A Masterful Marriage of Martin Tradition and Progressive Metal Attitude
The Martin OM Mikael Åkerfeldt represents the Opeth mastermind’s vision for the ultimate acoustic guitar. Much like the music of Opeth itself, this OM-sized instrument combines acoustic tradition with progressive metal aggression in an elegant and seamless fashion, beginning with a spruce top that’s been subjected to Martin’s VTS (Vintage Tone System) treatment. This process, also known as torrefaction, bakes excess moisture out of the wood to replicate the crisp, dynamic response of a vintage Martin. Next, Mikael selected a truly unique arrangement for his signature 6-string’s body, comprising Guatemalan rosewood sides, Guatemalan rosewood wings, and an East Indian rosewood wedge in the center. This tonewood recipe imbues the OM Mikael Åkerfeldt with a dense, bass-rich, and decidedly traditional Martin voice. The OM Mikael Åkerfeldt then makes a significant break from standard Martin specs in the form of its genuine mahogany Low Profile Velocity neck — a thin, speedy profile that grants you electric guitar-like performance. A 16-inch-radius ebony fingerboard further bolsters this guitar’s playability, coming complete with European flamed maple binding and a collection of mother-of-pearl Roman numeral inlays. You also get rock-solid open-gear tuners in an understated black finish, Liquidmetal bridge pins, and a stainless-steel Mikael Åkerfeldt label. It’s an undeniably alluring instrument for metalheads and Martin fanatics alike, offering a darker, more shadowy spin on Martin OM royalty.
Related Videos: OM Mikael Akerfeldt Acoustic Guitar - Natural
Mikael Åkerfeldt: a trailblazing icon of modern metal
As the driving force behind Opeth for over three decades, Mikael Åkerfeldt has wholeheartedly integrated the acoustic guitar into his music to a degree that's rare in the world of metal. Across genre-defining albums such as Blackwater Park and the masterful Ghost Reveries, Mikael expertly utilizes the acoustic guitar’s inherent intimacy and beauty to balance against the band’s more aggressive and extreme sections — it’s a sonic strategy that only makes Opeth’s heavy moments even heavier. The Martin OM Mikael Åkerfeldt represents the culmination of his acoustic affinities, with the man himself stating, “Is this the best guitar I’ve ever played? I believe so.”
VTS spruce tempered with a distinctive rosewood duo
The tonewood formula of Mikael’s signature Martin begins with a time-tested spruce top that undergoes the brand’s VTS (Vintage Tone System) treatment. By baking the wood and drawing out moisture, the VTS process imbues this guitar’s top with the touch-sensitive dynamism and resonance of a vintage Martin. Moreover, Mikael opted for Martin’s Golden Era scalloped X-bracing to ensure a deep and authoritative low-end roar.
Flip the OM Mikael Akerfeldt around, and you’ll be greeted by a truly unique tonewood combination: Guatemalan rosewood wings and an East Indian rosewood wedge, supported by Guatemalan sides. Arranged in the tripartite pattern of a D-35, the OM Mikael Akerfeldt’s multi-strain rosewood construction complements the top’s crisp voice with deep overtones and an additional dose of low-end firepower.
An orchestra in 6-string form
Frequently hailed by guitarists as arguably Martin’s most versatile body shape, the Orchestra Model (better known by the “OM” designation) combines the comfort of a 000 with a long-scale snap. In fact, the only substantial difference between Martin’s OM and 000 models is the scale length, with the 000 clocking in with a 24.9-inch scale and the OM boasting a 25.4-inch scale — the latter being the same scale featured on Martin’s historic dreadnought models. In more pragmatic terms, Martin’s OM guitars are championed for their superb size-to-power ratio, exceptional string-to-string balance, and ample projection. Moreover, players who regularly venture out of E standard will find that a longer-scale instrument like a Martin OM accommodates dropped tunings far better than shorter-scale instruments.
Martin OM Mikael Åkerfeldt Features:
- Limited-edition Signature Martin of progressive metal icon Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth, merging traditional OM appointments with a darker, metal-minded vibe
- VTS-aged spruce top with Golden Era scalloped bracing resounds with a touch-sensitive feel and the complex character of a vintage instrument
- Unique body wood arrangement comprises Guatemalan rosewood sides and a 3-piece back with Guatemalan rosewood wings and an Indian rosewood wedge
- Genuine mahogany neck in a slim, electric guitar-like Low Profile Velocity shape offers effortless playability
- 16-in.-radius ebony fingerboard laden with MOP Roman numeral inlays and flamed European maple binding
- Old-school Martin appointments include high-class herringbone trim and an ebony pyramid-style bridge
- Long 25.4-in. OM scale length lends itself to alternate tunings — perfect for metalheads looking to explore the acoustic guitar’s darker side
- Rock-solid open-gear tuning machines in an aggressive black finish; black Liquidmetal bridge pins
- Custom stainless-steel Mikael Åkerfeldt label
- Heavy-duty Harptone hardshell case
