The OM or 'Orchestral Model' was first introduced by C.F. Martin, and is a versatile instrument that appeals to both fingerstyle players and flatpickers. It's the third largest 14 fret body size in the 0/00/000-OM/JOM-GA progression and features a 25.5” long scale neck.

 

Nearly relegated to the history books, the OM began a slow resurgence in the mid 1980s and is now one of the most popular acoustic guitar models worldwide.

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My Model No. 1 is a modern iteration of this classic. In developing this guitar, I've given a respectful nod to tradition while adding modern design and structural elements which include a completely reimagined body shape, structured sides and a fully removable bolted neck joint, also known as a 'bolt-on-bolt-off' connection.

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Base price: $8000 USD
Price excludes shipping, applicable taxes and insurance.

Structured Sides:

Crafted from three layers of wood, the middle laminate is strategically kerfed to reduce weight and enhance flexibility. This design results in stiff and stable sides, which helps distribute some of the load away from the top. Consequently, I can use lighter soundboards, unlocking greater potential for sound production.

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Bolt-on Neck Connection:

The fully bolt-on neck joint stands in contrast to traditional dovetail or standard mortise and tenon neck joints by enabling a perfectly snug and integrated connection between wood elements.

 

My approach to neck joint construction enhances structural integrity by direct internal coupling the fingerboard extension to the upper transverse brace, leading to a more unified overall design.

 

Furthermore, typical neck joint construction methods often face challenges such as backward and forward curves, the 'hump' at the body connection, and issues related to twists, warps, misalignments, and changes in neck angle requiring the need for difficult neck resets. My fully bolt-on technique effectively mitigates these potential problems. While extremely rare, if a neck reset were ever required in future, it would be a very simple process.

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Carbon Fibre Neck Reinforcement:

The essential function of a neck is to provide stability. It must exhibit the required stiffness and maintain its dimensions when faced with variations in temperature and humidity. For this reason, I reinforce every neck with carbon fibre.