The Compass to a Koa Wonderland is Found in Martin’s 2016 CS-OM
Elegant marquetry graces a classic Martin Orchestra Model from the Custom Shop
CS-OM True North-16 specs include: Top Shelf all-solid wood construction, including exceptionally-figured koa back and sides, a master grade Adirondack spruce top with 1/4” Adirondack spruce braces and high color paua shell purfling; unique True North motif with marquetry of a compass rose on the back in flamed Claro Walnut, flamed jarrah and waterfall bubinga with paua pearl accents; genuine mahogany High Performance neck with high gloss finish, Modified Low Oval profile, High Performance taper to the ebony fingerboard with four-point star outline fret markers; ebony bridge with 2-5/32” string spacing; ebony binding on body, neck, headstock; waterfall bubinga rosette with outline star inlay; high color paua pearl top and rosette purfling; ebony headstock face plate with figured koa “parchment” and compass rose, C.F. Martin script logo in paua pearl.
“I love how the True North’s crystalline lens of Adirondack spruce etches such fine detail into the warm koa undertone and shimmery high harmonics, as they sustain, fluctuate, and slowly fade, with each undulating glimmer as languid as lamplight on a tropical lagoon.”
Read the Full Review with Video HERE
Again, thank you for sharing your review of the CS-OM True North-16. I loved the balance and chime of this OM. Even more amazing is that it was not the preferred prototype that Martin took to NAMM. I wonder if bone bridge pins generally make a superior difference over plastic to enhancing tone?
I think bridge pins do alter sound, but only very little ways. I usually keep whatever pins come with the guitar. Although I have put in ebony pins if I thought a guitar sounded a bit too bright or strident. Martin used one sort of plastic pin or another since they were first invented between the world wars. Plastic is inert, so it will not shrink or expand with the weather. And shipped guitars took a lot longer to get across the country back then compared to now. Pins do not matter nearly as much as the saddle material.