Martin LXK2 Review: Portable Excellence and Big Sound in a Small Package

Martin is a legendary name in the guitar world, known for their commitment to crafting high-quality instruments with exceptional tone and playability. The Martin LXK2 is no exception, offering guitarists a portable and travel-friendly option without compromising on sound or craftsmanship. This guitar also made our 10 of the Best Beginner Acoustic Guitars list. In this review, we will explore the features and qualities that make the Martin LXK2 a standout choice for guitarists seeking a compact and versatile instrument that delivers big sound and exceptional quality.

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.

Design and Construction

The Martin LXK2 is a small-bodied acoustic guitar that is designed for portability and playability. It has a solid mahogany top, back, and sides, which gives it a warm, rich sound. The guitar also has a nato neck and ebony fingerboard, which provide a comfortable playing feel.

The LXK2 has a modified 000 body shape, which is smaller than a traditional dreadnought but larger than a parlor guitar. This gives the guitar a good balance of volume and projection, making it a versatile instrument that can be used for a variety of musical styles.

The guitar is also equipped with a Fishman Sonitone pickup, which allows you to amplify the guitar’s sound. The pickup is mounted in the soundhole, so it does not interfere with the natural sound of the guitar.

The LXK2 is a well-made guitar that is perfect for players who are looking for a small, portable acoustic guitar with great sound. It is also a great option for players who are interested in amplified acoustic guitar playing.

Here are some of the features of the Martin LXK2’s design and construction:

• Solid mahogany top: The solid mahogany top provides a warm, rich sound.
• Back and sides: The back and sides are also made of mahogany, which helps to produce a balanced sound.
• Nato neck: The nato neck is strong and comfortable to play.
• Ebony fingerboard: The ebony fingerboard provides a smooth playing surface.
• Fishman Sonitone pickup: The Fishman Sonitone pickup allows you to amplify the guitar’s sound.
• Modified 000 body shape: The modified 000 body shape is small and portable, but it still produces a good sound.

Sound and Performance

Despite its compact size, the Martin LXK2 delivers surprising volume and projection. The combination of the HPL Koa top, back, and sides produce a well-balanced tone with a warm midrange and clear treble response. The LXK2 offers impressive resonance and sustain, allowing each note to ring out with clarity and definition.

Whether you’re strumming chords or fingerpicking intricate melodies, the LXK2 maintains excellent articulation and note separation. The guitar’s compact size enhances its portability, but it doesn’t compromise on sound quality. The LXK2 is a great option for musicians who desire a travel-friendly instrument without sacrificing the tonal characteristics that make a Martin guitar special.

The Martin LXK2 has a warm, rich sound that is perfect for a variety of musical styles. The solid mahogany top provides a lot of projection, while the back and sides help to balance the sound. The nato neck and ebony fingerboard provide a comfortable playing feel, and the Fishman Sonitone pickup allows you to amplify the guitar’s sound.

Here are some of the features of the Martin LXK2’s sound and performance:

• Warm, rich sound: The solid mahogany top provides a warm, rich sound that is perfect for a variety of musical styles.
• Projection: The mahogany top provides a lot of projection, making the guitar sound loud and clear.
• Balanced sound: The back and sides help to balance the sound of the guitar, making it sound full and rich.
• Comfortable playing feel: The nato neck and ebony fingerboard provide a comfortable playing feel, making it easy to play for extended periods of time.
• Fishman Sonitone pickup: The Fishman Sonitone pickup allows you to amplify the guitar’s sound, making it perfect for live performances.
• Small, portable size: The LXK2 is a small, portable guitar that is easy to take with you wherever you go.

Playability and Comfort

The Martin LXK2 is designed with player comfort in mind. The modified low oval neck profile and black Richlite fingerboard offer a comfortable and familiar playing experience. The guitar’s low action and well-set nut contribute to effortless fretting and smooth transitions across the fretboard.

The LXK2’s compact size and lightweight design make it easy to play for extended periods without causing strain or fatigue. Whether you’re sitting on a beach or strumming around a campfire, the LXK2’s comfortable playability ensures an enjoyable playing experience wherever your musical adventures take you.

Here are some reviews of the Martin LXK2:

• “The Martin LXK2 is a great little guitar that sounds amazing. It’s perfect for travel or just playing around the house.” – Guitar Player Magazine
• “The LXK2 is a great option for players who are looking for a small, portable acoustic guitar with a great sound.” – Acoustic Guitar Magazine
• “The Fishman Sonitone pickup is a great addition to the LXK2, and it makes it easy to amplify the guitar’s sound.” – Premier Guitar Magazine

Value and Longevity

The Martin LXK2 is a great value for the price ($399). The LXK2 is also a very durable guitar. The solid mahogany construction makes it resistant to warping and cracking, and the nato neck is strong and stable. The guitar also has a Fishman Sonitone pickup, which allows you to amplify the guitar’s sound.

Overall, the Martin LXK2 is a great value for the price. It is a well-made guitar with a warm, rich sound, and it is built to last.

Here are some of the features that make the Martin LXK2 a good value:

• Solid mahogany construction: The solid mahogany construction gives the guitar a warm, rich sound and makes it resistant to warping and cracking.
• Nato neck: The nato neck is strong and stable, making it a good choice for players who are looking for a durable guitar.
• Ebony fingerboard: The ebony fingerboard is smooth and easy to play on, and it provides a good amount of feedback.
• Fishman Sonitone pickup: The Fishman Sonitone pickup allows you to amplify the guitar’s sound, making it perfect for live performances.
• Small, portable size: The LXK2 is a small, portable guitar that is easy to take with you wherever you go.

Check out the demo of this little beauty from Gear4Music Guitars.

Martin LXK2 Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Compact and travel-friendly size, perfect for on-the-go musicians or players with smaller frames.
2. High-quality construction and craftsmanship, typical of Martin guitars, ensure reliability and durability.
3. The “HPL” (High-Pressure Laminate) body and neck materials provide durability and resistance to changes in temperature and humidity.

Cons:

1. The smaller body size may result in a slightly quieter and less booming sound compared to larger guitars.
2. Some players may find the sound and tonal characteristics of the HPL construction to be less resonant and dynamic compared to all-wood guitars.

The Martin LXK2 Review Conclusion

In conclusion, the Martin LXK2 guitar is a testament to Martin’s commitment to quality, tone, and playability in a compact and travel-friendly package. With its HPL Koa construction, comfortable playability, and surprising volume, the LXK2 stands out as a remarkable choice for guitarists. Especially those seeking a portable and versatile instrument without compromising on sound or craftsmanship. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a student, or a musician with limited space, the Martin LXK2 delivers big sound and exceptional quality. It will inspire you to create music wherever you go.

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 these other posts about acoustic guitars:

• Mastering Guitar Chords: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
• Taylor Academy 10 Guitar Review: Unleashing Unmatched Quality and Value
• Cleaning Your Guitar, A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Change Strings on an Acoustic Guitar
• Simplest Way To Schedule Your Guitar Strings Changes

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.