Introduced in 1929, the Orchestra Model was the first Martin guitar shape designed from the ground up for steel-string playing. When the arrival of the dreadnought in the mid-’30s revolutionized both the Martin company and the modern acoustic guitar, OMs became less common as players chose louder, bolder guitars that could sing over other instruments. In recent years, though, the Orchestra Model has made a remarkable comeback in large part because of its even, balanced tone and smooth projection. Plus, the smaller body is way more comfortable in your hands and on your lap. The OM will take you wherever you need to go.
The OM-21 rolled out in 1992, and it features an OM body constructed of a Sitka Spruce top and East Indian Rosewood back and sides. The simple Style-21 appointments provide understated elegance, and they also keep this model cost effective.
This 2006 Martin OM-21 produces crisp, clear tone that is rich and refined. It remains nicely balanced across the register, and it has a quick responsive feel that follows the delicate nuances of your picking attack. Notes flourish with a light touch, but it can still handle a heavy hand. Its wide dynamic range lends a lot of versatility. Plus, it's a comfortable body size that is easy to manage.
This 2006 Martin OM-21 shows some minor wear and tear, but it is in excellent shape for its age. Most noticeable are a minor scuff on the edge of the top binding by the end pin and a few small dings around the treble-side edge of the back (see photos). It also looks as if the back binding was re-glued on both sides of the waist. The frets are nice and clean, and the current setup is fantastic.
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
- Back & Sides: East Indian Rosewood
- Bracing: Scalloped X Brace, 1/4″
- Body Biding: Tortoise Pattern
- Neck Profile: Low Profile
- Nut: 1-3/4″ Bone
- Fingerboard: Solid Ebony w/ Dot Inlays
- Bridge: Solid Ebony
- Saddle: Bone, 2-1/4″ spacing
- Tuning Machines: Open-Back w/ Butterbean knobs.
This 2006 Martin OM-21 includes its original hardshell case, which is also in nice shape. This is a great OM with a lot to offer. Its tone is seasoned and broken in—exactly what you could want from a gently used Martin box!