I was there a whole day and was mesmerized by a collings the entire day until 20 minutes before closing time, when the owner handed me an Atkin OM-37. It was even better to my ears. Sadly Atkin comes with 43mm nuts (you can probably custom order a wider nut width) which was too small for me... Still thinking about that collings though..
Excellent demo guys! Another vote for the Atkin as it covered all bases (balanced tone, controlled bass, lovely trebles, and, most importantly, great price) for me.
Really great demo. They were all fantastic and their own right regardless of price tag. It is true, you have to buy the one that speaks to you. You don’t buy the guitar, the Guitar buys you. Number one for me is the Collings, only at a slight margin and yes, it does encompass the character of the others, but only in a subtle manner. Tied for number two is the OMPW and the OM 28. By the way, aside from my higher end guitars, I do have the Eastman and for the price, it is superb. Out of all of them, I honestly think it is the one that is the most fun to play. A great grab and go anywhere guitar.
I had an Atkin EOM. It sounded just like a dreadnought. My friend fell in love with it so I sold it to her. I sold it because I have dreadnoughts and didn’t need another guitar with the same sound. I think it was the best guitar I owned and I didn’t realize it. I didn’t realize OM’s don’t usually sound like dreads. I got an LG47 and it sounds like a dread. I don’t know what kind of voodoo Alister is using but it’s working.
OM28 or Collings for me are 1 and 2. Depending on music and attack the order could switch. The Collings OM3 for me was a cool blend of the Atkin and Martin.
A shame you don't carry one of the best OM models to exist: the Alvarez/Yairi FYM66HD. 55 year-old Honduran Mahogany; and for around $3000, it's literally a steal -- gorgeous sound, beautifully balanced, top construction and materials, easy to play but projects like a dreadnought.
The OM-28 does it just fine for me. The others are good too, but the OM-28 has that classic sound we all grew up with and some of the others, especially the Collings, sound a tad bright to me, like it cuts too much and I don't need that.
The Martin OM28 for me. Balanced in all frequencies and the best sounding. Number 2 for me was the Santa Cruz, number 3 Atkin, number 4 Collings and nr. 5 Eastman, which was too bright and tin to my ears but maybe in a band setting more suitable. Nice episode guys, thx 🙏 ❤
I had the exact same order. I was expecting the Collings to sound absolutely amazing, because of its price point and because I am biased towards black guitars in a positive way, so if my eyes were allowed to pick the best guitar, I would have picked the Collings, but in all honesty, after hearing all the others, I was slightly disappointed. The Martin had that sparkling top end that I love to hear in an OM style guitar. So that was my number one. I couldn’t really choose between the Santa Cruz and the Atkin. Probably because usually I prefer mahogany guitars. But when guitars sound so good, it doesn’t matter what they’re made of. I didn’t want the Eastman to be last. That’s because I like the underdog. And I have two cheap Eastmans to fool around with and am absolutely amazed by the quality, even on their lower end guitars. It’s weird, because I bought the E1OM and I really like that one. Then I decided I should have the ED1 as well and the volume is amazing, the build quality is good, but the sound is just annoying. Can’t help it. 🫣
@@mariodriessen9740 Nice review, Mario. I have an Eastman E8D tc bought at tfoa, and that dreadnought sounded better for me than a Martin d28 which they had also in the store, 3 times the price of my Eastman, so price points are not important, it is all in the fingers and the ears, mate 😁 I think I might buy the Eastman E1OM as well, I like the shape and size of an OM style, so that would be the next thing on my bucket list 👌
The Reimagined guitars were introduced as replacements for the Standard Series guitars back in 2018, some guitars differ a bit in specs, like nut with, but it is mostly the same guitar just named differently.😄
I have a martin om-18v 2002 i got around 2012 - Nobody wanted it because it had a V-neck and it was a little bit before OM’s became cool again. $1,600 - I love it probably my best to get there. Super accurate, but it has a little bit of growl if you want it.
I'm looking for high end guitars nowadays but every single eastman E1om I tried was truly great, especially their DLX and SPL versions. I think the SPL is by far the best option and is a great guitar at any level. I'll likely buy one as a beater guitar
Would have liked to hear some fingerpicking, but for mine...the Eastman stood out, although I really like mahogany with OM size guitars- the Atkin had that mellow hog balance
Nothing sounds like a Martin IMO. I don't think it's because that's what I own and play because I didn't used to. I tried a lot of them and ended up with Martins
Boucher make the best acoustics. Particularly small bodied guitars like the OM. The quality of the wood and the craftsmanship is superior. I’ve owned guitars from the other brands. The only downside is that they are expensive, but you pay for what you get! 😊
We have so many to choose from, so it was hard to leave some out! Furch, Lowden or Bourgeois for instance make some great instruments as well, I'm sure they will be featured in another video!
Have a few OM Style guitars. And must say that they are all good in their way. But the Collings to me is icing the cake. You can‘t go wrong with one of these Austin/Texas build guitars. Although they can be a tad loud for singer/songwriter when played with a pick.
All these guitars are way overprized, I played a bunch of them and compared with guitars below 1000,- they are not worth the prize you pay for them, people who are not influenced by a headstock name can find real gem's for a fraction of the cost of these so called top of the line brands. Most people who don't have perfect hearing won't even notice the difference in sound especially the overtones, let alone if it is balanced or not, but hey, everybody must spend his/her money on things they like.
I really think you should present this again. Try some different styles of playing etc. Because The MARTIN WAS THE BEST SOUNDING GUITAR. Even the Santa Cruz was nowhere close. Please do a re-play of all. Maybe you can add the Preston Thompson.
Taste and playing style will differ for every person. If you thought the Martin was the best sounding guitar, then that's great! A lot of people liked the Atkin or the Santa Cruz the most.
The Atkin for me is the pick of them all for me.
Atkin make such great guitars!
I was there a whole day and was mesmerized by a collings the entire day until 20 minutes before closing time, when the owner handed me an Atkin OM-37. It was even better to my ears. Sadly Atkin comes with 43mm nuts (you can probably custom order a wider nut width) which was too small for me... Still thinking about that collings though..
@@vyvynylificationI have a tremendous 000-28 from Atkin with a wider nut. Aged in a beautiful sunburst. Actually for sale.
I usually lean Martin, but that Santa Cruz got it done.! And the beautiful wood.!
Wow - the Eastman really held its own in a very prestigious collection of OMs.
Eastman is always very high quality for the price!
@@thefellowshipofacoustics "for the price" or period?
Atkin Essential OM was exceptional, #1.
Amazing guitar indeed! Have you played one before?
@@thefellowshipofacoustics No, but I have an amazing Atkin LG-47.
Wow, that Martin is loud. All sounded great
Wow, I would take them all. Wonderful instruments. They are all different, but none of them better than the other, just different.
Very well said!
Excellent demo guys! Another vote for the Atkin as it covered all bases (balanced tone, controlled bass, lovely trebles, and, most importantly, great price) for me.
Thanks, the Atkin was a great guitar indeed!
All beautiful guitars, Collings and Santa Cruz would be the first to get for me 😁
Good choice!
Love the Santa Cruz OM the best.
Thanks!
Fantastic video my Dutch brethren!
Thank you kindly Jonathan!
Bought an Collings OM2H with Mahogany Top and Back/Sides (Honduran) from TFOA, love it!
Good to hear you're happy with your purchase!
Awesome video dudes!!!
Thanks!🫶🏼
Eastman best wood combo, and great sound
a steal for MR wood. Adi wood is premium wood, and early Martins used it. They use sikta now as cheaper and easier to get.
Really great demo. They were all fantastic and their own right regardless of price tag. It is true, you have to buy the one that speaks to you. You don’t buy the guitar, the Guitar buys you. Number one for me is the Collings, only at a slight margin and yes, it does encompass the character of the others, but only in a subtle manner. Tied for number two is the OMPW and the OM 28. By the way, aside from my higher end guitars, I do have the Eastman and for the price, it is superb. Out of all of them, I honestly think it is the one that is the most fun to play. A great grab and go anywhere guitar.
Love the Santa Cruz ! ❤
Such a great guitar!
I had an Atkin EOM. It sounded just like a dreadnought. My friend fell in love with it so I sold it to her. I sold it because I have dreadnoughts and didn’t need another guitar with the same sound. I think it was the best guitar I owned and I didn’t realize it. I didn’t realize OM’s don’t usually sound like dreads. I got an LG47 and it sounds like a dread. I don’t know what kind of voodoo Alister is using but it’s working.
Dreadnoughts and OM can sound very different indeed! 😉
OM28 or Collings for me are 1 and 2. Depending on music and attack the order could switch. The Collings OM3 for me was a cool blend of the Atkin and Martin.
Great choices!
I believe the Eastman E20OM is a 24.9" 000 scale length. So It's going to be punchier but project a little less? I'd happily have any of them. 👍
That's right Kees! The scale length for the E20OM is 24.9" or 632mm.
Maybe it’s the Sitka/Mahogany combo but that Atkin sounds phenomenal!
Agreed. Very warm sounding
The Atkin was quite spectacular indeed!
I thought so too, thought it had the best note separation.
If I could make a recommendation check out the Furch Vintage 2 OM-SR.
Thanks we will!
You guys left out possibly the best OM of them all. The Alvarez Yairi FYM66hd made of 50 year old naturally aged Honduran mahogany.
We don't have that guitar in stock, so that's why it is not included. 😉
Ooooh that mahogany Atkin sounds sublime. That's my pick. Then the Collings
Thanks, the Atkin really stood out!
The sound of the Santa Cruz has it all. Not as fancy but really warm and chest sound…at least over the TH-cam….
The Santa Cruz did stand out in the room as well!
Collings for my ear ! ! !
It's sounds stunning!🤩
A shame you don't carry one of the best OM models to exist: the Alvarez/Yairi FYM66HD. 55 year-old Honduran Mahogany; and for around $3000, it's literally a steal -- gorgeous sound, beautifully balanced, top construction and materials, easy to play but projects like a dreadnought.
Great tip, thanks!
Collings is number 1!
Great guitar!
Collings sounds amazing. Pricey but understandably so
Great review. What microphone are you using? Thanks!
Thanks guitar PT! That would be the Ear Trumpet Labs Edwina micwww.tfoa.eu/en/shop/etledw-ear-trumpet-labs-edwina-74191
Very beautiful Geetars !
Thank you!
The OM-28 does it just fine for me. The others are good too, but the OM-28 has that classic sound we all grew up with and some of the others, especially the Collings, sound a tad bright to me, like it cuts too much and I don't need that.
The OM-28 is just a classic!
I totally agree.
Collings make the best OM guitars.
Great choice!
The Martin OM28 for me. Balanced in all frequencies and the best sounding. Number 2 for me was the Santa Cruz, number 3 Atkin, number 4 Collings and nr. 5 Eastman, which was too bright and tin to my ears but maybe in a band setting more suitable. Nice episode guys, thx 🙏 ❤
Thanks you Arjan!
I had the exact same order. I was expecting the Collings to sound absolutely amazing, because of its price point and because I am biased towards black guitars in a positive way, so if my eyes were allowed to pick the best guitar, I would have picked the Collings, but in all honesty, after hearing all the others, I was slightly disappointed.
The Martin had that sparkling top end that I love to hear in an OM style guitar. So that was my number one. I couldn’t really choose between the Santa Cruz and the Atkin. Probably because usually I prefer mahogany guitars. But when guitars sound so good, it doesn’t matter what they’re made of.
I didn’t want the Eastman to be last. That’s because I like the underdog. And I have two cheap Eastmans to fool around with and am absolutely amazed by the quality, even on their lower end guitars. It’s weird, because I bought the E1OM and I really like that one. Then I decided I should have the ED1 as well and the volume is amazing, the build quality is good, but the sound is just annoying. Can’t help it. 🫣
@@mariodriessen9740 Nice review, Mario. I have an Eastman E8D tc bought at tfoa, and that dreadnought sounded better for me than a Martin d28 which they had also in the store, 3 times the price of my Eastman, so price points are not important, it is all in the fingers and the ears, mate 😁
I think I might buy the Eastman E1OM as well, I like the shape and size of an OM style, so that would be the next thing on my bucket list 👌
Martin OM 28 reimagined.
What's the difference with the standard? Is the reimagined a more recent/improved version of the Martin OM28?
The Reimagined guitars were introduced as replacements for the Standard Series guitars back in 2018, some guitars differ a bit in specs, like nut with, but it is mostly the same guitar just named differently.😄
I have a martin om-18v 2002 i got around 2012 - Nobody wanted it because it had a V-neck and it was a little bit before OM’s became cool again. $1,600 - I love it probably my best to get there. Super accurate, but it has a little bit of growl if you want it.
Very cool guitar!
please strum a bit away from bridge in addition to near bridge, which is what you usually do, so we can hear dynamics. Thank you
Thanks for the feedback!
Seriously it’s Collings ❤
Sounds so good😍
Collings or Atkins for me. I’d liked to have heard a Lowden alongside these.
That would have been a great contender as well, we're sure Lowden will show up soon enough in a Top 5 video somewhere down the line!
I'm looking for high end guitars nowadays but every single eastman E1om I tried was truly great, especially their DLX and SPL versions. I think the SPL is by far the best option and is a great guitar at any level. I'll likely buy one as a beater guitar
Eastman really is unbeatable at their price range!
Would have liked to hear some fingerpicking, but for mine...the Eastman stood out, although I really like mahogany with OM size guitars- the Atkin had that mellow hog balance
Great choice!
I liked the Atkin best. I love Mahogany guitars and own a D-18 and an OM-18 which has something to do with the reason I was drawn to the Atkin
The Atkin is a great choice!
What are the nut widths for each of these?
There is a link to every product in the description, including full spec sheet!😁
The Collins puts all others to shame. Wonderful looking and sounding instrument.
I actually use Crafter TO35 with B-band transducer for my live work. Great sound and low cost, buy great looking guitar. Killer OM Martin look alike.
Nice!
I know it's not technically an OM, but why no love for the Maton EBG808?
Just didn't make the list this time.. We have quite a few OM style guitars to choose from in our store! 😅
What strings were used here? All phenomenal guitars. I happen to own a Collings OM myself
D'addario XS .12 On all of these!
For me it was the Martin OM28 Reimagined..
Will always be a great guitar!
Colling #1
Toss up between the Atkin and the Santa Cruz
My ears agree with you - atkin cruz was lovely
Both lovely guitars!😍
Way out of my price range. But I would love the Martin.
We currently have some Martins in our Autumn Sale, so maybe you can find something in your price range there😉
Top 5... Kathy Wingert..........Goodall............Doncho Ivanov..........Petros.......... Bourgeois
No Bourgeois OM’s? Why?
They just didn't make this list unfortunately, we have plenty in the store though!
Nice!
Thanks Thomas!
Big fan of thr OM28
Great guitar!
I love my Santa Cruz OM Grand. I've had so many guitars - Collings, Martin, Bourgeois, Merrill, Froggy Bottom, etc.. The Santa Cruz is a keeper!!!
Great guitar!
I was going to say that the Santa Cruz sounds best to my ear. I cannot afford any but SC sounds the best on pure sound.
Are you both wearing the same shoe brand? What brand is it?
Hahha thats a keen eye christopher! We're both wearing Vans shoes in this video ;)
@@thefellowshipofacoustics Right on.
Nothing sounds like a Martin IMO. I don't think it's because that's what I own and play because I didn't used to. I tried a lot of them and ended up with Martins
Can't go wrong with a martin!
No Boucher?
We actually don't have a Boucher OM in stock at the moment..
Boucher make the best acoustics. Particularly small bodied guitars like the OM. The quality of the wood and the craftsmanship is superior. I’ve owned guitars from the other brands. The only downside is that they are expensive, but you pay for what you get! 😊
No Furch, no Larrivee?
We have so many to choose from, so it was hard to leave some out! Furch, Lowden or Bourgeois for instance make some great instruments as well, I'm sure they will be featured in another video!
@@thefellowshipofacoustics It´s also about woods. Many people, especially songwriters, tend to mahogany, some to maple.
Have a few OM Style guitars. And must say that they are all good in their way. But the Collings to me is icing the cake. You can‘t go wrong with one of these Austin/Texas build guitars. Although they can be a tad loud for singer/songwriter when played with a pick.
Amazing guitars indeed!
You have that problem also with a dreadnought. Need to play dynamically and controlled but with flow ;-)
It’s not the arrow, it’s the Indian!
Where's the OLSON?
Didn't have one in stock unfortunately!
Martin has more seperation
What is an OM guitar?
Orchestra Model
@@joshua_wherley Thank you.
@@christopherskipp1525 Jup! Joshua got it right, it's the specific model that we're discussing here ;)
@@joshua_wherley Thank you.
Alvarez
Guild OMg uitar😂🎉
You forgot Boucher 😂
We actually don't have a Boucher OM in stock at the moment..
@@thefellowshipofacoustics that’s make sense 😜 Would have been great. I’m really surprise by the Atkin guitar really nice balanced sound.
You could also stock up on MacKenzie & Marr ...
but they still not ship out U.S. and Canada ...
OM. First you must sound like an OM should. Santa Cuze is more to the taste of an OM.
The Santa Cruz was absolutely gorgeous!
YAMAHA FSX5 ? ..... Shhhhhhhhh ? our little secret
🤫
martin…then all the rest
Great choice!
Atkin….
The Atkin really stood out!
€10,000 for a guitar ...if you bought it and sold it back the next day you'd be lucky to get €6,500
You could return it the next day and get your full payment back with our 30 day guarantee😉
How much after 31 days?...please don't take offence it's just how the industry is...and I really enjoyed the video and content TFOA put together
@@johnnieboi The secret is to return is 50 years later, then you'll double the price ;)
All these guitars are way overprized, I played a bunch of them and compared with guitars below 1000,- they are not worth the prize you pay for them, people who are not influenced by a headstock name can find real gem's for a fraction of the cost of these so called top of the line brands.
Most people who don't have perfect hearing won't even notice the difference in sound especially the overtones, let alone if it is balanced or not, but hey, everybody must spend his/her money on things they like.
Love my Zager 80 !
Martin
Nice choice!
I really think you should present this again. Try some different styles of playing etc. Because The MARTIN WAS THE BEST SOUNDING GUITAR. Even the Santa Cruz was nowhere close. Please do a re-play of all. Maybe you can add the Preston Thompson.
Taste and playing style will differ for every person. If you thought the Martin was the best sounding guitar, then that's great! A lot of people liked the Atkin or the Santa Cruz the most.