In the late-'20s, Martin unveiled the Orchestra Model body, and although it was quickly overshadowed by the Dreadnought a few years later, the OM-28 is perhaps the first modern acoustic guitar made by C.F. Martin. The OM-28 was the first Martin to combine 14 frets clear of the body and a longer 25.4" scale, and from the ground up, it was designed for steel strings. Its 15"-wide body was massive by '20s standards, and it even had a pickguard and a belly bridge! The OM-28 began a new era of guitar-building for Martin, and it is a versatile, expressive instrument that seems to do everything well.
Martin's Vintage Series revived the revered prewar specifications but with the advantages, precision, and high standards of modern guitar building. The OM-28V is a 14-fret Orchestra Model with a Sitka Spruce top, East Indian Rosewood back and sides, and of course bold Herringbone around the top. Every detail—including the 1-3/4" nut width, V neck shape, cutthrough saddle, open-back tuners, abalone diamond inlays, etc.—is '30s appropriate, but the build quality is 21st Century C.F. Martin.
In 2000, the OM-28V captured much more attention than the Standard Series OM-28 because the Vintage Series models simply brought more to the table. They were more representative of the Martin tradition and reputation. By 2018, Martin ultimately updated the standard OM-28 to absorb the desirable Vintage Series features, with the exception of a few key specs: V neck shape, cutthrough saddle, and the 2-5/16" string spacing at the bridge.
This 2000 Martin OM-28V is nice condition all around. It shows some minor play wear and signs of use from the last 22 years, and apart from a scuff on the edge of the headstock, it is free of anything too bad. The lacquer finish has slightly separated at the bass edge of the bridge, but the bridge is 100% stable and not an issue at this time. On the back, there is a small gap where the plastic heel cap and back binding have separating, but this is also purely cosmetic.
This 2000 OM-28V is a great example of a good Martin Orchestra Model. It is set up properly with low action, and it's a great player that will take you wherever you need to go. It includes its original deluxe TKL case.