Atkin OM37 Prewar - Baked Adirondack Spruce & Macassar Ebony #4181

The Atkin OM37 Prewar is a guitar that feels as though it has stepped straight out of the golden era of flat-top craftsmanship, carrying all the soul, character, and road-worn elegance of a treasured vintage instrument. Founded by Alister Atkin, Atkin Guitars has earned a reputation for building some of the finest modern interpretations of pre-war acoustics, and every instrument is still crafted by Alister and his small team of skilled craftspeople in Canterbury, England.

At the heart of this OM37 is a beautifully responsive baked Adirondack spruce top. The torrefied treatment gives the top the dry, open voice and quick attack of an instrument that has already spent decades being played. Paired with striking Macassar ebony back and sides, the result is a guitar with remarkable clarity, deep piano-like lows, crisp trebles, and a focused midrange that cuts through with authority. Macassar ebony brings a touch of visual drama as well, with its bold streaking and rich contrast lending the OM37 an unmistakably sophisticated presence.

The OM body shape is prized for its balance and versatility, and this example is no exception. The pre-war scalloped bracing allows the top to move freely, delivering impressive volume and responsiveness while preserving the articulate, dynamic character that makes an orchestra model so beloved by fingerstyle players and flatpickers alike. Whether played delicately or driven hard, the OM37 responds with nuance, power, and a wonderfully mature voice.

Every detail of the build reflects Atkin's reverence for vintage instruments. The age toned relic gloss nitrocellulose finish gives the guitar the look and feel of a cherished pre-war original, while herringbone purfling, grained ivoroid binding, and the classic black, white, black rosette complete the timeless aesthetic. A zipper-style backstrip runs down the center of the Macassar ebony back, adding another unmistakable vintage touch.

The mahogany neck is paired with an ebony fingerboard and bridge, offering a smooth, solid playing feel, while the two-way truss rod, adjusted through the soundhole, ensures modern reliability. Mother of pearl fret markers, white celluloid side dots, nickel Gotoh tuners, a bone nut and saddle, Indian rosewood headstock overlay, and the classic Atkin decal all round out the package with understated elegance.

Measuring 19 1/4" in body length with a 15" lower bout and a comfortable 4 1/8" body depth, the OM37 strikes a perfect balance between projection and comfort. Its 25.4" scale length, 16" fingerboard radius, and 1.77" nut width make it equally inviting for intricate fingerstyle work and strong rhythmic accompaniment. At just 4 pounds, 9 ounces, it feels lively and resonant in the hands, and it arrives safely housed in its Atkin black case, ready for a lifetime of music.

Other specifications of the OM37 Prewar include:

• Top: Baked Adirondack Spruce
• Back & Sides: Macassar Ebony
• Backstrip: Zipper Style
• Neck: Mahogany
• Truss Rod: Two-Way (Soundhole Adjust)
• Headstock Overlay: Indian Rosewood
• Logo: Atkin Decal
• Fretboard: Ebony
• Bridge: Ebony
• Rosette: Black/White/Black
• Purfling: Herringbone
• Binding: Grained Ivoroid
• Bracing: Pre-war scalloped
• Lacquer Finish: Age Toned Relic Gloss Nitrocellulose
• Nut & Saddle: Bone
• Tuners: Nickel Gotoh
• Side Dot Fretboard Markers: White Celluloid
• Fret Markers: Mother of Pearl
• Case: Atkin Black
• Body Length: 19 1/4"
• Body Depth: 4 1/8"
• Lower Bout Width: 15"
• Total Length: 39 1/2"
• Scale Length: 25.4"
• Fingerboard Radius: 16"
• Nut Width: 1.77" (45mm)
• Weight: 4 lb 9 oz
• Serial Number: 4181

For more information about the Atkin OM37 Prewar, please contact us.

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