Sienna Rhodes
The term boxy is used to describe the sound of certain guitars, but it is quite subjective and can mean different things to different people. Some guitarists describe the sound produced by small guitars with deep bodies, thick tops, and small sound holes as boxy. Others use the term to describe a guitar that is limited in its responsiveness and overtones, with limited headroom and an inability to be over-driven musically.
Martin OM guitars, or Orchestra Models, are special in the history of acoustic guitars, with their long-scale necks and use of steel strings. While some Martin OM guitars are described as having a boxy sound, others are praised for their dynamic range and excellent tone. The specific model, build, and setup of the guitar seem to play a role in whether it is perceived as sounding boxy.
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What You'll Learn
Martin OM vs 000
When comparing Martin OM and 000 guitars, players consider various factors, including sound, string tension, braces, and fretboard width.
In terms of sound, typical Martin OM guitars tend to be very responsive and have a brighter tone due to their higher string tension and 1/4" braces. On the other hand, traditional 000 models are said to sound slightly more "boxy" due to their short scale and 5/16" braces. However, it's important to note that there is no standard rule for bracing in these models, and variations exist, especially in modern times. For example, some 000 models, like the 000-18A and the 000-18GE, feature 1/4" braces, while others, such as the 000-28 and 000-28VS, have 5/16" braces.
The fretboard width also differs between the two types of guitars. The 000 typically has a narrower fretboard with a width of 1 and 11/16th inches, allowing for faster playing. In contrast, most OM models offer a wider fretboard at 1 and 3/4 inches, which some players find allows them to make fewer mistakes.
Neck width and profile are also considerations when comparing the Martin OM and 000 models. While some players prefer the wider Mod V neck found on certain OM models, others appreciate the modified-V neck profile available on various 000 guitars.
Additionally, the scale length varies between the OM and 000 types. The OM usually has a long scale, while the 000 often features a short scale. However, it's worth noting that some players feel that the difference in scale length does not significantly impact the playing experience or difficulty.
In summary, the choice between a Martin OM and a 000 guitar ultimately depends on individual preferences. While the OM is known for its responsiveness and wider fretboard, the 000 offers a slightly different sound with a narrower fretboard for faster playing.
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Boxy tone meaning
The term "boxy" is used to describe the tone of certain guitars, and it is often associated with small guitars that have deep bodies, thick tops, and small soundholes. Some specific models that have been described as having a "boxy" tone include the mid-century 0-size Stella guitars, the 000-28 Clapton model, and the OM28.
While the exact meaning of "boxy" may vary from person to person, it generally refers to a sound that is limited in its frequency response, with an exaggerated midrange that dominates the overall sound of the instrument. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including the guitar's body shape, string type, and playing style. For example, some people have noted that certain Martin OM guitars can sound "boxy" when played with certain styles that don't suit the guitar, such as chunking swing chords.
In terms of frequency response, a "boxy" tone typically refers to excessive energy in the mid-frequency range, which can make the sound seem "muddy", "boomy", "nasally", or "hollow". This is often described as a lack of "openness" in the sound, with limited responsiveness and overtones, and an inability to be overdriven in a musical way.
From a technical perspective, a "boxy" tone may be addressed by adjusting the EQ to reduce the energy in the 500-900 Hz range, with the specific frequency depending on the instrument. However, it's worth noting that some musicians may actually prefer a "boxy" tone for certain musical applications, such as when seeking a vintage or bluesy sound.
In summary, the term "boxy" is used to describe a guitar's tone when it has limited frequency response, an exaggerated midrange, and a lack of openness and responsiveness. This can be caused by a variety of factors and may be adjusted through EQ settings or other modifications. While generally considered undesirable, some musicians may seek out a "boxy" tone for specific musical styles.
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Martin OM history
The Martin OM, short for "Orchestra Model", is an iconic acoustic guitar design created by the Martin Guitar Company. Before the Orchestra Model, the only guitars offered by Martin were different sizes of the same 12-fret design codified by the company's founder in the 1840s. These instruments were similar to modern classical guitars in shape and tone, although most had steel strings by the end of the 1920s.
The OM took things to a whole new level. These innovative Martins were called Orchestra Models to entice musicians playing in the ubiquitous dance orchestras of the day. The banjo that had been their primary rhythm instrument for decades was slowly being replaced by the more resonant steel-string guitars. In 1929, the popular bandleader Perry Bechtel requested a Martin guitar with steel strings and a longer, narrower neck, having returned his new Gibson L5 archtop guitar because he didn't care for its tone.
Al Esposito of the Carl Fischer stores suggested an alternative, special-ordering a tenor guitar which became known as the Carl Fischer Model, which added access to two extra frets by shortening the guitar's upper bout. Soon after, the upper bout was widened and a pickguard added, and the resulting tenor guitar was eventually cataloged as the standard 0-18T still in use today. The original OM prototype ordered by Perry Bechtel has never been seen in modern times and may have been destroyed in a fire.
The OM's success was due to the long-scale neck sending extra tension from the steel strings to bear upon a spruce soundboard of just the right size that was lightly braced with narrow 1/4″ tone bars and a 5-1/16″ X-brace. This combination of features produced a dynamic voice of maximized resonance and projection. The design proved so successful that Martin offered 14-fret versions in all their popular sizes, starting in 1934 – including the recently released dreadnought size, which became the most popular guitar design in history.
The OMs that started it all were rechristened “000,” which allowed Martin to return to its usual naming conventions. The specs were also revamped that same year to include the short-scale neck employed by the 0 and 00 sizes, in combination with heavier 5/16” bracing throughout, as used on the larger dreadnoughts. The Martin OM has come full circle, spawning countless imitations and replications enjoyed by millions of guitarists and their audiences around the globe.
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Martin OM sound characteristics
The Martin OM, or Orchestra Model, is an historic watershed in the history of the acoustic guitar. The OM's success was due to its long-scale neck, which sent extra tension from the steel strings to bear upon a spruce soundboard. This combination of features produced a dynamic voice of maximized resonance and projection. The design proved so successful that Martin offered 14-fret versions in all their popular sizes, starting in 1934. The original OM-stamped guitars became some of the most sought-after Martins ever built, but their small production numbers make them hard to come by.
In terms of sound characteristics, OMs tend to be very responsive due to their higher string tension and 1/4" braces. This gives them more "snap" when plucked or strummed. They are also louder than dreadnoughts and have a deep bass, even when tuned down a step. Some owners have described their Martin OMs as having a woody tone.
Compared to other Martin models, the OM has been described as having a more "rounded" sound than the 000, which tends to sound more boxy due to its short scale and 5/16" braces. However, some owners have noted that their 000 does not sound boxy at all, and that the difference in sound between the OM and 000 is minimal.
Some owners have also noted that their Martin OM guitars have a tendency to exhibit a not-well-defined bass sound that is "woofy" and often not very pretty. Additionally, one owner described their OM as being pretty quiet, although it had an amazing tone.
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Martin OM favourites
The "OM" in Martin OM guitars stands for "orchestra model". The first Martin OM guitar was built in 1929, in response to changes in popular music and the demands of musicians. The OM guitar was designed to be familiar to banjo players, with the first OM models using banjo tuning machines. The shape was based on Martin's biggest body size at the time, the 000, but the longer scale length enabled a louder sound.
Today, there are many variations of the Martin OM guitar, including the OM-18A, OM-1TA, OM-21, OM-28, OM-28V, OM-42, and OM-28 Marquis. Some models are better suited for certain types of music or playing styles than others. For example, the OM-28 is known for its versatile sound, making it a popular choice for jazz clubs and blues shows. The OM-21 is also a popular choice for those who prefer a visually plain instrument. The OM-42 is known for being a great guitar that is somehow better than the sum of its parts.
Some notable mentions of the Martin OM guitar include Eric Clapton's choice to play a 1930s OM-28 style guitar on MTV's "Unplugged" show in the early '90s, which created a minor revival of interest in acoustic guitars. Additionally, the OM-28V is praised for its ability to handle a variety of playing styles, from strumming to picking to soft and loud.
Overall, the Martin OM guitar is a versatile and popular instrument that has stood the test of time. With its balanced sound and playing feel, it continues to be a favourite among guitarists of various genres and playing styles.
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Frequently asked questions
"Boxy" is a term used to describe a guitar sound that is limited in its responsiveness and overtones. It is often used to describe guitars with small bodies and deep bodies.
The boxy sound in Martin OM guitars is typically caused by the use of heavier 5/16" bracing throughout the guitar, which can make the sound feel trapped inside.
Longer scale lengths can help to reduce the boxy sound in Martin OM guitars by providing more snap when plucked or strummed due to higher tension.
Yes, some alternatives to consider are the Martin 00-15M, 00-21, and OM-18A, which have been described as not sounding boxy.
