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2005 Merrill OM-18
This OM-18 built in 2005 is near identical in specs to an original OM-18 built in 1930. The guitar was clearly based on the blueprint of an original OM and features similarly positioned and carved scalloped X bracing and back braces, a thin and lively Adirondack spruce top, rosewood bindings, small pickguard, ebony board and bridge, with vintage neck dimensions and string spacing. Modern touches include a truss rod, T frets, and Waverly tuning machines. It’s a lightly built guitar and commands attention when played with a medium attack, either fingerstyle or with a measured flatpick. Expect an exceptionally balanced and woody voice with a dry fundamental and controlled overtone bloom. Basses are well developed and clearly articulated while trebles are relatively meaty and round. The mid range is supportive but remains in its place in line. Added up, this is an inspiring vintage-voiced guitar that is studio or living room ready.
This Merrill’s neck carve is remarkably comfortable and quite reminiscent of Martin’s necks from the first half of the 1930s. It’s quite modern in feel, nicely rounded in the first position, and develops a soft V by the 3rd fret. With a medium depth (.854” at the 1st fret) and comfortably rolled fretboard edges, this neck is immediately comfortable and familiar. 1-3/4” nut with, 2-5/16” string spread at the saddle.
The guitar is in excellent condition and shows no repairs. It has been fairly well used and while it has a number of small dings and dents on its body and neck, there’s little in the way of pickwear, and the frets are brand new. A clear pickguard was once stuck to the top on the bass side of the soundhole but has since been removed and there’s very little evidence that it was ever there. The endblock has been drilled out to accommodate a pickup that is no longer installed, so a ‘go-back’ endpin has been installed.
Set up in our shop, this guitar plays with low action and a lovely feel. The action is set at 4.5-6 64ths with 12-53 strings.
With deluxe hardshell case.
