Vintage inspired tonewoods and specs adorn this Martin OM-18 Custom Shop built in Nazareth, PA. The old growth ‘Sinker’ Mahogany used for the back, sides, neck and blocks were originally cut down in the late 1800s. Areas of present day Belize and Honduras in Central America were part of a British colony at that time. Logging this old growth virgin timber deep in the rain forests to export this prime, rare timber at the time was no easy task. Using the rivers as the only means of transport, needless to say some logs did not make it. Many sunk in the mud and basically became a time capsule, aging for over a century void of oxygen to rot. Some logs take on unique, subtle coloring due to mineral deposits in the mud. This set has some wonderful coloring, which we ordered custom without any stain to highlight this striking wood.
We topped it with an Adirondack Red Spruce top and scalloped bracing which is considered the ‘Holy Grail’ of top woods due to it’s light yet stiff properties yielding a high level of vibration, volume and clarity. This is the wood of choice of the builders during the ‘golden era’ of guitar building, the early 1930’s through pre-war early 40’s. We completed the top with Adirondack Spruce 1/4″ scalloped bracing as well. The custom neck is also one-piece Sinker Mahogany with satin finish and light stain and a thinner 1 11/16″ nut width for comfort. The wood combination creates a loud and clear, balanced tone with deep warm bass and bell like highs.
Other custom features of this custom OM-18 include Tortoise bindings, Nickel Grover tuners with vintage buttons, Old style 18 Select Abalone dot inlays and more. The 1 11/16″ nut width, low profile neck shape and 2 1/8″ saddle spacing will feel right at home in your hands. This is the sound of a vintage guitar in a brand new build with the right upgrades. The OM-18 Custom Shop is a no frills, all business, heirloom guitar.
Includes deluxe hardshell case and Lifetime Warranty.
Free shipping in the continental United States.
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