Introducing the Martin OMC-15ME
The Martin OMC-15ME is an all-mahogany orchestra model acoustic-electric guitar that was released in the early 2000s. This discontinued model combines traditional Martin craftsmanship and an orchestra body shape with modern amplified performance.
Some key specs and features of the OMC-15ME include its OM (orchestra model) body style, all-solid mahogany construction, 24.9" scale length, and Fishman Prefix Plus onboard electronics system. The satin finish and understated appointments give it an organic, traditional look.
Martin released the OMC-15ME as part of their effort to appeal to players looking for an amplified orchestra model guitar. However, it was discontinued in the late 2000s after a relatively short production run. The OMC-15ME occupies an interesting place in Martin’s broad catalog, appealing to those seeking an acoustic-electric with classic Martin DNA.
OMC-15ME Design & Construction
The Martin OMC-15ME features a classic orchestra model body shape with rounded shoulders and a narrow waist. It measures 15 inches across the lower bout, 4 3/8 inches deep at the rim, and tapers to 3 inches deep at the neck joint. This gives it a balanced, ergonomic feel and facilitates intricate fingerstyle playing.
The OMC-15ME is constructed entirely of solid mahogany, including the top, back, and sides. Mahogany is a warm, resonant tonewood that emphasizes the midrange and treble frequencies. This gives the OMC-15ME a clear, textured voice that excels for fingerpicking.
The guitar has a smooth satin finish that allows the mahogany’s natural beauty to shine through. Unlike gloss finishes which can dampen vibration, the thin satin finish doesn’t inhibit resonance or projection. Visually, it gives the OMC-15ME an understated, vintage-inspired aesthetic.
Martin’s standard X-bracing pattern graces the interior, providing structural integrity and allowing the mahogany top to vibrate freely. The bracing is light yet strong, enabling excellent tonal balance and dynamic range. Overall, the OMC-15ME is built to Martin’s highest standards of quality craftsmanship.
Sound & Tone
The OMC-15ME produces a balanced, articulate acoustic tone thanks to its all-mahogany construction. The mahogany back and sides have a focused low end, clear mids, and a smooth treble response. This gives the guitar a rich musicality that works across various playing styles and genres.
When plugged in, the onboard Fishman electronics accurately capture the OMC-15ME’s natural acoustic voice. The amplified tone retains the warm, rounded quality of the mahogany. There’s enough crispness in the highs to avoid sounding muddy, while still maintaining a pleasing mellowness overall. The Fishman system provides a natural sound with even tone across all frequencies.
The OMC-15ME handles both fingerstyle and strumming nicely. The clear notes allow complex fingerpicking to shine, while strummers will appreciate the guitar’s dynamic range. It has enough headroom to avoid distorting when played harder, while retaining intimacy during soft passages. The balanced EQ gives the OMC-15ME versatility for small coffee shop gigs or larger amplified settings. Overall, the guitar’s well-rounded tonal palette allows it to handle diverse playing styles with ease.
Playability & Feel
The OMC-15ME features Martin’s Modified Low Oval neck profile, which provides a comfortable and familiar feel for most players. The nut width measures 1 11/16", giving enough room for fingerstyle players while still playable for strummers.
The action is set medium-low from the factory, making it very playable right out of the case. Individual players can adjust the truss rod and bridge saddle height to fine tune the action to their preferences, but the factory setup provides a nice starting point.
The fretwork on the OMC-15ME is impeccable, with smoothly finished frets and no sharp edges. The fretboard edges are nicely rounded for comfort. Attention to detail is evident in the clean inlay work throughout the fretboard.
Overall, the OMC-15ME offers a very comfortable and enjoyable playing experience. The ergonomic orchestra body shape and modified low oval neck profile combine to make this a guitar that feels natural in the hands. The accessible low action and high quality fretwork remove any obstacles to fluid playing. From fast lead lines to intricate fingerstyle, the OMC-15ME accommodates a wide variety of playing styles with ease. Players report that the OMC-15ME has exemplary playability right out of the case, living up to Martin’s reputation for fine craftsmanship.
Pricing & Value
The Martin OMC-15ME originally retailed for around $1,499 when it was first released in the early 2000s. This put it in the upper mid-range price point for a Martin acoustic-electric at that time.
Today, since the model has been discontinued, it can only be found on the used market. Used pricing tends to range from $800 on the low end for models with some cosmetic wear, up to $1,200 for examples in excellent condition.
At the current average used price of $900-1,000, the OMC-15ME represents a good value compared to other all-mahogany Martin orchestra models. It is slightly more affordable than a used Martin 000-15M, which tends to go for $1,100-1,300. The electronics make it more versatile than an all-mahogany 000-15, which lacks amplification.
Overall, the OMC-15ME delivers professional Martin quality and an expressive mahogany tone at a price that’s accessible for many players on a budget. Considering its discontinued status, it provides a lot of bang for the buck on the used acoustic guitar market.
Who Is the OMC-15ME Best Suited For?
The Martin OMC-15ME seems best suited for fingerstyle players, singer-songwriters, and those looking for an articulate, balanced mahogany tone. The compact orchestra body shape is comfortable and ergonomic for extended playing sessions. The onboard Fishman electronics also make it a good choice for gigging musicians or recording in the studio.
For solo instrumentalists or vocalists who rely on intricate fingerpicking patterns and want the guitar’s voice to shine, the OMC-15ME is an excellent fit. The mahogany construction provides a clear, focused midrange that brings out the nuances. The smaller body size also helps increase definition on each individual note.
The OMC-15ME would work well for folk, indie, or pop artists looking for a stage-ready acoustic. The Fishman pickup allows for amplified tones without feedback, and the smaller body size makes it feedback resistant at higher volumes. The balanced tone also takes effects pedals and EQ processing well for shaping the sound.
For heavy strummers or aggressive pickers, the OMC-15ME may not be the best choice. The orchestra body doesn’t provide as much projection and volume as a dreadnought. The mahogany construction also lacks some of the bass punch that spruce/rosewood guitars offer. The OMC-15ME performs best with a delicate touch.
Overall, the blend of playability, balanced tone, and built-in electronics make the OMC-15ME a versatile choice for players who want one high-quality guitar to cover both practicing and performing. The discontinued status does limit it to the used market, but it remains a standout orchestra model.
How the OMC-15ME Compares To Other Martin Models
The OMC-15ME fits into Martin’s 15 series lineup, which consists of all mahogany instruments like the 000-15M. Compared to the 000-15M, the OMC-15ME’s orchestra model body shape provides a slightly different tonal flavor and playing experience while retaining the rich mahogany tone.
Within Martin’s orchestra model lineup, the OMC-15ME stands out for its all-mahogany construction compared to rosewood OM models like the OM-28. This gives it a unique voice among Martin’s OM offerings.
Overall, the OMC-15ME occupies an interesting niche in Martin’s catalog. The all-mahogany OM provides an articulate, balanced tone for fingerstyle players, while the comfortable orchestra body shape and Fishman electronics make it stage-ready for gigging musicians. While no longer in production, it represents an intriguing discontinued model for Martin fans looking for an acoustic-electric with vintage character.
User Reviews & Opinions
The Martin OMC-15ME has received mostly positive reviews from owners and players over the years. While it is no longer a current model, reviews of used OMC-15ME guitars provide helpful insights.
On Reverb.com, the OMC-15ME has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, with 13 reviews submitted. Positive reviews praise the warm, balanced mahogany tones, comfortable playability, and high build quality. Some downsides mentioned include limited volume/projection for heavy strumming styles.
On YouTube and forums, the rich mahogany voice and articulate notes are commonly applauded. Players describe the OMC-15ME as excelling for fingerstyle and being an ideal gigging acoustic-electric. However, a few mention the lack of cutaway and limited upper fret access as potential drawbacks.
Here are some video demos showcasing the guitar’s warm midrange tone on both fingerpicking and strumming:
Overall, reviews indicate the OMC-15ME delivers a balanced, nuanced mahogany voice perfect for fingerstyle playing. The Fishman electronics make it stage-ready. While not the loudest strummer, it provides an intimate, refined tone appropriate for its orchestra body size. For players seeking an articulate all-mahogany acoustic-electric, the OMC-15ME garners strong recommendations.
Buying a Used OMC-15ME
When buying a used OMC-15ME, there are a few things to keep in mind:
What to Inspect
Carefully inspect the guitar for any cracks, repairs, or other damage. Pay close attention to the finish, binding, neck joint, bridge, and electronics. Even minor cracks can spread over time.
Test out the electronics by plugging into an amp. Listen for any buzzing, humming, or cutting out which could indicate loose wires or other issues.
Typical Issues
Some common problems to look out for on used OMC-15MEs include:
- Finish checking or cracks, especially around the soundhole and neck joint
- Wear on the fretboard and frets from heavy playing
- Electronics problems like crackling pots or weak output
- High action from bowed neck or sinking bridge
- Structural repairs from damage
Pricing
Expect to pay $800-1200 for a used OMC-15ME in good playable condition. The price will vary based on the overall wear, repairs needed, and whether it includes the original hardshell case. Mint condition examples with flawless finishes can fetch over $1500. Heavily played guitars with multiple issues will be under $1000.
Where to Buy
The best places to find used OMC-15MEs are on Reverb, eBay, and forums like Acoustic Guitar Forum. Established guitar shops may also have some trade-in stock available. Be wary of random Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace sellers with no reputation. Carefully vet the seller and use safe payment methods.
Final Verdict
The Martin OMC-15ME may be discontinued, but it remains a quality acoustic-electric guitar that can hold its own today. While no longer in production, used models still deliver the exemplary tone and playability that Martin is known for.
Still a good guitar today?
Absolutely. The mahogany construction produces a balanced, articulate tone that works across various styles. The comfortable orchestra body shape and quality craftsmanship also make it very playable. While not the loudest guitar for heavy strumming, it excels for fingerstyle and light accompaniment. The onboard Fishman electronics provide natural amplified tones for gigging or recording. For those seeking an all-mahogany orchestra model at an accessible price point, a used OMC-15ME remains a great option.
Who is it recommended for?
The OMC-15ME will appeal most to fingerstyle players, singer-songwriters, and those who prefer a rich mahogany sound. The comfortable body size and quality electronics also make it a good choice for gigging musicians. It’s a versatile guitar that can cover an array of musical styles and scenarios. From the bedroom to the stage, the OMC-15ME delivers classic Martin tone and playability.
Alternatives to consider
The Martin 000-15M has a similar mahogany construction in their 000 body size. For those wanting something currently in production, the Martin Road Series DRS1 also offers an all-mahogany orchestra model with Fishman electronics at a comparable price point. The Taylor 324ce is another quality mahogany acoustic-electric in the same price range. While the OMC-15ME remains an excellent option on the used market, these alternatives are worth considering for those seeking a new guitar.