Martin Custom Shop Wildwood Spec OM-18 - Progressive Tone Bar Bracing

Tonal Evaluation
How 'bout an OM-18 on steroids? Well, that's exactly what you're getting when you sit down with this beast. The string-to-string balance on this one is certainly a high point - it works well for every style of play we could imagine. The Adirondack top on this one seems to provide a real gutsy quality to the sound.
Step Up to the Tone Bar.
When Wildwood Guitars wanted to launch a project that would “drive the tone” throughout the breadth of popular Martin body shapes, we jumped at the opportunity. Many guitar enthusiasts are familiar with the typical sound signature of the iconic Martin models, and know they’re also an excellent jumping-on point in the quest for tone with customization. The partnership between Wildwood Guitars and Martin reflects that same incredible collaboration and quest for tone. While there are endless combinations possible throughout Martin’s impressive model history, we collaborated to arrive at the “Wildwood Formula” - not a radical departure from the standard, yet employs a unique strategy with potential to further open up the tone envelope. Notably, the end goal was further tuning for bass focus and mid/treble presence. Towards this goal, we’ve chosen to create the “Wildwood Formula” combining an Adirondack top, Adirondack X-bracing, and progressively scalloped tone bars; a build combination not previously utilized within the standard Martin product assortment. While top & bracing materials vary widely throughout the line, the Wildwood Formula highlights the accepted performance benchmark of an Adirondack top & X-bracing AND partners the assembly with a noticeably different compliment of top tone bars. "Progressively scalloped bars, not commonly found among the standard lineup, exploit the strength of the legendary Martin X-brace while reducing mass from the overall assembly with the goal of quickening the top and promoting maximum tonal spectrum. Compared to the standard tone bars found extensively throughout the Martin lineup, progressively scalloped tone bars are shorter in peak height by 25% to nearly 40% respectively, and are measured to provide an overall weight reduction of approximately 20% in contrast to their normal counterparts." The Wildwood Staff has been absolutely blown away by these incredible Custom Shop Martin instruments; each one representing an inspired take on a classic Martin production model. From the moment we opened the cases, we could hear and FEEL the difference. Adirondack Spruce tops and bracing, along with the progressive tone bars have created an experience like no other, with astounding clarity, vivid, dynamic highs, and a low end that is simply breathtaking. These instruments offer a unique experience, delivering all the tonal magic of Adirondack spruce, with an incredible dynamic response, exceptional volume push and HD-like ultra wide frequency response that has to be heard to be believed. We couldn't be happier with our collaboration with Martin Guitars, and invite our exceptional customers to experience these exceptional creations that have simply blown us all away. Wildwood Guitars is honored to partner with Martin to create these incredible instruments that will surely inspire, reward and deliver an experience like no other.
Tonal Evaluation
This is a ferociously dynamic guitar with a gorgeous shimmer on the top end, and BEAUTIFUL mid-range resonance. The bass response is full and forward projecting and this one has an uncommonly sophisticated harmonic range. Paired with that irresistible mahogany clarity, this one will keep you up at night.



Specifications:



Brand







Model
Custom Shop Wildwood Spec OM-18 - Progressive Tone Bar Bracing


Body Type
000-14 Fret


Bracing
Adirondack Spruce Progressive Tone Bar Bracing


Top Wood
Solid Adirondack Spruce


Back & Sides Wood
Genuine Mahogany


Back & Sides Finish
Polished Gloss


Neck Finish
Polished Gloss


Neck Wood
Solid Genuine Mahogany


Neck Joint
Mahogany Blocks/Dovetail Neck Joint


Neck Dimensions
.800 1st - .880 9th


Fingerboard
Solid Black Ebony


Scale Length
25.4''


Width at Nut
1 3/4"


Saddle Spacing
2 3/16”


Binding
Black Boltaron


Rosette
Old Style 18


Tuners
Waverly Nickel w/Butterbean Knobs


Bridge
Solid Black Ebony Authentic Style Belly w/Long Saddle


Saddle
16'' Radius/Fossilized Ivory


Case
Black Hardshell Case





www.music-blvd.com 2999USD