12. Small-Bodied Guitars
In general, body dimensions of OM (Orchestra Model) guitars correspond to those of 000 guitars (with the neck joint at the 14th fret). The main difference between the instruments lies in the scale length. OMs have a 645 mm scale length, which is a longer scale. At the nut, the neck typically measures a width of approximately 44.5 mm (compared to 42.9 mm on the 000).
The longer scale length and wider neck have a positive impact on playability. Fingerpickers, in particular, will appreciate the slightly wider string spacing. But that's not all that the longer scale length affects. The sound also changes. Compared to a 000, an OM generally sounds somewhat louder, with emphasis on the treble frequencies, and more open*. Instruments in OM dimensions are highly popular nowadays, and not just among fingerstyle enthusiasts!
*This largely depends on the tonewoods used.
