My hands are tiny and my OM-28V has a 1-3/4" nut width and I have no trouble playing it. Some of it will depend on the neck profile (back of the neck). On vintage or vintage reissue guitars (Martins), the neck profile is a soft V shape, which could be a hindrance. BTW, many flatpickers play dreadnaughts, however, many are starting to play OM's. He should play a multitude of guitars and shapes, before making that decision.