Product: Martin OM-28 Marquis Madagascar
Price Paid: USD 4500
Submitted
09/17/2009
at
10:33am
by
Den
Features
:
8
2009 Model, 14 fret clear to body, Adirondack spruce top/Madagascar rosewood back/sides
OM body with Heringbone purfling on top
Aged toner on Adi top
Mahogany matte finish neck (personal preference)
Martin Grotoh nickle finish(?) tuners...NOT Waverley
"Golden Era appointments with "Marquis featrues" ...not sure what that means, but it has a definite vintage vibe
Sound
:
10
Rich and warm vintage Martin tone. Deep resonant bass, great mids and rich highs without sounding thin.
Classic Martin tone
Sounds much best with Martin SP Fingerstyle strings
Sounds great with flat or finger pick
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
Perfect! Matte finish neck is a big plus for me
Adi top is well bookmatched
Madi back is nice and even. Not dramatic in grain, but nice and even. One slight bearclaw in top, but I do not consider that a flaw.
Set up perfectly by James at Eric Schoenberg Guitars, Tiburon, CA (plug) who seem to get the best sounding Martin guitars.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
Other Martins I own or have owned never gave me a problem. Owned some kindo of Martin since 1975...all have held up, fine
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Never needed "Company" support, but I have full confidence in Eric's Shop in Northern Cal.
Overall Rating
:
10
Been playing electric and acoustic for at least 45 years...fingerpicking since 1976
Compared this OM-28 Marquis Madagascar to the Juber OM-28 with same appointments.
Since I have a Schoenberg 000-28C Brazilian, I went for the OM-28 MM. the Juber was too similar to my Schoenberg.
Wish this guitar had Waverley's but this keeps its tune perfectly so far.
Acoustic collection: The aforementioned Schoenberg, Martin J 12-40, Goodall RCJC (rosewoodcedar Concert Jumbo cutaway), Blueridege BR-361 (12 fret) 0 size, and Gibson Custom Shop Advanced Jumbo Concert Ltd (#7 of 40 made) Adi/3 piece Madi back
This Martin compares to my highly coveted Schoenberg. At about half the price of a hand made Brazilian Schoenberg...its a "fantastic value".
