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Average Price: $899

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$200

$1001+

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Description

Discover the Martin OMC-16E Ovangkol, a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation designed for the discerning acoustic-electric guitarist. This guitar is crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and ovangkol back and sides, offering a rich, full-bodied sound that resonates with depth and clarity. The auditorium body shape ensures comfortable playability and a balanced tonal response, making it an excellent choice for both fingerstyle players and strummers.

Equipped with the Fishman® Matrix VT Enhance™ electronics, this guitar provides a natural amplified sound that remains true to its acoustic roots. The electronics system includes discreetly mounted controls for volume and tone, allowing you to tailor your sound effortlessly. A select hardwood neck with a high-performance taper and ebony fingerboard ensures smooth playability, while the gloss finish adds a touch of elegance to its aesthetic.

Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Martin OMC-16E Ovangkol is engineered to deliver a consistent and inspiring performance. With its combination of high-quality materials and advanced electronics, this guitar is a reliable companion for any musician seeking versatility and precision in their sound.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top with ovangkol back and sides
  • Auditorium body shape for balanced tone
  • Fishman® Matrix VT Enhance™ electronics
  • Ebony fingerboard with select hardwood neck
  • High-performance taper for comfortable playability
  • Gloss finish for added elegance

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model OMC-16E Ovangkol
Year 2019 - 2022
Made In United States
Categories Acoustic-Electric Guitars, OM and Auditorium Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Back Material Ovangkol
Body Shape Orchestra
Color Family Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Martin OM-16
Model Sub-Family Martin OMC-16E
Number of Frets 18
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Hybrid System
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Martin 16 / 17 Series
Sides Material Ovangkol
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the Martin OMC-16E Ovangkol's back and sides, and how does it affect the sound?

The Martin OMC-16E Ovangkol uses ovangkol wood for its back and sides, which provides a balanced tone with rich midrange and clear highs, similar to rosewood but with a unique warmth.

Does the Martin OMC-16E Ovangkol include an active preamp system?

Yes, the Martin OMC-16E Ovangkol features an active preamp system, allowing for enhanced sound amplification and tonal control when plugged into an amplifier or PA system.

How many frets does the Martin OMC-16E Ovangkol have, and what is its body shape?

The Martin OMC-16E Ovangkol has 18 frets and features an orchestra model (OM) body shape, which offers a comfortable playing experience with a balanced tonal output.

What materials are used for the fretboard and top of the Martin OMC-16E Ovangkol?

The fretboard of the Martin OMC-16E Ovangkol is made of ebony, providing smooth playability, while the top is crafted from spruce, contributing to its bright and resonant sound.

Is the Martin OMC-16E Ovangkol suitable for live performances and recording?

Yes, the Martin OMC-16E Ovangkol is well-suited for both live performances and recording, thanks to its hybrid pickup system and active preamp, which deliver high-quality amplified sound.

onemanzguitar

onemanzguitar

Martin OMC-16E Reveiw - One Man's Guitar onemanz.com

Video thumbnail for Martin OMC-16E Reveiw - One Man's Guitar onemanz.com by onemanzguitar

Martin OMC-16E Reveiw - One Man's Guitar onemanz.com

onemanzguitar

onemanzguitar

Video thumbnail for Martin OMC-16E Sound Test Feat. Scott Owens by Andres Colin

Martin OMC-16E Sound Test Feat. Scott Owens

Andres Colin

Andres Colin

Video thumbnail for A Novice's Honest Review - The Martin OMC 16E Review by a Brit to-Go

A Novice's Honest Review - The Martin OMC 16E Review

a Brit to-Go

a Brit to-Go

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin OMC-16E Ovangkol.

Comparisons

  • Ovangkol wood offers a drier sound compared to traditional spruce/rosewood, which provides fuller overtones, making it less suitable for some fingerstyle enthusiasts.

    Source
  • Newer Martin guitars are perceived as less consistent in sound compared to other brands like Taylor and Yamaha, with some owners noting a lack of "magic" in newer models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 1.75-inch nut width is advantageous for fingerstyle playing, aligning with preferences for wider string spacing.

    Source
  • New guitars, including Martins, often improve in sound quality over time as they "open up," enhancing resonance and low end after wood and glue settle.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A $1300 price for a well-maintained OMC-16E is considered reasonable, especially when compared to inflated online listings.

    Source

Build quality

  • While not explicitly mentioned in the discussion, ovangkol is noted for its unique aesthetic appeal, which may influence purchasing decisions.

    Source
  • There's a noted decline in build quality and tone in newer Martin guitars compared to models from 15+ years ago, which some attribute to changes in fit and finish.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Martin guitars often ship with high action from the factory to allow for user-specific adjustments, contrasting with Taylor's lower factory action that may suit lighter playing styles.

    Source

User experience

  • Dead strings on display guitars can significantly impact evaluation during purchase; bringing fresh strings for testing is suggested to get an accurate assessment.

    Source

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