Martin OMC-16E 16 Series Ovangkol Burst Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural

Sounds incredible, looks incredible, very comfortable and easy to play.

I've just bought this guitar. I am SO pleased I did. I've owned a few Martins, mostly mahogany in the 15 series but also the much-lauded CEO-7 in spruce. I like this OMC-16E in Ovangkol more than any of these hands down - and it's a grand less than the CEO-7. The words that I would use for the sound of this guitar are 'sweet' and 'smooth'. Tone is obviously subjective preference but for me this is the most well-balanced guitar I have ever played - with just the perfect blend of sustain, bass resonance and high-end articulation. Chords and notes sound equally good. And it's so pretty. If you are thinking of getting this - or have it - I would also highly recommend some Thomastik-Infeld Plectrum strings on it as well. My favourite by a country mile and they work on this guitar like a dream.

Brought this home after a tour of the Martin factory in Nazareth, PA. Wonderful instrument. Flawless tone. Was looking for something smaller than a dreadnought that was responsive to fingerpicking and had a full sound. This fits the bill perfectly. The low end here is great for the body shape and size. However, it does not have the deep base punch that you can get in a deep bowl Ovation or other more muscular instrument. Liked the look of mahogany but never really liked the sound. The dark finish here gives a similar look to mahogany but sounds much better to my ear. Also wanted the flexibility of high quality electronics since I do experiment with home recording. The Fishman Enhance system installed here is great and meets my needs. The looks are at the level you'd expect from an instrument at this price point: some modest upgraded appointments like an ebony fretboard and mother of pearl fingerboard inlays, but you are not being overcharged for extravagant ornamentation. Would select this one again.