Sublet OM, Sitka Spruce & Sapele, 2018

Sapele shares many of mahogany's characteristics, but Julien Sublet's OM is no ordinary OM-18. The Québec-based luthier took the template of the classic Martin OM and refined the curves, used a unique bracing pattern, and of course finished things off with his Art Deco influenced style, resulting in an elevated and unique mid-sized fingerstyle guitar. It has the mahogany-like clarity and articulation, but it also has outsized resonance and bloom. And for players with a lighter touch, it's surprisingly responsive and has an unexpected presence and volume. Julien used the same cut of sapele for the fingerboard, and used similar accents on the rosette and backstrip. Combined with the amber coloring of the Sitka, it is cohesive and warm, and perfectly suited to the tone of this guitar. If you're looking for a modern twist on the OM, look no further.