Introduction
Martin Guitars has been crafting high-quality acoustic guitars since 1833, starting as C.F. Martin & Co. in New York City. They pioneered the dreadnought and orchestra model (OM) body shapes that became industry standards. The OM combines the rounded shoulders of a 000 with a longer 24.9" scale length for balanced tone and playability.
In 2019, Martin released the limited edition OMCE Blaze Burst as part of their high-end 1833 Shop line, debuting it at the NAMM Show. Only 252 of these unique guitars were produced. The OMCE Blaze Burst combines the warm, resonant OM body with a striking burst finish over highly figured maple back and sides. This gives it visual flair to match its impressive voice. With an ergonomic high-performance neck and Fishman Flex Blend electronics, the OMCE Blaze Burst delivers exceptional amplified and unplugged tones in a collectible, discontinued package.
Martin OMCE Blaze Burst Specs & Features
The Martin OMCE Blaze Burst features Martin’s Orchestra Model body shape with a 14-fret cutaway for easier upper fret access. It has a solid Sitka spruce top, known for its excellent resonance and volume projection. The back and sides are made from highly figured maple which gives the guitar a unique visual flair.
The guitar has a "Blaze Burst" transparent sunburst finish applied over the quilted maple back and sides, featuring shades of amber, brown, and yellow fading towards the edges. Other premium appointments include an abalone rosette inlay around the soundhole and abalone body binding.
It comes equipped with Martin’s High Performance Taper neck, which has a slimmer profile and rolled fretboard edges for smooth playability. For amplified performances, the OMCE Blaze Burst has Fishman MX electronics with an undersaddle pickup and soundhole-mounted preamp controls.
Here are the full specifications of the Martin OMCE Blaze Burst:
- Body Shape: Orchestra Model (OM)
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
- Back & Sides: Figured Maple
- Neck: Select Hardwood
- Fretboard: Ebony
- Scale Length: 25.4"
- Nut Width: 1-3/4"
- Electronics: Fishman MX
- Bracing: A-Frame X-1
- Bridge: Ebony Belly Bridge
- Tuning Machines: Chrome Enclosed w/ 18:1 Ratio
- Number of Frets: 20
- Fretboard Inlays: Diamonds & Squares
- Rosette: Multi-ring Abalone
- Body Binding: Abalone
The Unique Look of the OMCE Blaze Burst
The Martin OMCE Blaze Burst stands out for its striking visual aesthetic, featuring gorgeous figured maple paired with a transparent "Blaze Burst" finish. This premium acoustic-electric guitar makes an immediate visual impact.
The back and sides are constructed from highly flamed maple, displaying an eye-catching quilt pattern in the wood grain. This beautifully figured maple gives the OMCE Blaze Burst a refined, upscale look. The transparent sunburst finish over the quilted maple adds further visual intrigue.
Martin utilizes a specialized finishing process to achieve the unique "Blaze Burst" effect. This finish starts off black at the center, then bursts outwards into a vibrant sunburst of reds, oranges, and yellows over the quilted maple. The way the transparent burst finish interacts with the wood figure results in a one-of-a-kind visual flair.
Other exquisite visual appointments include an abalone rosette inlay around the guitar’s soundhole, complementing the burst finish. The body binding is also done in premium abalone, encircling the maple back and sides. Overall, the OMCE Blaze Burst epitomizes understated elegance combined with stunning wood figure and craftsmanship.
Playability
The Martin OMCE Blaze Burst is designed for comfortable playing feel and smooth performance. The Orchestra Model (OM) body shape provides a nicely balanced and contoured profile that many find ergonomic.
At the same time, the guitar’s High Performance Taper neck offers a slimmer and more modern profile. It has a satin finish with a Performing Artist taper that gets progressively thinner as you move up the neck towards the body. This allows for fast, fluid playing across the entire fretboard.
The neck also utilizes Martin’s Modified Low Oval profile, which features a slightly flattened curve that increases overall comfort. Many players find this familiar oval shape facilitates complex chording and soloing. It provides a substantial feel without being overly bulky.
The fretboard itself is made of solid East Indian rosewood which contributes to the smooth playability. It has a standard 25.4" scale length with 20 frets and a nut width of 1.75". The rosewood has a rich, dark color that nicely complements the unique maple back and sides.
Other player-friendly appointments include a bone nut and saddle, along with an ebony bridge. The fretwork from the factory is very good, with ends that are smooth and even. Overall, the OMCE Blaze Burst offers a fantastic playing experience whether you’re strumming chords or improvising melodic runs up the neck.
Unplugged Sound
The Martin OMCE Blaze Burst’s unplugged acoustic tone takes advantage of the resonant properties of its premium tonewoods. The solid Sitka spruce top is revered for its excellent projection and rich overtones. When strummed, the Blaze Burst produces full low-end, sparkling highs, and impressive sustain.
The spruce top is nicely complemented by the highly figured maple back and sides. Maple provides a balanced tonal profile – slightly warmer than rosewood while still having enough crispness in the midrange. The Blaze Burst’s maple back and sides add sweetness and clarity to the spruce top’s complex overtones.
Together, the spruce and maple create a vintage acoustic voice with articulation, warmth, and lyrical highs. The OM body style allows the Blaze Burst to deliver these characteristics in a balanced, refined package. Whether gently fingerpicked or rhythmically strummed, the Blaze Burst’s unplugged voice is well-rounded and highly responsive.
Plugged-in Sound
The Martin OMCE Blaze Burst comes equipped with Fishman’s Sonitone electronics, featuring an undersaddle pickup and simple controls mounted discretely inside the soundhole. This gives players the ability to amplify their acoustic tone through onstage PA systems or in recording scenarios.
When plugged in, the OMCE Blaze Burst produces a very balanced and natural amplified acoustic sound. The Fishman pickup accurately captures the guitar’s dynamics and resonance without coloring the inherent tone too much. Treble notes ring out with clarity and definition, while the maple back and sides add warmth and body to the low end. There is no harshness or quackiness often associated with piezo pickups, allowing this Martin to sound as good plugged in as it does unplugged.
The onboard preamp includes volume and tone controls that enable quick adjustments to EQ and gain. This gives the flexibility to dial in just the right amplified sound for any live or studio application. Overall the electronics are transparent, with the guitar’s natural acoustic voice always at the forefront. For players who need amplified acoustic tones on stage or in the studio, the OMCE Blaze Burst delivers excellent plugged-in performance while retaining the inherent Martin sound.
Compared to Other Martins
The Martin OMCE Blaze Burst stands out from other Martin acoustic guitars in several notable ways. Compared to Martin’s bread-and-butter OM and 000 models, the OMCE Blaze offers improved playability and amplified performance:
- The cutaway body and High Performance neck provide easier access to upper frets than a traditional OM or 000. This facilitates more intricate soloing and lead playing.
- The Fishman electronics and undersaddle pickup allow for natural amplified tone, unlike the purely acoustic OM and 000.
Versus Martin’s other limited edition and custom shop models, the OMCE Blaze has its own unique identity:
- Many limited Martins utilize alternative tonewoods like mahogany or rosewood. The OMCE Blaze sticks to the classic spruce/maple combination in a fresh, eye-catching way.
- Other exotic Martin models boast intricate inlays and purfling. The OMCE Blaze takes a simpler aesthetic approach, letting the captivating burst finish and maple grain patterns stand out.
- The smaller OM body produces a more balanced, intimate tone compared to larger-bodied Martin special editions.
While drawing upon Martin’s historic craftsmanship, the OMCE Blaze Burst pushes the boundaries with its amplified playability and stunning visual statement. The tasteful burst finish and uncomplicated appointments ensure it will remain timeless and appealing as both a player’s guitar and collector’s piece. The OMCE Blaze struck a skillful balance between innovation and tradition that made it a true modern classic.
Ideal Playing Styles for the Martin OMCE Blaze Burst
The Martin OMCE Blaze Burst is well-suited for certain playing styles that allow its strengths to shine. Its balanced tone profile makes it an excellent choice for intricate fingerstyle playing. The notes have warmth and complexity that fingerpickers will appreciate when playing chord melodies or arpeggios.
The OM body’s focused midrange allows each individual note to ring clearly during fingerstyle passages. The highs have crisp articulation without being overly bright. The OMCE Blaze Burst is responsive to light strumming as well, though players with a heavier attack may find it gets overdriven at high volumes.
Certain genres pair especially well with the sonic characteristics of the OMCE Blaze Burst. Its voice is ideal for folk, country, bluegrass and acoustic blues. The guitar has enough punch for rhythmic strumming in these genres, while also handling lead lines smoothly.
Singer-songwriters will enjoy the OMCE Blaze Burst when accompanying their vocals. It offers the balanced tone and comfortable playability to complement a wide range of singing styles. The focused midrange provides clarity to the vocals in a mix while still retaining warmth.
Overall, the Martin OMCE Blaze Burst excels with players who utilize dynamics and nuanced articulation. The guitar responds well to a light touch, making it a great choice for fingerstylists and those with a delicate strumming approach.
Collectibility
As a limited edition model that is now discontinued, the OMCE Blaze Burst holds significant collectible value for Martin aficionados. Only a small number were produced, with estimated figures ranging from 50 to 100 units total.
This scarcity, along with the guitar’s unique visual flair, has driven up resale prices to well above the original MSRP. Used examples in excellent condition have sold for $4,000 to $5,000 at recent auctions. Considering the original list price was around $3,000, the OMCE Blaze Burst has demonstrated solid appreciation as a collector’s item.
For die-hard Martin fans and collectors, the chance to own a rare model like the OMCE Blaze Burst is highly appealing. Its status as a limited release adds to its mystique and collectibility factor. As time passes, it will likely only become more scarce and draw greater interest from vintage guitar enthusiasts.
The OMCE Blaze Burst makes for an outstanding collector’s piece not just for its rarity, but because it represents the pinnacle of Martin’s craftsmanship. This was a special project that allowed Martin to showcase its mastery of aesthetics and tone in one stunning instrument. That in itself is reason enough for serious Martin collectors to seek out this beauty.
Final Verdict: Is the Martin OMCE Blaze Burst Worth Buying?
The Martin OMCE Blaze Burst is certainly a stunning limited edition acoustic-electric guitar, with its eye-catching figured maple back and sides, unique sunburst finish, and premium appointments. However, its high price tag means it is not necessarily the right choice for every player.
Pros
- Gorgeous visual appeal that stands out from other Martins
- Impressive build quality and attention to detail
- Excellent playability from the slim High Performance neck
- Balanced unplugged tone with nice bass from the maple
- Quality amplified sound thanks to the Fishman electronics
Cons
- Very limited availability as a discontinued model
- Collectors may be reluctant to part with their Blaze Bursts
- Premium pricing – original MSRP over $5,000
The Martin OMCE Blaze Burst’s exquisite looks, great feel and balanced acoustic tone make it a tempting choice for fingerstyle players, light strummers, and those wanting a unique conversation-starting guitar. The figured maple helps produce a warm, focused sound that works well for jazz, blues and mellower genres.
However, the high cost and scarcity mean this special Martin is likely best suited for serious collectors and those who appreciate the history and prestige of its limited production run. Players simply seeking great tone or versatility may be better served by other Martins or high-end acoustics.
Ultimately the Blaze Burst remains an eye-catching and great sounding Martin, albeit one that commands a premium. For players who covet its visual flair and unique legacy, it will be well worth tracking down. Others may prefer to explore more readily available options unless they can get an excellent deal on this rare find.