Martin guitars are known for their exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and rich sound. Since 1833, C.F. Martin & Company has been creating some of the world's finest acoustic guitars, and the Martin OM-28V is no exception. This particular model has a rich history and has been played by some of the most famous musicians of our time, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Eric Clapton.

The Martin OM-28V is a classic model that has been in production since the 1930s. It is a versatile guitar that is well-suited for both fingerpicking and strumming, and its sound is both warm and clear. The guitar is constructed with the finest materials, and the manufacturing process involves a combination of handcraftsmanship and advanced technology. This guide will take a closer look at the making of the Martin OM-28V and the different elements that contribute to its superior sound and overall quality.

 

Wood Selection and Preparation

The Martin OM-28V is a high-end acoustic guitar known for its superior craftsmanship and exceptional sound quality. The selection and preparation of the wood used in the guitar are integral to its overall quality. Martin guitars are made with high-quality woods that have been carefully selected and aged to achieve the desired sound and stability.

The wood selection process for the Martin OM-28V begins with the back and sides of the guitar. The wood is carefully chosen based on its appearance, grain patterns, and acoustic properties. The back and sides are typically made of Indian rosewood, which is known for its rich, warm tone and strong projection. Other woods such as mahogany and maple can also be used depending on the desired sound and aesthetics.

The top of the guitar is made of Sitka spruce, a highly sought-after wood for acoustic guitars due to its balanced tone and strong projection. The neck of the Martin OM-28V is made of mahogany or Spanish cedar, which provides stability and durability while also contributing to the guitar's overall tone.

After the wood is selected, it undergoes a rigorous preparation process. The wood is carefully seasoned and aged to ensure it is stable and has reached its full tonal potential. The wood is then cut and shaped into the various components of the guitar, including the back, sides, top, and neck.

The wood used in the Martin OM-28V is highly regarded for its quality and tonal properties. The selection and preparation process ensures that the guitar has a consistent tone and excellent playability. It is important to understand the wood selection process when evaluating and purchasing the Martin OM-28V to appreciate the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into its creation.

 

Bracing and Assembly

The bracing and assembly process of the Martin OM-28V guitar is a critical step in creating a guitar that delivers a balanced and resonant sound. The bracing of the guitar top plays a significant role in determining the guitar's tone and response. The Martin OM-28V features a scalloped X-bracing pattern, which is a standard feature in most Martin guitars.

During the bracing process, the braces are carefully placed and shaped to provide the necessary support and stability to the guitar top while allowing it to vibrate freely. This allows the guitar to produce a balanced and rich tone with excellent projection and sustain.

The bracing pattern used in the Martin OM-28V is designed to allow the guitar to respond well to both fingerpicking and flatpicking styles. The scalloped bracing pattern is carefully shaped to allow the top to vibrate more freely, resulting in a guitar that is both responsive and tonally complex.

The assembly process of the Martin OM-28V is carried out by skilled craftsmen who carefully fit the components together to create a guitar that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound. The neck is carefully fit into the body, and the fingerboard is carefully installed, ensuring proper alignment and a comfortable playing experience.

During the assembly process, the guitar's components are carefully inspected to ensure they meet Martin's high standards of quality and craftsmanship. This ensures that the final product is a guitar that is well-balanced, easy to play, and delivers a rich and resonant sound.

Overall, the bracing and assembly process of the Martin OM-28V guitar is a crucial step in the creation of a guitar that delivers superior sound and playability. With its carefully scalloped bracing pattern and skilled assembly, the Martin OM-28V is a guitar that is both responsive and tonally complex.

 

Finishing and Detailing

After the wood selection and bracing process, the Martin OM-28V guitar moves on to the finishing and detailing phase of its manufacturing process. This is where the guitar starts to take shape and its beauty is brought to life.

The finishing process begins with sanding the guitar's body, neck, and headstock. The sanding process is crucial in achieving a smooth and even surface. It's essential for the next steps in the finishing process, which involve applying the stain and finishing coat.

The stain is applied by hand, and it's essential for bringing out the beauty of the wood grain. The type of stain used can significantly impact the guitar's final color and appearance. The Martin OM-28V comes with a vintage-toned finish, giving it an aged look.

After the stain is applied, the guitar is coated with a protective finish to protect the wood and enhance its appearance. The finish is also applied by hand, in a process that involves multiple coats of lacquer. Each coat is sanded smooth before the next coat is applied. The final coat is buffed to a high gloss, bringing out the guitar's natural beauty.

Once the finish has been applied, the guitar is sent to the detailing department, where the guitar is inspected for any blemishes, and the edges are hand-sanded to give the guitar a smooth feel. The frets are also inspected, and any rough edges are filed down to ensure smooth and comfortable playing.

The next step is installing the hardware, such as the tuners, bridge, and pickguard. This is done carefully to ensure that the hardware is installed correctly, and that the guitar's intonation and playability are not compromised.

Finally, the Martin OM-28V guitar is inspected and tested to ensure that it meets the strict quality standards set by the Martin company. Only after it has passed all the necessary tests, is the guitar given the Martin label and sent to the dealer.

In summary, the finishing and detailing phase of the Martin OM-28V's manufacturing process is a crucial step that requires skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail. It's in this phase where the guitar's beauty is brought to life and its protective finish is applied, ensuring that it will last for generations.

 

Quality Control and Final Inspection

After the Martin OM-28V has been assembled and finished, it undergoes a series of rigorous quality control tests to ensure that it meets Martin's strict standards for sound and playability. The quality control and final inspection process is one of the most important steps in the manufacturing process, as it helps to ensure the consistency and quality of each guitar that leaves the Martin factory.

The first step in the quality control process is to test the sound of the guitar. A skilled technician will play the guitar to evaluate its tone, volume, and overall sound quality. The technician will also test the playability of the guitar, checking the action and fret work to ensure that the guitar is easy and comfortable to play. If any issues are identified during the sound and playability tests, the guitar will be sent back for further adjustments and fine-tuning.

Once the sound and playability tests have been completed, the guitar undergoes a final inspection to check for any cosmetic defects or imperfections. A trained inspector carefully examines every detail of the guitar, from the finish to the inlay work, to ensure that it meets Martin's high standards of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

If any issues are identified during the final inspection, the guitar will be sent back for further work and refinishing. Once the guitar has passed all of the quality control tests and inspections, it is ready for shipment to dealers and customers around the world.

The quality control and final inspection process is a critical part of the manufacturing process for the Martin OM-28V, and it ensures that every guitar that leaves the Martin factory is of the highest quality and craftsmanship. Martin's commitment to quality control and attention to detail is what has made the company a leader in the guitar industry for over 180 years.

 

Customization and Special Orders

The Martin OM-28V acoustic guitar is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and attention to detail, and for some musicians, a standard model may not fit their exact needs or preferences. Fortunately, Martin's Custom Shop offers a variety of customization and special order options for the Martin OM-28V.

One of the most popular customization options is the choice of wood. While the standard Martin OM-28V comes with Indian rosewood back and sides and an Adirondack spruce top, customers can work with Martin's Custom Shop to choose alternative woods to suit their preferences. Some popular options include mahogany, koa, and maple.

In addition to wood selection, customers can also choose the inlay design, hardware, and finish of their custom Martin OM-28V. For example, a customer may choose a unique inlay design on the fretboard or headstock, or they may opt for a different finish, such as a sunburst or vintage gloss.

Martin's Custom Shop can also work with customers to create a completely personalized Martin OM-28V. This may include custom neck shape and dimensions, unique bracing patterns, or special ornamentation.

It is important to understand the customization options when considering a Martin OM-28V purchase, as they can significantly impact the sound, playability, and aesthetics of the guitar. Working with Martin's Custom Shop can ensure that the guitar is tailored to the customer's specific needs and preferences.

However, it is important to note that custom orders can come with a longer wait time and higher cost than a standard model. Customers should consider their budget and timeline when deciding whether to pursue a custom Martin OM-28V.

In summary, the Martin OM-28V is a stunning acoustic guitar that can be further customized and personalized through Martin's Custom Shop. Whether a customer is looking for a different wood type, unique inlay design, or a completely personalized guitar, Martin's Custom Shop can work with them to create the perfect Martin OM-28V. It is important to consider the customization options and budget when deciding whether to pursue a custom model.

In conclusion, the Martin OM-28V acoustic guitar is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and attention to detail. From the selection of the wood to the quality control and final inspection process, each step in the manufacturing process is executed with precision and care. The result is a guitar with exceptional sound quality, playability, and aesthetics.

We hope this guide has provided valuable insights into the making of the Martin OM-28V guitar and its manufacturing process. Whether you're a guitar enthusiast or a professional musician, we encourage you to appreciate the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into creating a Martin OM-28V guitar.

If you're considering purchasing a Martin OM-28V, we recommend taking the time to research the different customization options available and to work with Martin's Custom Shop to create a personalized guitar that fits your unique needs and preferences. With its exceptional sound quality, playability, and aesthetics, the Martin OM-28V is truly a guitar worth investing in.

Thank you for reading this guide to the making of the Martin OM-28V acoustic guitar. We hope it has been informative and helpful in your guitar journey.