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Martin OMCPA1 vs. Martin OMCPA3 - What's the Difference?


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The OMCPA1: http://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/choosing/guitars.php?p=s&g=F&m=OMCPA1

 

The OMCPA3: http://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/choosing/guitars.php?p=s&g=F&m=OMCPA3

 

Besides $1000, what's the difference between these two guitars? I've been over the specs and from what I can tell, the PA1 is just fancier than the PA3---ovangkol bindings instead of plastic, bone nut/saddle instead of Corian, ebony fretboard/bridge instead of Richlite, nicer inlays, and so on. Unless I missed something, all the stuff that "matters" is the same . . . right?

 

The reason I ask is because I want to try a PA3 the next time I go to GC, but that's a non-standard item and they don't stock it. They do, however, stock the PA1 and since the two guitars are so similar, I'm wondering if the PA1 would be an acceptable proxy for the PA3. Any thoughts?

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Aesthetically, I prefer the less blingy, less expensive of the two. Something really bothers me about barn door electronics on an acoustic - I just can't deal with it. Otherwise, nice looking gits. I like the off-center fret position markers on the less-fancy model.

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Maybe I wasn't clear in the OP. I'm not debating getting one over the other, because the OMCPA1 is about $1000 more than I can spend. I'm wondering if an OMCPA1 would sound the same as the OMCPA3 since the two guitars are essentially identical, barring the extra bling.

 

GC doesn't carry the PA3, but they do carry the PA1. That means I can try the PA1, but not the PA3. But if the two guitars sound the same, I can use the PA1 as a proxy for the PA3. That's what I'm wondering about.

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I would say they will sound identically the same - all of the things that "make a differenc" are identical with the exception of the saddle, nut and pins (and you can always change those for less than a grand). It is probable that they will grade the top wood better on the PA1, but that is only cosmetic. The satin finish may make a difference - some preformers prefer it for less noise.

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What's up with that pickguard? They must have hired an old Gibson employee. Between that, and the cut, and the barn door...

Something for everybody.

We are, each of us, different, and that's what makes the world go 'round.

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The OMCPA1:
http://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/choosing/guitars.php?p=s&g=F&m=OMCPA1


The OMCPA3:
http://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/choosing/guitars.php?p=s&g=F&m=OMCPA3


Besides $1000, what's the difference between these two guitars? I've been over the specs and from what I can tell, the PA1 is just fancier than the PA3---ovangkol bindings instead of plastic, bone nut/saddle instead of Corian, ebony fretboard/bridge instead of Richlite, nicer inlays, and so on. Unless I missed something, all the stuff that "matters" is the same . . . right?


The reason I ask is because I want to try a PA3 the next time I go to GC, but that's a non-standard item and they don't stock it. They do, however, stock the PA1 and since the two guitars are so similar, I'm wondering if the PA1 would be an acceptable proxy for the PA3. Any thoughts?

 

OMCPA3

- OMCPA3

_________

 

= 2

There is your answer!:)

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