Although "OM" referred to a guitar with specific specs when Martin first introduced it almost 100 years ago, in recent years OM has become a model code for a guitar body shape but little more. This Collings has a couple of specific differences from most OM models that make a difference in both how it plays and how it sounds.
For starters, this OM has the shorter 24.9" string scale. While a scale only 1/2 inch shorter doesn't seem like much of a difference, it lowers the string tension as well as making chords easier to reach, a quality aided by the 111/16" neck width at the nut as well.
In the tone department, this Collings has the "Old-growth Sitka" option, which means the top comes from a much larger and older tree. When combined with the shorter string scale, this old-growth spruce option gives a slightly more mellow tonal palette, while still preserving the treble clarity.
But stepping back from the weedy specs, this is a great OM for both fingerstyle players and flatpickers, and along with clarity and warmth there's oodles of volume and headroom.
