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Average Price: $2,300

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$200

$1001+

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Description

The Martin OM-28E Retro is a masterful blend of vintage charm and modern performance, making it a dream come true for any guitarist seeking the best of both worlds. This acoustic-electric gem is a tribute to Martin's iconic Orchestra model, renowned for its rich history and unparalleled sound quality. The guitar boasts a solid East Indian rosewood back and sides paired with a Sitka spruce top, delivering a balanced tone with bold bass and clear highs. Its black ebony fingerboard and bridge not only enhance its visual appeal but also contribute to its remarkable playability.

What sets the OM-28E Retro apart is the Fishman Aura VT Enhance system, which ensures that the guitar's natural voice is perfectly captured in amplified settings. This system offers discreet soundhole-mounted controls, allowing you to focus on your performance without any intrusive modifications to the guitar's classic design. The retro aesthetics are further accentuated by forward-shifted scalloped braces and aged toner finishes, giving it the appearance of a well-preserved vintage instrument from the 1930s or 1940s.

With a comfortable reshaped neck and Martin's standard dovetail neck joint, this guitar promises a seamless playing experience and exceptional tonal transfer. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the OM-28E Retro delivers a studio-quality sound that will leave a lasting impression.

Key Features:

  • Solid East Indian rosewood back and sides with Sitka spruce top
  • Fishman Aura VT Enhance electronics for natural amplified tone
  • Black ebony fingerboard and bridge
  • Forward-shifted scalloped braces and aged toner finish
  • Comfortable reshaped neck with dovetail neck joint

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model OM-28E
Finish Natural
Year 2012 - 2019
Made In United States
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars, OM and Auditorium Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Back Material Rosewood
Body Shape Orchestra
Color Family Natural
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Martin OM-28
Model Sub-Family Martin OM-28E
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Undersaddle Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Martin Retro Series
Sides Material Rosewood
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Martin OM-28E Retro?

The Martin OM-28E Retro delivers a balanced sound with clear highs, rich midrange, and deep lows, thanks to its spruce top and rosewood back and sides. Its Orchestra body shape enhances projection and tonal clarity, making it versatile for various playing styles.

Is the Martin OM-28E Retro suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Martin OM-28E Retro is equipped with an active preamp and undersaddle piezo pickup, making it well-suited for live performances. This setup allows for easy amplification while maintaining the guitar's natural acoustic tone.

What is the neck profile like on the Martin OM-28E Retro?

The Martin OM-28E Retro features a modified low oval neck profile with a high-performance taper, providing comfortable playability for both strumming and fingerstyle techniques.

Does the Martin OM-28E Retro work well for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Martin OM-28E Retro's balanced tone and responsive dynamics make it an excellent choice for fingerstyle playing, offering clarity and articulation across all strings.

What materials are used in the construction of the Martin OM-28E Retro?

The Martin OM-28E Retro features a spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and an ebony fretboard. These materials contribute to its rich tonal palette and durability.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Martin OM-28E Retro Acoustic-electric Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Video thumbnail for Martin OM-28E Retro Acoustic-electric Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Martin OM-28E Retro Acoustic-electric Guitar Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for C.F. Martin & Co., OM-28E Retro Acoustic Guitar. by Brett Kingman

C.F. Martin & Co., OM-28E Retro Acoustic Guitar.

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for The Martin OM-28E Retro at MaurysMusic.com by Maury's Music

The Martin OM-28E Retro at MaurysMusic.com

Maury's Music

Maury's Music

Video thumbnail for Review Demo - Martin OM-28E Retro by Premier Guitar

Review Demo - Martin OM-28E Retro

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Martin OM-28E Retro | N Stuff Music Product Review by N Stuff Music

Martin OM-28E Retro | N Stuff Music Product Review

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Martin OM-28E Retro with Fishman Electronics Demo by Sweetwater

Martin OM-28E Retro with Fishman Electronics Demo

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Martin OM-28E Retro at The Fellowship of Acoustics by The Fellowship of Acoustics

Martin OM-28E Retro at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin OM-28E Retro.

Setup and maintenance

  • Bridge separation can be fixed by injecting strong glue or replacing the bridge; costs $100-$150 without warranty, taking about a week for repairs.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Buyers suggest negotiating a $100-$200 price drop due to potential repair costs if the Martin warranty doesn’t cover the bridge issue.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Martin OM-28E Retro is praised for its tonal quality, making it an attractive buy even with minor defects, provided it sounds and plays well.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Suitable for those who prioritize sound and are willing to handle minor repairs, especially if they have access to a reliable luthier.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Taylor Goldsmith uses Martin OM-28E Retro

Taylor Goldsmith

Singer, Guitarist

Dawes

...
Verified via Martinguitar

According to Martin's website, Goldsmith uses Martin OM-28E retro guitar.

See how Lindsay Ell uses Martin OM-28E Retro

Lindsay Ell

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via MusicRow - Nashville's Music Industry Publication - News, Songs From Music City

At many live performances, Lindsay appears to use this guitar as her main acoustic-electric.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Martin OM-28E Retro, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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