This is a bold statement to make given the number of guitars and configurations available on the market - even within Martin's own stable there is competition, but I feel I can explain.
First, there are certain attributes I strongly believe make the best guitars:
- Solid wood
- No decoration, sound comes from wood, not abalone
- Responsive bracing
- Sitka spruce top, unless you have twenty years to play it in
- Quality machine heads that are sealed, not open gears
- A comfortable body shape
- A neck radius and width that balance speed and sustain
- Quality craftsmanship
An OM projects well, gives immediate response, depth comes from the rosewood back and sides - though the guitar suits all styles of playing as its range of tonality is very dynamic. The bracing type and body depth make an OM very responsive, so even the most subtle touch of a finger tip at low volume produces audible responses from the instrument.
The simplicity of an OM-21, lacking decoration and headstock inlays, means you get the full sound of every available square millimeter of wood. Vibrations are not being absorbed by decorative elements, and no wood has been removed to make room for such items.
The tuners on an OM-21 are Martin branded enclosed heads with a reasonably good ratio. I might personally prefer them to be a bit tighter and acute - but I can see where this would not be everyone's taste.
The low profile neck makes all kinds of playing comfortable. I have never had any left hand cramping even after hours of playing chords and as a lead instrument it might not bite through like a D-28, but isn't that why we have microphones now?
The traditional X bracing on this guitar is ideal for an Orchestra Model. It provides the correct balance of projection and dynamic response you want for varied styles of music. Despite its promotion as a fingerstyle guitarist's instrument, the OM-21 can punch it up country style with the best of them and the rolling bass response combined with crystal clear trebles lends strength and emotion to a piece one would never expect from a small-body guitar.
Indeed, if you venture into brands like Huss and Dalton or Santa Cruz, you may discover some depth and range an OM-21 doesn't provide, but these boutique brands also present with a boutique price - often at least double the price of an OM-21.
I bought my OM-21 new in 2002. It was a 2001 model, obviously aged on the rack. I paid $2000 Canadian for it, around $700 below the normal sticker price in my country at that time. I feel it was the best baragain I ever found, and I still play this guitar on a daily basis.
I have never played another OM-21, and it is the case with most Martins that there are good ones and bad ones on an individual basis. Still, I think it is obvious when you find a good one - because it sounds wide open even when it is new.
Try one today. Buy one today.
