Martin OM-13e John Mayer: One for the Road series (or two)
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Martin Guitars and Mayer are celebrating 20 years of signature models by releasing the OM-13e John Mayer and the OMC-13e John Mayer. Both acoustic guitars are based on models from Martin’s more affordable Road series.
First Impression
This looks a bit like Martin has taken a page from the PRS SE series. Through these slightly scaled-down models, Mayer’s signature series Silver Sky is available at much more affordable prices. Compared to signature acoustic guitars like the OMJM that currently sells for 4,999 euros*, the OM-13e John Mayer and the OMC-13e John Mayer are much lighter on your budget.
Still, we’re in Martinland. And with Martin quality and history, you get Martin prices. But at around 2,000 euros, this is already a very welcome step in the right direction.
Martin OM-13E John Mayer
Both models, the OM-13E John Mayer and the OMC-13E John Mayer, are based on Martin’s 14-fret Orchestra Model body. Each acoustic guitar comes with a solid Engelmann spruce top with aging toner, scalloped X-bracing, solid black walnut back and sides, a hardwood neck with Martin’s Performing Artist profile, and an ebony fingerboard and bridge.
For optics, each models features faux mother-of-pearl inlays and Mayer’s signature on the 12th-fret marker. Martin has also opted for a beautiful antique white binding, and a faux abalone rosette. So, if you’ve been eying Mayer’s OMJM model, this gets pretty close in terms of looks!
As for the main differences between OM-13E John Mayer and the OMC-13E John Mayer: the OMC-13E features a cutaway, as well as a different top trim design. Here, Martin went for a multi-stripe purfling, whereas the OM-13E comes with a herringbone pattern.
Electronics and Hardware
Both acoustic guitars feature a 25.4″ scale, 20 frets, and open-gear tuners with Butterbean wings. As for the electronics, each variant comes with Martin’s E1 preamp we’ve seen in the X series, the 16 series and the Road series.
A chromatic tuner is included and automatically cuts the guitar’s output when activated. For additional controls, the E1 (optionally powered by a 9 volts battery) offers volume and tone dials, plus a phase switch to counter feedback on stage.
The Road series
When you compare the two new models to what’s already there from Martin’s Road series, the 000-13E Retro Walnut comes pretty close. The OM-13E John Mayer and the OMC-13E John Mayer add the Engelman spruce top, the longer scale, and Mayer’s signature.
How much do the Martin OM-13E John Mayer and the OMC-13E John Mayer cost?
Both models are available from Thomann for 2,349 euros each:
- Martin Guitar OM-13E John Mayer*
- Martin Guitar OM-13E John Mayer LH*
- Martin Guitar OMC-13E John Mayer*
- Martin Guitar OMC-13E John Mayer LH*
Sweetwater* has the OM-13E as well, for $1,999.99 in the US.
More on the new guitars from Martin
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