Introduction
Martin Guitars has been crafting iconic acoustic instruments since 1833, earning a reputation for impeccable build quality and rich, nuanced tone. The Martin OMC-16E Burst combines this heritage with modern appointments to create a stunning guitar with exceptional sound. Part of Martin’s 16 series, the OMC-16E Burst features a comfortable 000-14 fret cutaway body and the warm, articulate tone of an ovangkol back and sides. The addition of a Fishman Matrix VT Enhance pickup system allows this guitar to be plugged in for amplified performance. With its satin finish and striking two-tone burst pattern, the OMC-16E Burst is a gorgeous instrument that highlights Martin’s expertise in acoustic guitar design and craftsmanship. This model stands out with its unique tonewood combination, sleek high-performance neck, and top-notch electronics, making it an excellent choice for players seeking a premium, professional-grade acoustic-electric.
Specifications
The Martin OMC-16E Burst has a body style of 000-14 fret cutaway, which provides a compact and comfortable size while still allowing upper fret access. It has a solid Sitka spruce top, which is known for its balanced and articulate tone. The back and sides are ovangkol, an attractive Southeast Asian hardwood that adds warmth and depth to the sound.
The neck is made from Martin’s Select hardwood recipe, with a high-performance taper profile that is extremely comfortable and ergonomic. It has a Richlite fingerboard and bridge, which are durable and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional materials.
The OMC-16E Burst comes equipped with a Fishman Matrix VT Enhance NT2 pickup system, which accurately captures the guitar’s natural acoustic tone and allows for quality amplified performance. It utilizes an undersaddle transducer with advanced Fishman technologies like Matrix Blend and Volume Trim. The guitar has a satin finish for a smooth, natural feel.
Build Quality and Appearance
Martin has built its reputation on exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, and the OMC-16E Burst is no exception. This guitar features the highest quality solid woods and expert construction that Martin is renowned for.
The solid Sitka spruce top is evenly grained and resonates beautifully, while the ovangkol back and sides provide a warm, focused tone. Martin’s master craftsmen carefully select each piece of wood for its tonal characteristics. The ovangkol has an appealing grain pattern that works well with the satin finish.
Upon close inspection, Martin’s attention to detail is evident. The dovetail neck joint and X-Series bracing are cleanly cut and expertly assembled. The fretwork is immaculate with smoothly finished frets. The headstock features Martin’s recognizable logo scripted in gold foil for a classic look.
Overall, the OMC-16E Burst exemplifies the exceptional build quality that players expect from Martin. From the tonewoods to the smallest details, this guitar is crafted to the highest standard and built to last.
Sound and Tone
The OMC-16E Burst produces a rich, balanced acoustic tone that showcases the guitar’s premium tonewood combination. The solid Sitka spruce top provides crisp highs and articulate note separation, while the ovangkol back and sides add warmth and depth to the midrange and low end. This tonewood pairing results in a very balanced and well-rounded acoustic voice.
When plugged in, the OMC-16E Burst maintains its impeccable acoustic tone thanks to the Fishman Matrix VT Enhance NT2 electronics. The sound through an amplifier or PA system retains the guitar’s dynamics, harmonic complexity, and natural resonance. The Fishman system accurately captures the guitar’s tone without excessive EQ coloration. From intimate coffee shop gigs to larger venues, the OMC-16E Burst projects beautifully when amplified.
The ovangkol back and sides in particular bring out more robust low mids and lows compared to mahogany or rosewood. This adds a subtle warmth and richness to the guitar’s overall voice. The ovangkol contributes to the OMC-16E Burst’s versatility across various music genres where a balanced and articulate plugged-in acoustic tone is desired.
Playability and Feel
The OMC-16E Burst features Martin’s ergonomic high-performance taper neck profile, designed for exceptional comfort and playability. The neck has a smooth satin finish that allows for a slick, fast playing feel.
The action on the OMC-16E Burst is set medium-low from the factory, perfect for intricate fingerstyle playing. There is little to no fret buzz present across the fretboard. The guitar has great resonance and responsiveness when played both aggressively and gently.
The OMC-16E Burst’s compact 000 body size makes it comfortable to hold and play for extended periods. The curved cutaway allows easy access to even the highest frets. This is aided by the 14-fret neck joint, which provides more room in the upper register compared to Martin’s standard 15-fret models.
Overall, the OMC-16E Burst offers a very playable experience right out of the box. From the slick satin neck to the comfortable body size and excellent factory setup, this guitar feels great in the hands and inspires you to keep playing.
Value for Money
The Martin OMC-16E Burst has an MSRP of $2,299, putting it in the upper mid-range price point for an acoustic-electric guitar. This pricing is fairly typical for a U.S.-made Martin guitar with solid wood construction and high-end electronics.
Compared to other acoustic-electrics in this price range, the OMC-16E Burst holds up very well in terms of features, tonewoods, and overall fit and finish. Models from Taylor’s 800 Series, Larrivée’s L-Series, and the Gibson J-45 Studio can be considered competitors, and the Martin matches or exceeds them in many regards.
One of the best values of the OMC-16E Burst is the inclusion of a Martin-branded hardshell case. Most guitar manufacturers sell their instruments without a case, but Martin includes a sturdy, well-padded case that provides exceptional protection during transport and storage. Considering a hardshell case can cost $200+ on its own, this is a significant value-add.
Overall, while not cheap, the OMC-16E Burst provides exceptional quality and features for its price point. The inclusion of the hardshell case only sweetens the deal, making this guitar a solid value for the money compared to other models.
Pros and Cons
The Martin OMC-16E Burst has many strengths that make it a great choice for certain players. The all-solid wood construction produces a rich, balanced acoustic tone that works well for fingerstyle and folk music. The compact 000 body size along with the comfortable high-performance taper neck make this an extremely playable and ergonomic guitar.
Some potential drawbacks are the premium price point, which may be out of reach for some buyers. The limited finish options and Richlite fretboard may also deter more traditional players. However, these modern appointments contribute to the guitar’s excellent tone and playability.
Overall, the OMC-16E Burst is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who appreciate quality tonewoods and comfortable necks. The articulate tone pairs nicely with fingerpicking, while the comfortable feel accommodates long practice or gigging sessions. Players looking for a high-end, professional-grade acoustic will find a lot to love in this Martin model. While not the most affordable option, the OMC-16E rewards players with superb tone and playability worthy of the Martin name.
Verdict
The Martin OMC-16E Burst is an exceptional acoustic-electric guitar that delivers top-notch performance. It lives up to Martin’s reputation for impeccable craftsmanship, tonewood selection, and playability.
Overall, this guitar provides a rich and balanced acoustic tone, thanks to the solid Sitka spruce top and ovangkol back and sides. It’s articulate and responsive, making it a great choice for fingerstyle playing. The Fishman Matrix electronics accurately capture the OMC-16E’s natural acoustic dynamics. The ergonomic high-performance neck offers smooth playability across the fingerboard.
The OMC-16E Burst is highly recommended for intermediate to advanced players looking for a quality acoustic-electric in the $2,000-3,000 range. The compact 000 body size and comfortable neck profile make it a great choice for guitarists focused on tone, comfort, and playability. It’s also a smart choice for professional musicians and recording artists needing a reliable and consistent acoustic-electric.
For players interested in the OMC-16E Burst, visit your local Martin dealer to try it in person. Major online retailers like Sweetwater and Guitar Center also carry the model. Be sure to act fast, as the limited edition OMC-16E Burst has been known to sell out quickly.
Related Videos
Check out this video from Acoustic Letter to hear a detailed demo of the Martin OMC-16E Burst in action:
Acoustic Letter provides an in-depth look at the OMC-16E Burst, highlighting its tone across various musical styles. The presenter showcases fingerstyle, strumming, and solo guitar arrangements to give viewers a sense of the guitar’s versatility. Overall, it’s a high quality video that demonstrates the balanced tone, rich low end, and articulate highs that make the OMC-16E Burst stand out. Watching this video is a great way to get a feel for the guitar before purchasing.
Related Gear
When purchasing the Martin OMC-16E Burst, consider some complementary accessories and gear to enhance your playing experience:
Strings
A quality set of strings can make a big difference in tone and playability. Consider strings from Martin’s own Authentic Acoustic line, or other top brands like D’Addario, Elixir, or Ernie Ball. Light gauge phosphor bronze strings are a popular choice for accentuating the OMC-16E’s warmth and articulation.
Cases and Gig Bags
The included hardshell case offers excellent protection, but a padded gig bag can be handy for carrying the OMC-16E to jam sessions or shows. Top gig bag brands include Mono, Taylor, and Martin’s own branded bags.
Capos and Tuners
A capo is useful for changing keys and a tuner is essential for keeping the OMC-16E in tune before performances or recording. Korg, Snark, D’Addario, and Martin make reliable, gig-ready capos and clip-on tuners.
Picks and Straps
Personalize your OMC-16E Burst with custom picks from Dunlop, Blue Chip, or Dava and a comfortable neck strap from Elixir, Taylor, or Martin. Leather straps pair nicely with the OMC-16E’s upscale look.
Acoustic Amps and DI Boxes
For amplified gigs or recording, the OMC-16E will shine through high-quality acoustic amps like Fishman, Trace Elliot, or Fender. A DI box like the Radial J48 helps get a clean signal to the mixing board.
Humidifiers
As a solid wood guitar, the OMC-16E Burst requires consistent humidity levels to prevent cracking. Humidipaks by D’Addario or Planet Waves regulate humidity in the included case.
Recording Gear
Home recordists will benefit from an interface like the Focusrite Scarlett to get full-sounding OMC-16E tracks into their DAW. A premium large diaphragm condenser mic such as the Shure SM-81 captures intricate acoustic tones when miking the guitar.