Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
(opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)
  • Guitars
  • Amps
  • Pedals
  • Drums
  • Synths
  • Software
  • Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Recording
  • Buyer’s guides
  • Live
  • DJ
  • Advice
  • Acoustic
  • Bass
  • About us
  • More
    • Reviews
Magazines
  • Computer Music
  • Electronic Musician
  • Future Music
  • Keyboard Magazine
  • Guitarist (opens in new tab)
  • Guitar Techniques (opens in new tab)
  • Total Guitar (opens in new tab)
  • Bass Player (opens in new tab)
More
  • 5 Jeff Beck songs you need to hear
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Free music samples
  • Best free music-making software
  • 24 free chord lessons

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Guitarist

Wishlist: Martin OM-28 Authentic 1931

By Guitarist
published 9 June 2015

Achingly beautiful take on the first modern acoustic

  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
Wishlist: Martin OM-28 Authentic 1931
(Image credit: Adam Gasson/Future)

Wishlist: Martin OM-28 Authentic 1931

Martin’s Orchestra Model (OM) shape was refined through a series of experimental tenor guitars, the aim being to produce an instrument with 14 frets clear of the body and likely to appeal to the era’s banjo players. By 1930, the 14-fret ‘folk’ size flat-top was born, and this OM-28 recreates an actual instrument from the following year.

Lifting it out of its deluxe lined case, the 31 is feather light. The lacquer finish is treated to a process that leaves it satin in appearance and to the touch.

"If you thought a nigh-century-old design would play like an orange box strung with cheese wire, think again"

Running hand and eye over the guitar it looks and feels amazing (and will even more so, once the anaemic white top tames to a subtler caramel).

The satin works its magic on the neck, too; totally drag-free, you hardly know it’s there. Action is perfect on a neck that’s shaped for all, and if you thought a nigh-century-old design would play like an orange box strung with cheese wire, think again; this is the first truly modern acoustic, and it plays like a dream.

Using Martin’s Vintage Tone System, which aims to replicate the exact age of top and braces, the sound is clear, rich and articulate.

Every tonal centre is covered but none stands excessively proud. Projection is stunning, and the dynamic range and balance match far exceed anything we’ve played.

In the final analysis, Martin’s OM-28 Authentic 1931 is a fingerpicking folkie’s dream. How many of them could actually afford the four-and-a-half grand price, though, is a matter for others to discuss. Meanwhile, it’s eyebrow-raisingly good.

Page 1 of 7
Page 1 of 7
Rear
(Image credit: Adam Gasson/Future)

Rear

Due to restrictions on its use, Madagascar rosewood replaces the original’s Brazilian - note the appropriate zig-zag style purfling.

Page 2 of 7
Page 2 of 7
Headstock
(Image credit: Adam Gasson/Future)

Headstock

Martin’s headstock decal didn’t arrive until late in 1931, so the Madagascan rosewood cap on this one remains barren - some will like the accuracy, others will miss the bragging potential (the nickel Waverley tuners look and work a treat).

Page 3 of 7
Page 3 of 7
Binding
(Image credit: Adam Gasson/Future)

Binding

The Authentic’s top, bracing and tone bars are of Adirondak spruce - note the wood’s typically wide grain pattern, and the grained ivoroid binding with classic herringbone inlay detail.

Page 4 of 7
Page 4 of 7
Pickguard
(Image credit: Adam Gasson/Future)

Pickguard

The bevelled Delmar tortoise-style pickguard, 1921-31 28-style soundhole rosette, abalone-inlaid bridge pins and long bone saddle are all authentic vintage appointments.

Page 5 of 7
Page 5 of 7
Frets
(Image credit: Adam Gasson/Future)

Frets

Beautifully finished frets on an ebony board with abalone split diamond inlays imbue this genuine player’s guitar with understated excellence.

Page 6 of 7
Page 6 of 7
Internal logo
(Image credit: Adam Gasson/Future)

Internal logo

Along with a subtle stamp on the headstock’s rear, the internal CF Martin & Co, Nazareth PA brand are the only giveaways to the guitar’s origin.

Page 7 of 7
Page 7 of 7
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
  • (opens in new tab)
Guitarist
Guitarist

Guitarist is the longest established UK guitar magazine, offering gear reviews, artist interviews, techniques lessons and loads more, in print, on tablet and on smartphones
Digital: http://bit.ly/GuitaristiOS
If you love guitars, you'll love Guitarist. Find us in print, on Newsstand for iPad, iPhone and other digital readers

  1. John Oates
    1
    John Oates on 10 albums that changed his life, and the guitar that now feels like a part of him: "I bought my ‘58 Strat in 1972 for a hundred and twenty-five bucks and I’ve played it ever since"
  2. 2
    Jeff Mills and Daft Punk's mastering engineer shares mixing advice with followers
  3. 3
    Gene Simmons explains what makes Abba great and why – if pushed – he’d take early Jeff Beck Group over early Led Zep
  4. 4
    "It's was written, recorded and mixed in about six hours" – Noel Gallagher names the Oasis and solo songs he'd take to a desert island
  5. 5
    16 inspiring guitar chords that are great for clean tones
  1. Jack White
    1
    See Jack White's daughter join him on bass to play White Stripes song
  2. 2
    "It's was written, recorded and mixed in about six hours" – Noel Gallagher names the Oasis and solo songs he'd take to a desert island
  3. 3
    John Oates on 10 albums that changed his life, and the guitar that now feels like a part of him: "I bought my ‘58 Strat in 1972 for a hundred and twenty-five bucks and I’ve played it ever since"
  4. 4
    Jeff Mills and Daft Punk's mastering engineer shares mixing advice with followers
  5. 5
    Metallica unleash new single Screaming Suicide, a 5:39 min Hetfield masterclass in downpicking

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab).

  • About Us (opens in new tab)
  • Terms and conditions (opens in new tab)
  • Privacy policy (opens in new tab)
  • Cookies policy (opens in new tab)
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers (opens in new tab)

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.