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Traditionalists will appreciate how the 15 Series captures the look and sound of 1940s models with East Indian rosewood on its fingerboard and solid mahogany body construction, featuring forward-shifted X-bracing for enhanced playability and an original 1937 neck speed by Martin.
The OM & 000 series now include an upgraded High-Performance neck, with string spacing closer to conventional 1-11/16″ necks.
Body & Neck
Starting in the 1930s, Martin introduced body sizes using numbers and letters stamped onto neck blocks. Each number stands for frets clear of the body, while letters indicate scale length – for instance, 00-17S stands for 14 frets clear of the body.
The traditional 14-fret 000 model from Martin boasts a narrow, short-scale neck and 5/16″ non-scalloped bracing system for even string volume distribution, unlike many 12-fret Martin models.
Studio1-Vintage Martin guitar feature wider and longer necks that measure 1-3/4″ at the nut and use lighter bracing; this results in higher-voiced instruments with punchier tones than those found on an 000 guitar.
Some OMs carry the H designation, denoting their herringbone trim on the rear strip, which was standard on some models between 1940 and 1969 before becoming optional.
The Grand Jumbo is Martin’s widest flat-top guitar ever created. It featured the depth and shape of an M-type guitar but sounded more like a smaller 000. Additionally, it is unique among 14-fret Martin acoustics in featuring an adjustable truss rod which allows easy straightening in case it comes loose when out of adjustment; all other 14-fret Martins don’t allow this option, leading to costly repair bills for vintage OMs.
Hardware
Martin has long been at the forefront of innovation regarding premium materials, craftsmanship and guitar designs. Many of their innovations have become industry standards, such as X-bracing or orchestra and dreadnought body sizes.
Early flat tops (pre-1945) tend to be more desirable due to their tone and age, making them highly collectible. Pre-1945 models tend to feature wider string spacing at the nut and tighter first fret area due to changes in bracing techniques and material innovations beginning around 1945 – particularly desirable are OMs featuring Brazilian rosewood.
Early in acoustic guitar production, some variants were created based on Studio1-Vintage Martin guitar standards; some remained available long-term, while others were eventually phased out of production.
Pyramid bridges were introduced in 1929 and lasted until around 1930, featuring good ones that featured an arched inside edge with a curved slope, while cheap copies featured four straight edges. Initially, the 00 sizes was offered as an alternative to an OM size with its larger soundboard and one-half-inch longer string scale; eventually, this configuration continued into 1968.
Electronics
Most Martin guitars feature Fishman electronics, allowing you to plug in and get great sound out of them regardless of whether you’re performing live or recording. Fishman also offers other guitar tuning and feedback control products that could prove handy when performing or playing live onstage.
The Standard series guitars are one of the most renowned models offered by this brand and make an excellent entry-level option for anyone starting their acoustic journey.
Other model names that don’t use numbers include the 14-fret Orchestra Model guitar introduced in 1916 to appeal to members of dance orchestra rhythm sections who were transitioning away from banjos toward acoustic instruments. It featured a narrow, short-scale neck with a 5/16″ non-scalloped bracing pattern designed to accommodate steel strings.
With the launch of the new GS series guitars, the lines between OM and traditional 000-14-fret models were further blurred. Like traditional 000s and OMs, these instruments featured spruce tops with rosewood backs and sides but featured shorter necks with scalloped X-bracing patterns; their sound was distinctive while still offering much of the same tonal balance; it proved an instant hit among jazz guitarists like Gene Autry and Roy Rodgers among many other country singers among them.
Sound
Studio1-Vintage Martin guitar remains iconic after over 181 years; its sound speaks for itself. Martins can fit seamlessly into group performances with other acoustic instruments or bands and offer enough depth for most musical genres. Plus, they’re easy to play – even for beginners – making them ideal for fingerstyle work.