C. F. Martin OM-1 Acoustic Guitar (2009), ser. #1373659, black tolex hard shell case.

C. F. Martin OM-1 Model Acoustic Guitar (2009), made in Nazareth, PA, serial # 1373659, natural finish, spruce top, mahogany back and sides, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, Stratabond neck, black tolex hard shell case.

The Martin OM-1 was a budget-option Orchestra Model introduced in 1999. It is built with a solid X-braced Sitka Spruce top over solid Sapele mahogany back and sides, but sold at a noticeably lower price point than similar more traditional Martins. The big deviation from tradition is a neck constructed from "Stratabond", the fancy name for a multi-layered wood laminate. While to us old timers it looks like a Martin with a Framus neck, in practice the material is stronger than the normal mahogany neck and more resistant to warping and humidity variations.

This original version features a satin finish overall and a genuine rosewood fingerboard and bridge. Martin replaced this model with the OM-1GT which added a high-gloss finish to the top but substituted "Richlite" a durable paper-composite material for the fingerboard and bridge. To some folks that was a step to far, and many players seem to prefer this original model.

While not exactly a traditionalist's Martin, the OM-1 is s better sounding guitar than many scoffers would admit and a very good player. The wider 1-3/4" nut width is often preferred by fingerstyle players but in general this is a good gigging or recording Martin at the price of many low-budget guitars without its pedigree!

Height is 39 7/8 in. (101.3 cm.), 15 in. (38.1 cm.) width, and 4 1/16 in. (10.3 cm.) in depth at side. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/4 in. (44 mm.).

This guitar appears not much used over the past 15+ years, showing just light handling marks and a little fret wear in the lower positions. It plays well, sounds (surprisingly) good and lives in a modern molded plastic HSC. Overall Excellent Condition.