The Rathbone R2M Orchestra Model (OM) acoustic guitar is a warm and subtle instrument. With its solid mahogany top and mahogany back and sides, this guitar has a beautifully warm and open tone. Mahogany's tonal characteristics are warm and full with a solid body. This, combined with the OM shape, results in a well-articulated, warm, subtle tone.

Given the situation for which it was originally designed, the OM model does not have a large sound box. In fact, none of the early "modern" guitar models are large by today's standards. Despite its smaller sound box, the Rathbone No. 2 OM model guitar plays like a modern guitar, because the neck meets the sound box at the 14th fret, rather than the usual 12th fret for an OM model guitar. When this "long" scale was first used, it was considered to produce a disproportionately powerful and dynamic sound. The strings are under higher tension on this scale, which provides better response and more punch.

Solid mahogany top

Mahogany is often used for the back and sides of acoustic guitars, but it also works very well for the top of a guitar. It produces a warm, more subdued tone with plenty of bass and a strong low-midrange presence. Mahogany's treble is less pronounced but certainly very appealing in timbre.

Mahogany sides and back

Mahogany has long been a highly sought-after wood for the back and sides of acoustic guitars. Its warm, rounded bass tone provides a foundation for any musical style to reach the listener. The midrange is very strong and full-bodied, while the treble is delicate and very pleasant.

Bone saddles

Bone saddles and/or nut are much denser and therefore retain better tonal qualities. A bone saddle or nut produces a brighter sound with more resonance and a better attack. A bone saddle and/or nut truly brings a guitar to life.