For The Twelfth Fret’s 35th anniversary, we ordered a number of custom shop Martin OM-35 guitars, with commemorative labels signed by CF Martin III. The OM-35 itself was in production from 2003 to 2007, superseded by the OM-35E – the same guitar with a stock pickup. This example has a K&K Pure Mini passive pickup set installed.

The Martin OM is itself based on the OOO or ‘Triple O’ body design, but adds a longer scale length neck – 25.4 inches (625mm) instead of the Triple O’s 24.9 inches. This increases the string tension, making the top work a bit harder to deliver a bit more volume and clarity. At its 1929 introduction the OM was also the first Martin model to have a 14-fret neck as stock; this was at the request of Perry Bechtel, a noted bandleader at the time. He was one of many banjo players migrating to guitar, and they all missed the higher fret access of the banjo.

As a ’35’ model, the Martin OM-35 features a Sitka Spruce top with scalloped Spruce braces, paired with Indian Rosewood for the sides, back, and headplate. Ebony is used for both the bridge and bound fingerboard and bridge. The pickguard is faux-tortoise, recalling vintage models. The nut and saddle are bone – current production uses Tusq by GraphTech.

The ’35’ level was introduced in 1969, originally as part of Martin’s response to restrictions on imports of Brazilian Rosewood. The three-piece back allows use of smaller sections, reducing waste. By the 1970’s Brazilian was almost never used, and the ’35’ was a hit in the space between the ’28’ and ’45’ models.

This Martin OM-35 Twelfth Fret 35th Anniversary model dates to 2011 and is in overall very good condition with only light wear.

The Martin OM-35, like other OM and OOO models, sounds great and plays very well. This body design produces lots of volume, is very responsive, and has a very even representation throughout the harmonic range. The use of Indian Rosewood for the back and sides adds warmth to the tone.

The original hard shell case is included.

Current Martin OM-35 E Specifications: