The Martin OM-28E Standard stands as the epitome of a premium acoustic-electric guitar, and it's hard not to be smitten by its features.
In an exciting development, Martin Guitars has unveiled the updated Martin Standard Series OM28E, a notable evolution of their popular electro-acoustic guitar. This revamped model showcases several enhancements in tone, playability, aesthetics, and electronics.
One of the key changes is the adoption of Golden Era (GE) Sitka spruce top bracing, a feature borrowed from the Modern Deluxe Series. This modification offers a more vintage, "breathy" tone with enhanced sustain.
The updated OM28E also boasts a GE modified low oval neck profile, optimized for vintage appeal while minimizing added mass. This results in improved feel and comfort. Additionally, the guitar features a thinner fingerboard with a comfort bevelled edge, plus a more smoothly contoured belly bridge with bone (or sometimes ebony) pins.
Aesthetic improvements include a long diamond volute, angled bone nut, and a sleeker heel design. These changes give the OM28E a more modern and refined look.
Practical usability has also received an upgrade. The jack socket, end-pin, and flip-top battery compartment have been consolidated on a plate at the base of the guitar body, making battery access easier.
The OM-28’s classic features remain, such as the Indian rosewood back and sides, sitka spruce top, ebony fingerboard with abalone inlays, ebony bridge, and Waverley-style open gear tuners. The electronics system has been upgraded to premium models like the L.R. Baggs Anthem or Fishman Aura VT Enhance, delivering stage-ready performance with warmth, clarity, and dynamic responsiveness.
The OM-28 model, favored by fingerstylists for its clarity, projection, and wide 44.45mm nut, while still being suitable for strumming, now features a longer scale length of 645.2mm (25.4 inches). This change results in a slightly tauter feel, providing a snappier tone with strong lows, mids, and plenty of top to cut through.
The updated Standard Series retains all previous upgrades and introduces additional significant improvements for looks, playability, and tone. The OM28E model is priced at $3,899/£4,099.
This article about the updated Martin Standard Series OM28E was first published in Guitarist magazine. For more information, visit the Martin Guitar website.
- The revamped Martin Standard Series OM28E, a popular electro-acoustic guitar, now showcases a more vintage tone with enhanced sustain due to the adoption of Golden Era (GE) Sitka spruce top bracing.
- The updated OM28E offers improved playability and comfort with its GE modified low oval neck profile, thinner fingerboard, and more contoured belly bridge with bone (or ebony) pins.
- Aesthetic improvements in the OM28E include a long diamond volute, angled bone nut, sleeker heel design, and a modern, refined look.
- Accessibility has been improved in the OM28E, with the consolidation of the jack socket, end-pin, and flip-top battery compartment on a plate at the base of the guitar body.
- The OM28E, favored by fingerstylists for its clarity, projection, and wide 44.45mm nut, now features a slightly tauter feel and longer scale length, resulting in a snappier tone with strong lows, mids, and top for cut-through quality.
