Guitar Review: Martin LX1E – Warm Sound, Small Package

The Martin LX1E is a small-bodied acoustic-electric guitar that is perfect for travel, students, and anyone who wants a great-sounding guitar that is easy to play. It features a solid spruce top and mahogany high-pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides, and it comes with a Fishman Sonitone pickup system.

A Brief Overview of the Martin Guitar Company

C.F. Martin & Company, often referred to as Martin is an American guitar manufacturer established in 1833 by Christian Frederick Martin. It is highly respected for its acoustic guitars and is a leading manufacturer of flat-top guitars. The company was founded in New York City by Christian Frederick Martin, a German immigrant. Martin moved to Nazareth, Pennsylvania, in 1839, and the company has been based there ever since.

Martin guitars are known for their high quality and their distinctive sound. The company has a long history of innovation, and it has introduced many new features to the acoustic guitar, such as the X-brace and the scalloped bracing.

Martin guitars are used by some of the most famous musicians in the world, including Bob Dylan, John Mayer, and Eric Clapton, just to name a few. The company’s guitars are also featured in many popular songs, such as “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” and “Hallelujah.”

Martin is a family-owned business, and it is still run by the Martin family today. The company is committed to preserving its tradition of craftsmanship, and it continues to produce some of the finest acoustic guitars in the world; especially their custom shop guitars.

The Martin LX1E Design and Construction

The Martin LX1E is a small-body, all-solid-wood acoustic-electric guitar that is designed for portability and playability. It features a modified 000-size body with a shallow depth, which gives it a warm, rich sound that is well-suited for fingerstyle playing.

The LX1E is made with all solid woods, including a Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and an ebony fingerboard and bridge. The neck is a 23-inch scale, which makes it comfortable to play for players of all sizes.

The LX1E is equipped with a Fishman Sonitone pickup, which provides a clear and balanced sound when amplified. It also has a built-in tuner, which is a handy feature for quick and easy tuning.

here are some of the specific features of the Martin LX1E’s design and construction:

• Body: The LX1E has a modified 000-size body, which is smaller than a dreadnought but larger than a travel guitar. This gives it a warm, rich sound that is well-suited for fingerstyle playing.
• Top: The top is made of solid Sitka spruce, which is a popular choice for acoustic guitars because it produces a bright, clear sound.
• Back and sides: The back and sides are made of solid mahogany, which is a denser wood that produces a warmer, fuller sound.
• Neck: The neck is made of mahogany with an ebony fingerboard and bridge. The 23-inch scale length makes it comfortable to play for players of all sizes.
• Pickup: The LX1E is equipped with a Fishman Sonitone pickup, which provides a clear and balanced sound when amplified.
• Tuner: The LX1E also has a built-in tuner, which is a handy feature for quick and easy tuning.

Sound and Performance

The Martin LX1E has a warm, rich sound that is well-suited for fingerstyle playing. The solid Sitka spruce top produces a bright, clear sound, while the solid mahogany back and sides add warmth and fullness. The 23-inch scale length makes it comfortable to play for players of all sizes.

The LX1E is also a great choice for amplified playing. The Fishman Sonitone pickup provides a clear and balanced sound that is well-suited for a variety of genres. The built-in tuner is a handy feature for quick and easy tuning.

Overall, the Martin LX1E is a great-sounding and performing guitar. It is well-made, sounds great, and is easy to play. Here are some specific things to note about the sound and performance of the Martin LX1E:

• Projection: The LX1E has a good projection for its size. It can be easily heard in a small setting, and it can also be amplified to fill a larger space.
• Balance: The LX1E has a balanced sound. The highs are clear and bright, while the lows are warm and full.
• Response: The LX1E has a good response. It is easy to play fingerstyle, and it also responds well to strumming.
• Durability: The LX1E is a durable guitar. It is made with solid wood, and it has a satin finish that is resistant to scratches and dents.

Playability and Comfort

The Martin LX1E is a very playable and comfortable guitar. The modified 000-size body is small and lightweight, making it easy to hold and maneuver. The 23-inch scale length is also comfortable for players of all sizes.

The neck is made of mahogany with an ebony fingerboard and bridge. The ebony fingerboard is smooth and fast, and the medium jumbo frets make it easy to play chords and single notes. The neck profile is a little wider than some other Martin guitars, which can be a plus for some players.

The LX1E is also a great choice for fingerstyle playing. The small body and shallow depth make it easy to get a good sound with fingerpicking. The Fishman Sonitone pickup also helps to amplify the sound of the guitar, making it perfect for live performances.

Overall, the Martin LX1E is a very playable and comfortable guitar. It is well-made, sounds great, and is easy to play. Here are some specific things to note about the playability and comfort of the Martin LX1E:

• Neck profile: The LX1E has a comfortable C-shaped neck profile that is not too thick or too thin.
• Action: The action is set low, which makes it easy to play chords and single notes.
• Intonation: The intonation is good, which means that the notes are in tune across the entire fretboard.
• Comfort: The LX1E is a comfortable guitar to play for long periods of time. The small body and shallow depth make it easy to hold and maneuver.

Value and Longevity

The Martin LX1E is a great value for the price. It is made with solid wood, and it has a Fishman Sonitone pickup, which is a high-quality pickup. The LX1E also comes with a gig bag, which is a nice bonus.

As for longevity, the Martin LX1E is a well-made guitar that should last for many years with proper care. The solid woods will age and improve over time, and the Fishman Sonitone pickup is a reliable pickup that should last for many years.

Here are some specific things to note about the value and longevity of the Martin LX1E:

• Price: The LX1E is priced ($499) competitively for a guitar with its features.
• Materials: The LX1E is made with solid woods, which will give it a long lifespan.
• Pickup: The Fishman Sonitone pickup is a high-quality pickup that should last for many years.
• Care: The LX1E should be cared for properly to ensure its longevity. This includes keeping it in a humidified case when not in use and cleaning it regularly.

Overall, the Martin LX1E is a great value for the price. It is well-made, sounds great, and should last for many years with proper care.

Here are some additional factors to consider when evaluating the value and longevity of the Martin LX1E:

• Martin’s reputation: Martin is a well-respected guitar manufacturer with a long history of making high-quality guitars. This gives the LX1E a good resale value, even if you decide to sell it down the road.
• Warranty: The LX1E comes with a Martin limited lifetime warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your guitar is protected.

Martin LX1E Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Warm, rich sound: The LX1E has a warm, rich sound that is well-suited for fingerstyle playing.
• Well-made: The LX1E is well-made and should last for many years with proper care.
• Portable: The LX1E is small and lightweight, making it easy to transport and take with you wherever you go.

Cons:

• Can be a bit expensive: The LX1E is a bit more expensive than some other entry-level acoustic-electric guitars on the market.
• Not as loud as some other guitars: The LX1E is not as loud as some other guitars, so you may need to amplify it if you are playing in a loud setting.
• Pickup can be a bit noisy: The Fishman Sonitone pickup in the LX1E can be a bit noisy, especially in high-gain settings.

Conclusion

Overall, the Martin LX1E is a great guitar with a lot to offer. It is well-made, sounds great, and is portable. However, it is a bit more expensive than some other acoustic-electric guitars on the market, and the pickup can be a bit noisy.

Further Reading on charlestonclassicalguitar.org: If you have further questions, then I can help point you in the right direction. And after you decide, check out our guide to keep it clean and how to tune it.

Editorial Process:

My reviews are made by a team of one, myself, before being written and come from real-world experience. Read our editorial process here.

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Chadwick Becks

I have two degrees in guitar performance and was privileged to study under Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, David Skantar, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and currently Christopher Berg. Outside my editorial work on this blog, I teach full-time across many genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, and metal.