Introduced in 1929, the Orchestra Model was the first Martin guitar shape designed from the ground up for steel-string playing. When the arrival of the dreadnought in the mid-'30s revolutionized both the Martin company and the modern acoustic guitar, OMs became less common as players chose louder, bolder guitars that could sing over other instruments. In recent years, though, the Orchestra Model has made a remarkable comeback in large part because of its even, balanced tone and smooth projection. Plus, the smaller body is way more comfortable in your hands and on your lap, and once you plug it in, the OM will take you wherever you need to go. The Martin OMC-18E pays homage to the prewar Orchestra Models, but at the same time, it offers a hard-working, plug-and-play stage guitar to fit the needs of modern players. The OMC-18E features an Orchestra Model body crafted of a solid Sitka Spruce top and solid Mahogany back and sides. Its tone is warm, rich, and well-balanced, and it sports an Ebony fingerboard, Ebony bridge, and Grover open-back machines. With Fishman Aura VT Enhance electronics under the hood, the OMC-18E is ready for the stage or the studio, too. But with a comfortable feel and inspiring tone, this is a songwriters guitar you'll want to play everywhere. This particular OMC-18E shows some nice bear-claw figuring in the top, and it includes a Martin hardshell case and Martin's lifetime warranty.
