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Thread: OM size comparisons

  1. #1
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default OM size comparisons

    Was thinking about the Eastman MDO-305, and wondering about the body size compared to other OMs. A quick view of the Weber Bitterroot indicates it's a half inch wider, but no idea about the depth.

    Has anyone measured the Bitterroot? Would like to know how different the size is. Obviously the shorter scale on the Weber also makes a difference.

    Guess what I'm wondering is if the Eastman is that undersized, or if it may be other factors to cause it to be relatively quiet? Double checked at the old time jam on Saturday and folks felt it was slightly quiet, but had a nice tone. I've noticed that others seem to be able to hear it okay. It's just not the first thing one would notice.

    Thoughts?
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  2. #2
    Registered User foldedpath's Avatar
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    Default Re: OM size comparisons

    I don't have a Bitteroot, but I would assume my Weber Yellowstone F OM has the same body dimensions and internal volume. It measures just shy of 2 1/2" deep at the sides. More in the center of course, with the arched top and back, but I don't have an easy way to measure that.

    If you're feeling that your Eastman is relatively quiet, it could be the instrument, but you'll only know for sure if you can directly compare it with another OM.

    As a class, I think archtop OM's do suffer a bit when played along with other acoustic instruments, especially guitars or bouzoukis. It's not just volume, but the somewhat "dark" timbre of these archtop double course instruments. Guitars and bouzoukis have a brighter sound that cuts through better, and because you're in the same tonal range as a guitar with an OM, the guitar wins the presence battle.

    My Weber OM has plenty of volume, power, and projection when I play it solo at home, but it does tend to get buried by guitars in a group jam. So I seldom bring it to a session along with my mandolin. When there are no guitar players in a session or jam, an OM has a chance to shine.

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  4. #3
    Lord of All Badgers Lord of the Badgers's Avatar
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    Default Re: OM size comparisons

    Hm. I wouldn't have said it was quiet but I didn't directly compare. Robbie (who's a member here) owned it. I seem to recall he felt it was louder than his old weber. I didn't get on with the weber but I liked the eastman. I'd say the tone was dry and woody. Kind of what I'd expect. It certainly was a playable instrument.
    My name is Rob, and I am Lord of All Badgers

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  6. #4
    Registered User Eric Platt's Avatar
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    Default Re: OM size comparisons

    Thanks for the insights. Hopefully in the not too distant future, will be able to compare it head to head with other OMs.
    Brentrup Model 23, Boeh A5 #37, Gibson A Jr., Big Muddy M-11, Coombe Classical flattop, Strad-O-Lin
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  7. #5
    Lord of All Badgers Lord of the Badgers's Avatar
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    Default Re: OM size comparisons

    I should clarify that the weber was very quiet and I can't stand the Barge pole neck. Way too chunky
    Not so the eastman
    My name is Rob, and I am Lord of All Badgers

    Tenor Guitars: Acoustic: Mcilroy ASP10T, ‘59 Martin 0-18t. Electric: ‘57 Gibson ETG-150, ‘80s Manson Kestrel
    Mandolins: Davidson f5, A5 "Badgerlin".
    Bouzouki: Paul Shippey Axe
    My band's website

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