NGD: Martin OM-21 (DCed sleeper)

[bobouz]

Two months ago, I posted a NGD here, after trading two dread bodies for the much smaller 000-28. Unfortunately, that guitar was returned due to a defect. Then after a trial period with a rosewood GPC-16e, this 2024 OM-21 popped up in GC’s used inventory at a very reasonable price. It's essentially brand new, with only a few light pick marks on the pickguard. With trade-ins, my out of pocket cost was $360, so I simply couldn’t resist!

Here’s why I consider the discontinued OM-21 a sleeper:
- The OM-21 combines style-28 tonewoods (utilizing spruce, rosewood, & ebony), with style-18 aesthetic features to occupy a more affordable price point. Finish is still full gloss, not satin.
- 2024 was the last year of production for the OM-21 (initial year was 1993). New 2024 examples remain available from a number of retailers, typically for $2999. Currently, the listed 000/OM-28 price is $3599.
- Used prices are correspondingly lower than 000/OM-28 examples.
- Martin’s popped binding issues were apparently resolved as of the 2023 model year when the binding material was changed. 2024 or newer instruments should be a safe bet.
- Quality of materials & construction is equal to all other Standard-Series models.

So happily, this one has brought my rosewood small-body Martin quest to a close:

 

[GGJaguar]

Every OM-21 I've played sounded great. I'm surprised I still don't have one. Congrats on your new guitbox!!

 

[chazmo]

Congrats, Bob.

 

[Stuball48]

Beautiful wood

 

[chazmo]

What does “DCed” mean, Bob? (discontinued?)

 

[twocorgis]

I bought a 2023 OM21 in unplayed condition for a seller at AGF last year, and it has rapidly become my favorite to play around the house. Like you, I love the 18-style appointments on a rosewood OM. I'm debating installing a pickup so I can play it out.

I hope Martin brings this guitar back at some point.

 

[Cougar]

Hmm, very nice! Gotta love an ebony fretboard!

 

[bobouz]

What does “DCed” mean, Bob? (discontinued?)

Yes, Charlie. I had no idea they’d discontinued the OM-21 until this one came up for sale & I started researching it.

 

[davenumber2]

Two months ago, I posted a NGD here, after trading two dread bodies for the much smaller 000-28.

On first read-through I thought you traded two dead bodies for a 000-28.

 

[bobouz]

On first read-through I thought you traded two dead bodies for a 000-28.

Hmmm - An idea for my next transaction!

 

[bobouz]

I hope Martin brings this guitar back at some point.

With Martin’s most recent addition to the Standard Series being the satin-finished all-mahogany 000-17, I’m wondering if we might someday see something like a satin OM-21 in regular production.

 

[twocorgis]

With Martin’s most recent addition to the Standard Series being the satin-finished all-mahogany 000-17, I’m wondering if we might someday see something like a satin OM-21 in regular production.

Well, they already sell satin D18s and D28s, so it's not much of a reach.