Martin OM-21 vs. OM-28 | What's The Difference?

Today we're taking a look at the difference between two high-end Martin Guitars, the OM-21 and the OM-28. Whereas the 28 Series represents sort of a "flagship" in tonewoods and design, the 21 isn't far off in terms of construction. Do different inlays/binding and a diamond volute justify the price increase? Take a listen and let us know which one you like more!

0:00 Intro & Specs
15:10 Demos
21:16 Wrapping Up

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[ArthurWilson-yy]

This channel is fast becoming my go-to location for in-depth, informative and entertaining demo's of really great guitars. I like the comparison videos a lot and the way you guys discuss differences is really helpful.

[funkybasslady]

OM 28 has fuller warmer overall tone, and treble side is sweeter than the 21. For my money, I would save up to pay the extra $400 for the 28. Interestingly, I suspect that most folks would love the 21 if they didn't have a 28 on hand to compare side-by-side or if they don't watch this video. Yet another great comparison video guys!

[roberthealy]

I don't hear a lot of difference in the tone except the 21 seems to have a tad more bass sound in the lower end, which I like. Also, I like the ascetics of the 21 better.

[roberthealy]

How does the Martins Compare to a Taylor? You guys seem to like the Taylors better.

[davidscotbrown]

The OM21 is the thing. Not only the best value in the line, but a giant-killer. Put it against a friends OM42, he quickly put it away and never brought it out again. DON'T pay the extra... not worth it!!!

[Simon-dfku]

tried two of both today and a 00028ec and came away with the OM-21

[sdfswords]

They SHOULD sound the same, but the 28 is richer and fuller, the 21 will probably open up with more play. I have a 000 MMV that I bought used, in virtually unplayed condition. It has the 25.4" scale, with the 1.69 neck, sitka, rosewood, ebony, gloss nitro with an aftermarket Fishman installed. Though several years old, it obviously was a closet queen, and was so tight and unresponsive, I almost sold it. It took about a year to start opening up, and now it blows me away, it's my favorite overall guitar among a select quiver of a dozen instruments. Martins start out a little tight, but reveal an almost mystical warmth over the years as they play in, I love the balanced sound they produce.

[samnewton]

You should clarify, "higher end wood", is based on how it looks, (an aesthetic determination, nothing more).

[brickie]

I am playing my OM 21 right now. Mine has the aged toner on it too. The Rosewood is very tight grained . I think it is a great guitar. I want a mahogany one next like the 000 18 or 000 15 S. I really love the 12 fret guitars too.

[TheoDahlemPickups]

OM21 for me. It's kind of more airy and opened up versus the 28 being more mid rangy

[Tony-vkqr]

The guy with the long hair looks just like Andy Durant from the Australian 1970’s Country-Rock Group “Stars”.
See “West is the Way” by Stars in 1977 !

[mariodriessen]

I've always had a preference for guitars with as little embellishment as possible. The simpler the better. So in terms of esthetics I prefer the OM-21 over the OM-28, the D-18 over the D-28, the 00-15m over the 00-28, the Gibson Les Paul Junior over the Gibson Les Paul Standard with a flame maple top or a 50's style Fender Esquire over a modern Fender Telecaster with all sorts of cutaways.
I'm stubborn too. I listen with my eyes. I want the simpler guitars to sound better. And to my ears they usually do. 😁

[gosman]

Why was the OM-28 Modern Deluxe not discussed?

[bradleydewey]

I do miss the days when Martin basically just had the standard line up...18, 28, 35, 41, 42, 45 and a couple standard body shapes. Stretching the brand to its limits in all directions and boosting production 3x or so in last 25 years...I dunno.

[World.of.the.Artful.Guitarist]

I have a 1970 Gibson SG. it has a veloute. Gibson guitars of this period have been criticised for this stengthening feature. People, eh? Go figure.

[PhillProbst]

Gibson should add volutes to their guitars?!? Bite your tongue!!! No!, No! No! I HATE the "WART" (aka volute, dart, etc.) . The love for the "volute" is incomprehensible. Why FAKING an obsolete construction detail should be seen as "cool" is beyond me. ESPECIALLY ONE THAT INVOLVES A POINTY BUMP RIGHT WHERE MY THUMB WANTS TO LIVE! "Volutes" ARE Thank God there are 15's, 18's, 21's, 35's, etc., unpolluted with the "WART".

[Tzadeck]

If I'm being honest the sounds comparisons in these videos are always pretty useless, especially with similar instruments like these. When you're playing them in person the experience is totally different.

Still a great video though with the explanation!

[sc]

The 15 series uses Sipo, not genuine big leaf mahogany.

“Select Hardwood” being used is in fact Genuine Mahogany. They also will use a Spanish Cedar depending on the availability of Mahogany. This applies to the standard series.

[ricksmith]

Great playing Chris! I prefer the 28 personally (I have a D28) but they both sound awesome. Next stop for me acoustically is 000-42…

[DoDifferent]

I bought an OM-21 back in 2003 after trying out many guitars at Elderly Instruments (I lived in the Lansing, MI area so it was my local store.). I thought THAT guitar had the best sound of all of the guitars I tried. Some were quite a bit more expensive. I don't know why the OM-21 model has gone up so much in price but (ha ha) 18 years have gone by. :-)