Martin OM-28E Modern Deluxe (opened)

The Martin OM-28E Modern Deluxe electro-acoustic guitar from the Modern Deluxe series is a superbly crafted instrument made from select all-solid materials, combining the world of traditional Martin guitar design with ultra-modern features. Its smaller body size (compared to Dreadnought models) makes it universally suitable for fingerstyle and pick playing. The guitar comes in a carrying case, making it instantly ready to be loaded into your car/van for long or short trips to pursue your musical dreams.

The front of the guitar is made from solid Sitka spruce, while the back and sides are also made from solid East Indian rosewood. The spruce soundboard has undergone a torefaction process and other modifications prior to assembly, which the manufacturer collectively refers to by the acronym VTS (Vintage Tone System). As a result of these processes, the wood takes on the unique sonic characteristics of mature woods that are fifty years old or more within a short period of time. The good acoustic properties of the guitar are accentuated by the reduced X-ribbing (Scalloped X-Brace) of the soundboard.

The neck is made of genuine mahogany (wood of the Swietenia family of trees - Honduran, American/Cuban or Mexican mahogany), with a gently asymmetrical profile providing maximum playing comfort across its entire surface, is glued to an ebony fingerboard fitted with twenty frets in an impressive gold finish. Orientation across its surface is facilitated by front and side pearl (Abalone) position markers. Precise tuning and good sustain are guaranteed by the string attachment via a compensated saddle and bone zero fret in open mechanics in gold and an ebony headstock.

The modern elements are represented by the titanium neck brace and Liquidmetal pegs in the fingerboard, while the refined look of the instrument is emphasised by the double-sided European flamed maple body binding, herringbone front panel and zig-zag back panel, rosewood headstock veneer with 1930s company logo inlaid in mother-of-pearl, Butterbean tuning pegs and a handy tortoiseshell pickguard that also protects the guitar's lacquer from scratches.

The sound system features Fishman's Aura VT Blend electronics, which take advantage of the sophisticated design of the built-in preamp installed in the guitar's soundhole and the capabilities of Aura Acoustic Imaging Technology. You can choose purely between the sound of the Acoustic Matrix underdrive piezo pickup, the Aura HD Image, and a mix of the two.

Founded in 1833, the American Martin company is deservedly one of the biggest and most respected names in stringed instruments. For decades, it has been one of the leading innovators in guitar design and manufacturing technology. However, to use only the past tense would be a great mistake; instruments with the Martin logo are still today among the guarantees of the highest quality in craftsmanship and sound. In addition, their current products use "eco-friendly" components made from renewable resources and composite materials.