Founded in 1833, the C.F. Martin & Company has been dedicated to providing its customers with quality acoustic guitars and basses. Throughout this time, Martin instruments have been completely acoustic, maintaining a traditional style and build. In the modern age of music, amplification is often needed to play to larger audiences, on top of being heard among fellow musicians. While electric guitars can produce louder music and sound, there’s a great deal of people who enjoy the traditional sound of an acoustic guitar. Since there are also some musicians who don’t enjoy playing their guitars right in front of the microphone, acoustic electric guitars were made. This way, acoustic guitar players could enjoy the same sound, but have the convenience and loudness found on an electric guitar with an amp. Due to this growing demand, the Martin Company teamed up with Fishman to create the Martin Acoustic Electric guitar.
The guitar model being covered in this article is the OMC-Aura, offered at around $3400. However, the list price is worth it; the OMC does not only produce great sound, but is also aesthetically pleasing. Complete with a variety of inlays along the hexagon-outlined fingerboard and bridge, the OMC-Aura provides the guitarist with a unique yet traditional style. The headstock has mother-of-pearl scripting work, and ebony end pins finished with dots comprised of abalone pearls. The Nitrocellulose gloss finish and rosewood body pulls the entire guitar together to make a stunning and memorable first impression.
Many users of the Aura have had great experiences with it’s performing abilities. The guitar itself is OOO-sized (meant for an auditorium), and is complete with fourteen frets. The guitar itself, even when hooked up to a microphone, sounds like any other acoustic guitar: complete with an incredibly rich sound, despite electronic amplification.
One common problem with most acoustic electric guitars is that they won’t give a solid, rich sound. Instead, many players have mentioned that some sound incredibly “loose” in sound, completely devoid of solidity. However, the Aura has a great, sonically focused sound; while the guitar is braced, it’s complete with plenty of internal support.
The Fishman-Aura electronics package on the guitar are complete with features you would expect to find on other Martin electric acoustic guitars. While there are plenty of new features for the Martin-oriented musician to discover, there are plenty of familiar features, such as an extremely accurate in-guitar tuning device and volume control. The tuner itself is complete with LED lighting to ensure your guitar is accurately tuned.
Other features on the OMC-Aura is a microphone selection feature, which makes it so that your guitar is compatible with the microphone you’re using. Along with this, the instrument is complete with a blend fader and a pickup system.
However, some downsides include an occasionally “closed-microphone” sound quality, as well as not being able to save certain “modes” on your guitar (such as microphone selection). However, there are many features on the guitar which can overcome most of these obstacles.
So in conclusion, the Martin acoustic electric guitar is a fantastic instrument suitable for the most professional and picky guitarists. While it may have a higher price tag than most, it’s high quality materials and sound make every penny worth it!
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