Martin OM-21

^# 48

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$2,699.00 to $3,666.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (6)

1 Critic Review

2 Reviews

Find out who is using Martin OM-21

1 community setup

3 wishlisted

8 saved

Page last updated Jun 21, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated June 20, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (6)

$2,799.00

View Deal

5.0 (5)

$2,999.00

View Deal

$2,699.00

View Deal

4.0 (9)

$2,803.93 21 available New

$2,199.00 5 available Used

View Deal

5.0 (4)

$2,999.00

View Deal

$3,666.00

View Deal

£3,199.00

View Deal

Average Price: $2,881

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

In the Steel-string Acoustic Guitars category, Martin OM-21 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Martin OM-21". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Introducing the Martin OM-21, an original acoustic guitar that embodies the modern era of acoustic guitars. With its roots dating back to 1930, the Martin OM-21 is acknowledged for its superb tonal balance, making it an excellent choice for both solo gigs and group jams. Crafted with a spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and a select hardwood neck with an ebony fingerboard, the OM-21 is a true representation of Martin's commitment to quality and sound excellence.

The Performing Artist neck profile on the OM-21, a shallow oval shape with a slightly narrower taper than a typical OM’s neck, provides an enhanced playing experience, making it comfortable for extended playing sessions. The guitar's versatility is further exemplified as it is equally suited for both fingerstyle and flatpicking, catering to various playing styles.

The Martin OM-21 is visually appealing with a simple, classic look, featuring a sleek, low, modified oval neck and tortoise-colored binding. This guitar is a testament to Martin's legacy, offering a big, projected tone that resonates beautifully, making it an ideal choice for musicians seeking a reliable and versatile acoustic guitar.

Key Features:

000-14 fret acoustic guitar with timeless Martin tone
Performing Artist neck taper and satin-finished neck ensures excellent playability
Rich lows, detailed mids, and smooth highs from the rosewood body topped with spruce
Premium components like the real bone nut and saddles ensure a lifetime of reliable performance
Equally suited for both fingerstyle and flatpicking
Includes ply hardshell case for safe storage and transport.

Product specs

String Type	Steel
Number of Strings	6
Left-/Right-handed	Right-handed
Body Shape	Orchestra 000-14 Fret
Back & Sides Wood	East Indian Rosewood
Top Wood	Spruce
Finish	Gloss
Body Bracing	Scalloped X-bracing
Binding	Brown Faux Tortoise
Neck Wood	Select Hardwood
Neck Shape	Modified Low Oval, High Performance Taper
Radius	16"
Fingerboard Inlay	Mother-of-pearl Style 28 Dots
Number of Frets	20
Scale Length	25.4"
Nut Width	1.75"
Nut/Saddle Material	Bone/Bone
Bridge Material	Ebony
Tuning Machines	Nickel Open Gear
Strings	Lifespan 2.0 92/8 Phosphor Bronze, .012-.054
Case/Gig Bag	Hardshell Case

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the Martin OM-21?: The Martin OM-21 features back and sides made from East Indian Rosewood, which contributes to its warm, rich tonal character and excellent projection.
What is the neck profile of the Martin OM-21?: The Martin OM-21 has a Modified Low Oval neck shape with a High Performance Taper, providing a comfortable and modern feel that suits a variety of playing styles.
Is the Martin OM-21 suitable for fingerstyle guitar playing?: Yes, the Martin OM-21 is well-suited for fingerstyle playing due to its balanced tone, responsive dynamics, and comfortable Orchestra body shape.
Does the Martin OM-21 come with a case?: Yes, the Martin OM-21 comes with a hardshell case to protect the guitar during transport and storage.
What type of strings are recommended for the Martin OM-21?: The Martin OM-21 comes equipped with Lifespan 2.0 92/8 Phosphor Bronze strings, .012-.054 gauge, which are recommended for maintaining its optimal tonal quality.

Videos

Add video

N Stuff Music

Martin OM-21 Standard Series Acoustic Guitar

N Stuff Music

Martin OM-21 - How Does it Sound?

Acoustic Letter

Martin OM-21 vs. OM-28 | What's The Difference?

Alamo Music Center

Martin OM-21 vs OM-28 - What's the Difference??

Acoustic Letter

Martin OM 21 Standard Series Reimagined Acoustic Guitar - Played By Carl Miner

Carter Vintage Backstage

The Martin OM-21 (2018) at Maury's Music

Maury's Music

Martin OM-21 Standard Series Acoustic Guitar Demo

Ian Meadows

Martin OM-21

Signal To Noise

No Talking...Just Tones | Martin Standard Series | OM-21

Peach Guitars

Martin Guitars Standard Series OM-21 • SN: 2575283

Wildwood Guitars

2023 Martin OM-21 | Studio 1 Guitars | Nick Brightwell presents

Studio 1 Vintage Guitars

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Beautiful ambertone and sunburst finishes that exceed expectations.
Exceptional clarity and balance across all strings, with sparkling highs and full lows.
Comfortable OM/OOO body size and smooth neck, suitable for long play sessions.
Perfect for both fingerstyle and flat picking, with versatile sound projection.
High-quality craftsmanship with Sitka spruce top and rosewood back/sides.
Excellent sustain, especially noted during fingerpicking.
Full scale length offers dreadnought-like playability with more comfort.
Offers a classic Martin sound without unnecessary embellishments.
Responsive at low to medium volumes, ideal for home playing.
Represents great value for a high-end Martin model.

CONS

Initial high action may require adjustment by a tech.
Reports of binding issues and neck warping over time in some cases.
Lack of built-in pickup as standard equipment.

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin OM-21.

Comparisons

0 0

Owners have compared the Martin OM-21 favorably against OM-28, OM-JM, and 000-18, noting it often offers superior sound and resonance, especially if used and well-aged.
Source
0 0

Owners often favor the OM-21 over the OM-28, despite the latter's reputation, due to its unique warmth and articulation.
Source
0 0

The OM-21 is comparable to the OM-28, with users noting similar construction but different cosmetic features, often preferring the understated look of the OM-21.
Source

User experience

0 0

Many users find the OM-21 excels in both fingerstyle and strumming, providing a versatile bridge between open chords and intricate picking.
Source
0 0

Owners often describe their OM-21 as a "lifer," highlighting the emotional attachment and satisfaction derived from its sound and playability.
Source
0 0

Owners express long-term satisfaction with the OM-21, noting its versatility in fingerstyle play and a warm, buttery tone that enhances the playing experience.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Some players prefer the OM-21 for couch playing due to its comfortable size, while others recommend dreadnoughts like D-18 or D-28 for street performances.
Source
0 0

The OM-21 is described as a perfect complement to guitars like the Guild M20, offering a balanced tonal contrast to all-mahogany models.
Source
0 0

The OM-21 is considered a versatile addition to collections that include models like the D15M, providing a diverse tonal palette.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The OM-21 is praised for its ability to open up over time, improving in sound quality as it ages, particularly in the bass and resonance.
Source
0 0

The OM-21's volume and bassiness were highlighted as surprising for its smaller, shallower body compared to larger guitars like the Eastman J45 clone.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Using gauge 0.012 strings and tuning down a half step enhances warmth and low-frequency overtones, according to a long-time owner.
Source

Build quality

0 0

The OM-21 has been noted for minor QC issues, such as a slightly misaligned backstripe and faint glue squeeze-out on the binding.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Discounts on the OM-21 were noted as steep due to its discontinuation, making it a competitive option against the OM-28.
Source

Other

0 0

The OM-21's discontinuation has increased its rarity, making it a coveted model among enthusiasts seeking less common Martins.
Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Martin OM-21 Keeps Characteristic Tone with Updated Features | Acoustic Guitar

acousticguitar.com

Full Review

Add review

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

h535

606

over 3 years ago

The best higher end Martin for a working musician.

This model is the perfect blend of the tone and build of the 28 and above series but with the more modest adornments you would want in a working instrument. Though still a stunning instrument with top line Martin craftsmanship, the lack of thrills such as per inlays and hearing bone make this the perfect instrument for a pro musician who wants top line Martin tone but doesn’t want to worry about normal wear and tear damaging the looks. As standard there is no pickup but this is easily fixed.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Pop Blues