with 20 frets, offering a full range for versatile playing across various musical styles.
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Is the Martin Custom Shop OM-18E suitable for fingerstyle playing?
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Yes, the Orchestra Model body shape of the Martin Custom Shop OM-18E provides a balanced tone and comfortable playability, making it ideal for fingerstyle guitarists.
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What type of strings does the Martin Custom Shop OM-18E use?
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The Martin Custom Shop OM-18E uses steel strings, which contribute to its bright and resonant sound, suitable for a variety of musical genres.
Videos
Music Force Official
Martin Custom Shop OM-18E Mulberry Demo ('Celebrated Chop Waltz' Arranged by Guitarist '양원주')
Martin Custom Shop OM-18E Mulberry Demo ('Celebrated Chop Waltz' Arranged by Guitarist '양원주')
Music Force Official
Martin Custom Shop GP-18E Mulberry VS Martin Custom Shop OM-18E Mulberry review (No Talking)
Music Force Official
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin Custom Shop OM-18E.
Features and functionality
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Owners highlight the OM-18V’s unique string spacing at the bridge, among the widest ever designed by Martin, making it a cult classic for fingerstyle players.
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By downtuning a half step and using a capo, the OM-18E can mimic the shorter scale of a 000, adding versatility in tonal options.
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Comparisons
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The OM-18V, released in 1999, is the first production model in over 60 years, distinct from other models like the 1932 shade top or the 000-15M with a mahogany top.
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The Golden Era model features Adirondack spruce, providing more bass and clearer highs compared to the Vintage series, which is already known for its strong bass presence.
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The OM-18E is compared to Larrivee OM-40 as a more affordable alternative, providing similar versatility in acoustic settings.
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Value and pricing
Use cases and applications
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The OM-18's mahogany back and sides with a spruce top offer a tone favored for traditional folk and blues music, appreciated by owners for its rich midrange.
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The GE bracing in the Golden Era model is praised for enhancing projection, making it cut through mixes effectively, particularly in solo or single string applications.
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Owners find the OM-18E's mahogany body more compact and comfortable for standing performances, with subdued low end making it easier to EQ when plugged in.
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Mahogany back and sides on the OM-18E are noted for their suitability in blues and folk, offering a balance of power and mellowness when switching scale lengths.
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Build quality
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Owners have noted that the Brazilian rosewood binding on the Golden Era model is particularly beautiful, adding to the guitar's aesthetic appeal despite its worn condition.
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Setup and maintenance
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A common modification suggestion is to replace poorly installed Gibson-style tuners on the Golden Era with high-quality alternatives; a luthier can fill existing holes with mahogany paste.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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