Martin DX1e Koa 2019 Review - Awesome Acoustic Guitar Under $600
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- Опубліковано 23 вер 2019
- In this video I share with you my my review of the Martin DX1e acoustic electric guitar brand new from Martin Guitars. This is the Koa HPL edition of the guitar that costs $499 brand new. In this price range there are a lot of guitars that sound good. However, this one really shines! It's HPL construction is rugged and durable as a travel guitar while still maintaining classic Martin tone and playability.
In this video you will get three different audio examples.
The Fishman MX pickup audio with EQ set to flat, then set to 100% to achieve a scooped out mids sound, and finally a blend of the two with the addition of the Rode NT1 microphone at the 12th fret for a more natural and ambient sound.
TO PURCHASE THE MARTIN DX1E CLICK HERE!
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Gear used in this video below!
Computer - iMac 5k 27"
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Microphone - Rode NT1
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Audio Interface - Universal Audio Apollo Twin Duo
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Main Camera - Panasonic Gh4
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Lens - Lumix 25mm
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2nd Camera - Canon T3i
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Lens - Canon EF 50mm
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Favorite Hard Drives - Glyph Blackbox Pro
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Awesome Practice Amp
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#martinguitars
This is really well made, great video man! I can see you blowing up if you keep at it
Thanks! I really appreciate it!
I bought this guitar the other day, was so excited to see a Martin for the price. It blew almost everything else in that price range away. It was just such a full sounding guitar and the feel of the guitar was on another level compared to everything else around it. I have always struggled with acoustics and their feel but this one is special. There’s a reason Martins are loved as they are
They're definitely a historic company with a crazy legacy.
@@JoshuaKrell they are, and they definitely know how to make a quality instrument. Same as many other companies. It is just insane how good the guitar feels for the price
yes Martin tend to do that. Their lower end guitars literally have 0 competition and its been like that forever lol.
It sounds amazing. Great demo.
Thank you! I appreciate that! 🤘🏻
Played this in a local shop a week ago and instantly fell in love. Such a rich tone! My god I was blown away!
Agreed Ryan! Great guitar!
Amazing video.. Keep up the amazing work buddy... !!!
Thank you so much! I appreciate that!
Nice video! I bought one 3 weeks ago at GC because I like the sound and its durability. HPL is a very cool invention. I can take it to the beach and camping or just tailgating. A really good guitar player can make any guitar sound awesome. It's all in your playing. I also own a big baby Taylor, an Epiphone EJ 200ec, and a parlor-size Recording King. They all have their own distinct sound and I love them all. I leave them all on a guitar stand so I can always play them. \m/
Love to hear that!
i guess its a different sound. but if I had a choice I'd go with a spruce top because it sounds way less muffled.
I got this guitar today. It sounded just as good as another Martin I tried for $850
Congrats on the new guitar Gavin!
Personally I love the fact I can afford a new martin guitar. Part of it is seeing that name on the headstock, which is a bit of name snobbery, I know....but there's a reason it's respected.
I went into a shop about 3 months ago to treat myself find my bday . Was prepared to spend quite a lot but ended up taking a used xseries. To me it sounded and played just as well as the more expensive models. As a Scot, not spending a lot made me particularly happy, i can tell you.
It's not the best looking martin I've ever seen but I'd have no problem changing it for a prettier xseries next bday. I don't have any need to go full wood now. If you know what I mean....
Josh. If you think there are mohogany HPL out in guitar world easily, try finding this Koa iteration guitar on the secondary market!!
quality sound
Thanks a lot mte😊
Sounds great. I have one. Actually surprised. I like it, plays well, sounds great. Great video
It’s a good one man! Thank you!
It’s my birthday soon, might have to give the credit card a good bashing. Love the sound of this guitar.
I’d love an higher range Martin, but this particular model sounds beautiful.
Happy early birthday! This is a great guitar if you aren’t stickler on solid wood and also need a weather resistant option. The Martin road series is also a good option. Or if you want the best value hands down on the market place for all solid wood and awesome playability and tone check out Eastman. I love mine!
@@JoshuaKrell never heard of Eastmans, but I’m going to have to go to a guitar shop and try some out. I’ve got a epiphone J20e at the mo, it’s a lovely guitar but I need to upgrade!
I have a video review of my Eastman on my channel. There aren’t any guitars I recommend more. I’ve had over 20 martins this last year come through my guitar teaching studio that can’t keep up with my Eastman. Crazy value!
@@JoshuaKrell just had a look, actually and it does really sound good. I bet it sounds even better listening to it live!
I’m probably just another one who’s fell for these benchmark brands, but I bet there’s some great guitars at great prices what people miss out on…
I have a student with a 1962 Martin D21 and newer 41. My Eastman holds up well against both of those guitars. In fact we laid down my Eastman right alongside those guitars on his album just this last year.
I purchased one when they first came out , Same model . I got mine at GC . I tried several at this price point. I was impressed with the sound and the feel. I was conflicted on the richlite finger board it felt kind of hard. It didn't take long for me to get used to it.
We live in a very humid region . I wanted to take it around outside inside inconsistent weather without worrying about it warping.
So if you want a guitar that looks good sounds good and has the badge of honor "Martin" I recommend it. The sound is consistent. No regrets.
well I can tell you my 20 year old dx1 guitar with micarta which is an older brand of richlite i believe. has some grooves at the top frets lol. still sounds great though. Interestingly the next up the current x series, DX2E, is the only Martin model I think on the website that lists Katalox as the bridge and fret. A Mexican hardwood. I think the Mexicans have some pride in making that model lol. I mean everything in road series only richlite I believe lol.
It sounds great. I want one!
👌🏻👌🏻
I tried One at my local shop. Ended up buying an Alvarez with solid cedar top in the same range of price. The Martin did sound good but not as good as other guitars at the same price point.
@@guitargeorge6423 Too bad I don't have any money.
THAT SOUNDED INCREDIBLE..I OWN D 41S HD 28S COLLINGS I HAVE IT...FOR THE MONEY U SPENT THAT IS KILLER
Thanks man! I have a student with a 41 and a 1962 D21 that has aged to perfection. He loved this guitar! I have since sold it to a student of mine who was THRILLED to upgrade from his cheap Yamaha starter!
Awesome, I've got a martin 12 string that sound fantastic.
Thanks man! Martin is a great company with true longevity in its history!
Wonderful, informative video but it would be even better if perhaps you did a different camera set up. For almost the entire video the mic is in the way. I kept wanting to see your movement on the fingerboard but it's obscured by the (lovely!) Rode mic. Still, it's a great and useful video. I'd been thinking about buying this guitar and, based on your review, I've decided to go ahead and get it. Thanks!
Thank you so much for that feedback! You are sooo right! As I’m typically filming by myself it’s often hard to get the right angles. But I’m trying to get better at taking some more time to make sure the angles are perfect! The channel is a work in progress as I’m new to UA-cam! So I appreciate that feedback! I’m so glad to hear you are interested in it! I honestly can say you won’t regret it! I use it nearly everyday and I own more expensive solid wood guitars. These are great for recording also if you are into that due to the HPL’s balanced focused sound! For the money you can’t go wrong! Please consider using the link in the video description if you end up ordering! It helps support my channel so I can continue to invest in the channel! Thanks for your comment! I’d love to hear any music you make on this guitar in the future! Stay in touch!
@@JoshuaKrell Hi Joshua, thanks for your lovely reply. You're doing wonderfully. Keep up the great work!
I got the matte black one.
So I'm looking into getting a better guitar from the one I currently have (Ibanez AEG18Lii)... I've been looking for about a week now and at first I thought I wanted a guitarlele so I could travel with it, but I didn't like the nylon strings or overall sound. It was also too small. Then I took a look at the baby Taylor (also too small) and now I'm past the guitarlele stage. I'm looking at the GS Mini, Martin LX1REL, and Epiphone EJ-200SCE (all left handed guitars, as I've been playing lefty for around 5 years). I may be able to spend some extra money and purchase a Martin X Series Style Special GPC Koa HPL cutaway Acoustic electric guitar. Im struggling to understand which one sounds the best. It's harder for me because I can't test them out in person (guitar stores never carry lefties in stock, I always have to order them) so I'm hoping you can help me. I know the Taylor GS Mini doesn't have a pre-amp but I would be adding a ES Go after purchasing it. So really, it's a question of which one sounds the best. The GS Mini, Martin LX1REL, Epiphone EJ-200SCE, or Martin X Series Style Special GPC Koa HPL Acoustic Electric? Your help is greatly appreciated, thank you😁
Hey Leo! Thanks for reaching out. Personally this is gonna be dependent on what kind of sound you like. A dreadnought is gonna have typically a larger sound than a grand auditorium. Usually solid wood does tend to sound better in my opinion than HPL however these do sound great for the money. I have numerous student who have the GS Mini and love it. I believe it only has a solid wood tho. The back and sides are layered wood. Tbh you can’t go wrong with the Martin x series. I have many students who own these and have never heard any complaints. Another company however in a similar price range that does have solid wood guitars is Seagull. They offer a lot of bang for your buck. Additionally I recommend looking at Eastman as well!
I like!
Damn, that Fishman MX Pickup sounds pretty darn good.
WAY better than the Sonitone piece of crap that they used to use.
I also heard the new gig bag is waterproof. Quite useful.
Agreed man! Honestly so much better than the Sonitone! I’m not sure about waterproof, that’s news to me. However the got bag is insanely plush and protective as gig bags go. I was shocked when it arrived as I was expecting regular thin bag.
@@JoshuaKrell ahh, I checked it again. It isn't "waterproof", but it says "Add in a new soft gig bag featuring headstock, bridge, and endpin protectors, *a durable water-repellent exterior*, and foam padding"
So it's water....repellent?
They’re pretty thick! Def the sturdiest gig bag I’ve seen! Very plush!
I’d say this guitar is comparable to the Taylor 114ce. Which is very nice for only $649. I’ve always been a sucker for Taylor’s but, I may buy a Martin
Yes it’s fairly comparable. Martin also makes a solid top where is $649 which would be basically a pretty exact equivalent. It all just comes down to what you like. Generically speaking for me as someone who has owned higher end Taylor’s and Martins, Taylor’s sound decent in a really busy mix as they have a pretty thin and bright sound. Martin will give you more body and warmth and always seem to sound more full on there own. It just goes into different wood types and sizes. But usually Taylor’s are brighter across the board. If that’s something you like than go that way. More warmth grab a Martin any day over Taylor.
Since the DX1 in mohagany and Koa are scarce (in my area at least) I'm searching the www for either an Alvarez DB60 or a Seagull Maritime.
Thanks for your comment Arthur! I totally understand wanting to play a guitar before you buy it. I will say, I bought this guitar through Sweetwater and it was one of the first serial numbers Martin shipped. I bought it 2 weeks after it came out. I did not play it before buying and I was not disappointed. That's the great thing about Amazon or Sweetwater, they have excellent return policies. That being said, Alvarez and Seagull are both great options!
Thanks Joshua for review! I want your input on what I should get, its between the Martin GPC Special Koa X Series Grand Performance Acoustic-Electric Guitar Natural or Mitchell T333CE-BST Solid Top Mahogany Auditorium Acoustic-Electric Guitar Edge Burst
Personally having owned had many students who own many levels of Mitchel Guitars I would say you can’t go wrong with a Martin any day!
@@JoshuaKrell ok thank you for your help!
Nice playing!
Question: are the action high on the strings for this particular Martin?
It’s actually setup really well! Action is at superb level. I have had numerous students buy these from different retailers and it’s been very similar setup as well, so quality control seems to be pretty good at Martin still!
@@JoshuaKrell thanks for your time!
Thanks Joshua for the great review. I’m confused if I should get the Taylor 114e/110e or the DX1e. Do you think it’s worth spending around 200$ more for the Taylor? I’m mainly looking for better sound and electronics.
Thank you! I appreciate it! Well the Taylor 100 series isn’t in the same price range as the Martin x series. If you’re looking at the Taylor 114 and 110 honestly I’d also look at Martin’s road series which is the Martin equivalent to the Taylor 100 series. I personally prefer Martin over Taylor any day and that is coming from someone who played at Taylor 414 deluxe for many years.
Hello Josh, great playing! I was wondering if there is any difference between these model and the Martin DX Jhonny Cash?
Thanks Erick! They are basically the same in terms of specs and sound. Both are HPL and have the same electronics.
@@JoshuaKrell thank you for answering! Im looking to buy one of this bad boys and I am a huge fan of Cash, but in my country this one cost like 100€ less 🤔
Definitely wouldn’t be a bad way to go!
Thanks for the review. I'm thinking of getting one and might order one without playing which I'd rather not do. I have a DX1AE with the HPL sides and backs , but a solid top. I love it and it sounds great through my Fishman Mini Loudbox. The HPL is desirable here in humid Florida. Do you know if this one ( The Koa) would sound that much different than my DX1AE with the solid top , plugged in ?
They’re pretty similar man! I have 3 students with the dx1ae and so I’ve had the chance to hear them before side by side and there’s not that the huge of a difference. I have a student with a 1962 d21 that is gorgeous tone and aging and a modern d41 and he loved the sound of the HPL Koa.
@@JoshuaKrell thanks a bunch.
Thank you Kenny! Be sure to subscribe if you haven’t as I’m trying to post a whole lot more guitar content!
Yes sir already do
Thanks man!
Beautiful. Is there a major difference between this one and the GPC Special KOA X Series?
Hey Jared! The only real difference is that the GPC is martin’s grand performance series aka grand auditorium shape with a cutaway whereas the dx1e is a dreadnought body without the cutaway.
@@JoshuaKrellit’s gotta have a different sound though, different body style.
@@JoshuaKrellI’m on the fence between the two also but prefer the Dreadnought shape & boom!
So I have a Taylor Liberty Tree guitar, which will probably be my primary, but I also want a Martin (cause why not, a person can own both Taylor and Martin right? :) and was thinking about getting this one. Because I spent a ton on the Taylor I don't want to spend too much on a Martin, but I'm wondering does this still sound great unplugged. Your video did a great job of highlighting a plugged in sound, but didn't catch what it sounds like unplugged (unless I missed it)
Thanks so much man! They sound a lot better unplugged! There are actually a couple good examples on my channel of what it sounds like mic’d up. Check out my cover of the Witcher Song or Incubus Drive for examples of the recording quality! Those are both live with a mic in front!
You can't play them both at once
So since this is a HPL guitar is there any actual Koa wood in it? Or is it just suppose to look like Koa?
HPL stands for high pressure laminate. There is not a speck of solid wood on here!
I'm concerned about environmental conditions. I recently watched a Rhett Shull video where he needed to take two guitars to the shop because of environmental issues damaging them. I really had no idea until I watched that. So, I'm trying to decide between a DX1e and a LAVA ME PRO carbon fiber. The only thing making me nervous with the Martin is the neck and possibly the bracing. If that were HPL I'd probably run out and buy one. Its laminate neck might still be ok. I just need to find out if there are any neck stability issues with environmental changes.
Do you live in a very humid environment?
@@JoshuaKrell Unfortunately, it's worse than that. My wife controls the thermostat. She can't ever seem to make up her mind what temperature she wants. So, we have 6 to 7 degree temperature differences. That doesn't sound like much...but humidity definitely varies quite a bit. We live in southeast coastal Virginia.
@@skookapalooza2016 oh that definitely makes sense man! Best of luck!
Awesome video! So is this a travel guitar? Like the Taylor GS mini??
Hey, thanks Alfred! It’s not actually a travel guitar at least in size. It is a full size dreadnought. What I meant by travel guitar is it’s super rugged because of the HPL construction. In fact the times I’ve accidentally bumped the guitar into my studio desk which is solid oak, it’s dented the desk and not the guitar.
Wow! That’s a pretty robust design for an acoustic guitar. Sounds amazing though.
Thanks for getting back :) cheers!
Absolutely man! 🤘🏻
What string do you use and size?
Sounds great👍
Thanks man! I use Stringjoys Natural 13 to 56!
Hi Joshua! Recently moved Phoenix, where humidity is often sub 10%. I sold my wooden guitars and bought a RainSong carbon fiber Jumbo. Want another guitar for opening tuning / slide, and Nashville tuning. Seems the HPL tone is brighter? Yes / no? If yes, should sound good with slide and Nashville, yes / no? Lastly, with the laminated neck, it seems that this guitar requires no humidification, is this correct? Thanks!
brighter than carbon fiber maybe? Definitely not brighter than any solid wood top.
@@cooloutac hey! My RainSong carbon fiber jumbo is not bright… it has great bass, and balance. As for playing slide, I bought a Republic Resonator…. Love it!
@@jed1166 oh a carbon fiber guitar very interesting. I've never seen one of those. Ya if you want something bright you would want something with a solid spruce top would be my recommendation. Not the DX1E but instead the DX2E. the DX1E has the HPL on top which sounds very muffled in comparison imo.
@@jed1166 damn bro now i'm gonna be watching videos about your guitar all night lol.
It depends on what you’re comparing HPL to. Ironically, and maybe I got a bad one. But this guitar is the only guitar I’ve owned that’s ever had any issue with humidity…. That’s including all my solid wood guitars. A couple winters ago, it went through a very dry cold spell and the dx1e had 3 frets raise out so much they were playing the same note. None of my solid wood guitars were affected.
Hey Josh, first off, great jamming, second, what mic are you using if you don't mind? and was this recorded with zero processing? or were you running through a daw and treating the sound?
Thanks Preston! Per notes on video that was a Rode NT1. There was no processing of any kind. Straight into Apollo preamp.
never mind, I should have watched more of the video (or read the description) before asking a silly question, LOL.... My fault 🤦🏼 Rode NT1. But, I do wonder if my Slate ML1 would deliver similar if not better results here... (thinking face)...
@@prestonlambeth9368 it’s all good man! If you’re just looking for good sounding with decent ambience in front of a microphone just remember that a microphone will only sound at its best in front of a good source. That being said I’m sure the Slate will give a very similar sound. The whole point of me using a rode in this video was to give a real world test. I have a lot of much higher end mics from Neumann, Lauten, SE, ect but this is a $200 mic that gives you an idea! Also, there are more examples of this guitar on my channel if you want to hear more! I have a couple videos with this guitar mic’d up.
@@JoshuaKrell loved it, great work, my Martin arrives tomorrow! thanks for helping me seal the deal man... I need something that can handle a beating here and there LOL, and still work in the studio. Lets see tomorrow what's up !
@@JoshuaKrell Apollo twin x? if yes, we have the same gear, right on! Although, I usually go through my Slate VMS one, to the Apollo, but I will see how it sounds on my end, without the Slate Pre.. thanks for the quick reply!
I currently have a Cordoba Fusion 12 Maple Nylon String Guitar with a 1.875” Nut width and looking at either
Martin DX2E, Martin D Jr10e or
Seagull S6. Out of these three which one would you recommend the most? Also do you recommend Cherry Sepele or Natural Spruce? I’m looking to get one of these next week unless you have a better recommendation for under 800 :) amazing reviews and playing. I appreciate you’re help. Also it would be nice to know your thoughts on my Cordoba Fusion 12 Maple? It’s my first guitar as I am a beginner but would like to have two guitars 🎸. Thanks again 🎸
Thanks for your kind words! Both the seagull and the x2e are good options. I have students who own both guitars. The Martin is more comfortable to me, it is also much more durable and it performs great for the money. I have a student with a vintage Martin d21 that has aged to perfection as well as a modern d41 deluxe and he spoke very highly of the dx1e after playing it in comparison with both of his martins that are worth easily 10 times the price. Can’t go wrong with Martin. Sapele will be typically warmer than spruce. Sapele is more commonly used as a back and sides wood rather than a top.
@@JoshuaKrell thank you so much! I was almost sold on the Seagull S6 but you might have sold me on the Martin DX1E Mahogany since they are durable and I love that color. How much do you charge for lessons? I normally prefer in person but considering online to get good quality
It’s a great guitar but both are good. I have 7 students with the x series martins now. 2 with the s6. I have been teaching a lot of online lessons in addition to my in person lessons. I’ve actually had some of my in person students move to online not because of distance but because of flexibility so it’s definitely viable. Lessons start out $140/month for 4 half hour lessons and $280/month for 4 full hour lessons! If you’re interested I’d love to talk scheduling. My website is Joshuaguitarlessons.com. If not interested stay tuned to the channel as I am trying to put out more regular content!
@@JoshuaKrell I was originally leaning towards the Seagull S6 because it’s all wood 🪵 and made in Canada 🍁 but now I’m looking at the DX1E. Would you go Koa or Mahogany for the DX1E?
If not my other choice is the
Martin D Jr10e which is all wood 🪵 but I’m worried it might be too small since I’m 6’2”. I’d be interested in giving the lessons a shot but I’m not too sure how I feel about online since I’m an in person type of person. Thank you again kind sir
...Exactly how a guitar should sound......
Thanks for your comment Lonnie! I totally agree!
helloo, apart from the price, what’s the difference between the dx1e and the 000-x2e? im not sure if i should spend a bit more and get a better guitar or if there’s not too much of a difference between them, i play mostly strumming, fingerstyle and percussive
The size is the differing factor. The dx1e is a dreadnought size guitar. The 000-x2e is a triple 0 sized guitar. Typically dreadnoughts are best for strumming. A triple 0 won’t sound as good for strumming but will have a more focused sound for finger style and picking.
@@JoshuaKrell i see, ty!!
Piezo pickups, no matter how bad they are sound a 100 times better if you use an acoustic IR. In fact, I wouldn't use a piezo without adding an IR in post.
Agreed. My player guitars I buy without a pickup and install the LR Baggs anthem.
I used to feel that way. Then I bought a DX1AE with a solid top and run it it through a Fishman Mini Loudbox. Sounds incredible. Always tweaking though. Might give your way a shot.
what’s the difference between this one and the dx2mae?
The dx1e is a HPL Koa and the Dx2mae is a HPL mahogany. I have a student who has the dx2mae.
Is it durable enough for percussive style playing.?
If by percussive playing you mean more like Andy McKee where you are slapping on the body of the guitar than absolutely! It’s way more durable than solid wood. On the occasions I have bumped this into my desk which is solid oak it has dented the desk and not even nicked the guitar. 😅 this is one of the primary reasons I got it for more traveling and for playing around students during in home lessons.
This model doesn't come with a built in chromatic tuner?
It does not!
Compare with cort gold A8 which the best ?
I have never used the A8 personally but from experience with other Cort Models I would never choose that over a Martin of comparable price point. However, the A8 is $400 more expensive. If you are gonna spend $1000 on a guitar the Road series one up from the guitar in this video would I’m sure blow the A8 from Cort out of the water!
What was that cord progression when you were strumming the guitar? It sounds really good on this guitar!
Which section man?
The strumming section? I guess we can call it that haha
In your opinion, which one you prefer between this dx1e koa against taylor academy and taylor gs mini ???
Both are great options. I have 4 students with the GS Mini and 6 students with the Dx1e. I personally would say between the two the DX1e is full sized and so will sound much louder and more full due to that. But if you’re wanting a smaller more comfortable couch guitar or travel guitar the Taylor might be the way to go.
Which do you prefer? The LX1E or that one? Because it has the same price range. Thanks!
Personally the dx1e is full size the lx1e is a small 3/4 size travel guitar. I’d take dx1e any day!
@@JoshuaKrell but considering the solid top on LX1E, will you still pick the DX1E? Also planning to buy a martin but can't decide either what model between the two will I chosse hehe. Thanks!
I have several students who have the Lx1e and despite a solid top it sounds very small obviously in comparison to the full size dx1e.
@@JoshuaKrell ohh... Thank you so much! 😃
You bet!
Awesome! Would you refer this over a cheaper but solid wood guitar? (say, Ibanez AW54CE)?? Or have you got any suggestions on solid wood guiars in this price range?
I would look at Seagull! They do a great job. Also I just bought a guitar from Eastman that kills. It's higher end solid wood but their cheaper stuff is incredible as well!
@@JoshuaKrell which Seagull model would you recommend for under $700? Thank you kind gracious sir
Taylor 10e or Martin dx1e or Martin dx2e?
Btw, loved this video
Between those 3 I would go with the Martin dx2e. The Taylor had a solid spruce top and the dx2e does as well. However what really would decide it for me is the Martin’s 1 3/4 inch nut width. For me it’s much more comfortable and more forgiving. I made a pact with myself after growing up playing narrower necks on acoustic that I would never again buy anything other than 1 3/4”
Thanks for your kind words!
@@JoshuaKrell It’s the one that also had me convinced!
Although I was asking mainly because it will be my first guitar, and hearing that it would be comfortable and amazing to play from you comforts me, and gives me the confidence to choose. Is there any guitar you would recommend besides the Dx2e?
I’m very excited lol
This would be a great first guitar! Most of my students start on much cheaper guitars. So this is a good one! Very comfortable!
Which the best yamaha FG TA or this guitar ?
The Yamaha definitely has some points that the Martin doesn’t. I have a student who picked it up a while ago. Tonally I would say due to solid wood construction it does sound better than this particular Martin, however it also more expensive. I have a number of students with Road series martins (around the same street price as this Yamaha) and I would say they do beat out the Yamaha for sure! So I would say in answer to your question the comparison wouldn’t be a fair one due to this Martin being HPL and the Yamaha being solid wood and more expensive... but point to Yamaha because of those things and the built in FX!
I thought mine was the only one that sounded bad. Sad to see Martin put their name on these.
I wouldn’t say they sound that bad. I wouldn’t use this as my main guitar. I have other solid wood guitars. But it’s great for travel and durability. You have to factor in it is a guitar with not a speck of real wood… HPL has never sounded like solid wood.
Heeyy
I have read several of your comments about this guitar and I notice that you are not entirely convinced with the "wood" issue. With a similar budget, which acoustic guitar would you choose?
@@eduardorojasjimenez883 tbh, nothing will ever beat solid wood. I have recently had a lot of experience with a ton of high end carbon fiber guitars and while it’s great for humidity ect it still isn’t there! For the money man I’d look into Eastman’s line. They make one of the best solid wood guitars on a budget around. I’ve had over 30 of my students in the last year and half buy Eastmans. Across the board they’re fantastic!
Hello it's me again! Hehe. So I recently seen the 0x1e same as the dx1e. Same specs but confused which to buy! I play strumming, plucking, fingerstyle sometimes and percussive sometimes also. I also plug it in. Can you please help me which to buy? Thank you so much! :))
The 0x1e is a much smaller body style then the dreadnought dx1e. Usually smaller bodies are a more focused sounding for fingerpicking but they don't sound as good as a dreadnought will for strumming. I personally wouldn't typically go any smaller than an OM size if it was my main guitar. That being said I have 3 dreadnoughts and an OM amongst my guitars.
@@JoshuaKrell thank you so much! Hope they also made a 000 or OM version of this but they made it in the x2e not in the x1e but it's out of the budget! Haha. Thank you so much anyway! :))
The six people this far that voted the video down are just pissed their door dash order was late.
Haha thanks man! 😊
Does it come with the tear thing (don't know what it's called) on the front of the guitar and if so, can you take it off!!?👍🏻
This particular model does not come with a pick guard. However if you really wanted one Martin sells their pick guards sized for these guitars.
@@JoshuaKrell Another question, is this the updated model for the DXK2AE and where can you plug it in, is it at the very bottom or by where you put it on your leg?
Correct. This basically replaced that model in 2019, I bought the first batch Sweetwater got from Martin. Crazy to think it’s already been almost a year!
@@JoshuaKrell hi there, where can I find Martin pickguards? Buying this model this monday and am the kind of player that really needs a pickguard 😂
Any particular reason you need a pick guard? With the HPL top you’re not going to wear down the finish like you would on a solid wood top. In fact I have put dents in my solid oak desk from accidentally bumping this guitar into the desk with no dents or scratches of any kind on the Martin. If you like it for aesthetics tho, Martin should have them on their website for this one!
These are nice, I have the single 0 version. Of course every guitar player is Andrés Segovia so these are automatically trash since they aren’t wood…rolls eyes.
Great looking guitar, but the sound leaves something to be desired for me. Not what I typically say about martins
It just depends on usage, this is more geared towards beginners/early intermediate players or those who need a more weather resistant guitar. They definitely can’t keep up with solid wood guitars a to b but that being said I have numerous students and clients with higher end martins range from modern back into early 60s that actually were very impressed with this Martin for the money. As someone myself who has owned multiple American made martins I think they did a pretty decent job with this guitar!
You have to hear them in person and play and compare. Honestly, there's not much in it.
go a step up to the DX2E, its the new hidden Gem following the Legacy of the D1 and the original DX1. probably sounds better than a d18 ;) Mexico took the torch and it seems they are keeping the Martin tradition of making the best Martin guitar, at a price for anyone. Its always been why Martin is one of the greatest companies ever. THey won't tell you this but they definitely told their Mexican employees. They are showing their pride with putting Katalox on the fret and bridge.
Orange amp? is for Acoustic guitar???
What do you mean?
@@JoshuaKrell I think he's asking if he can use the Orange amp in your video description with an acoustic guitar. To answer your question, Alexander, yes, you can use any guitar amp with an acoustic-electric guitar.
Yes Alexander you could technically. I wasn’t using the orange in the video, that was straight into the Apollo interface.
Is this full size?
Yes! It’s a full size dreadnought with a nut width of 1 3/4”.
@@JoshuaKrell thank you I appreciate it
This or Little Martin?
It really depends if you want a full size guitar or a smaller 3/4 size.
What do you want more, a small body or the normal body, it’s up to you 👍🏼
Really wanted it until I found out it has a laminate top
Not for everyone for sure as the whole thing is laminate. No real wood. However it’s great for a beginner to early intermediate and is awesome as a travel guitar or if you’re in an environment that needs something weather and humidity resistant.
Great for sitting at a bonfire, bringing to the beach, or camping
sounds terrible compared to the old DX1 with the spruce top. I guess now you have to spend a little more and get the DX2 which is the equivalent of the old DX1.
is this ok for a beginner???
It would make a very pleasant beginner guitar and last you a decent while!
An electric guitar is usually better for a beginner because an acoustic guitar is more likely to hurt your finger tips. Electric guitars tend to be easier on the finger tips.
@@ramencurry6672 thanks for the concern but it’s ok i already got crusted fingers and i love my guitar :))
It sounded kinda bad when the eq was flat and when strumming with a pick... You have better options at that place range.
Thanks for your comment! :) To be fair, the only direct output from a pickup I've heard in a guitar that I loved was the L.R. Baggs Anthem pickup. I have a student that put one in his 1962 Martin D21 and it sounds nearly as good as a mic outside the body. Even still I always prefer I microphone over any pickup. For the money the pickup does the job in this one. It's not stellar but then again I haven't heard one from Fishman that is.. But I agree with you it doesn't sound great with EQ flat, which is why most player's will never leave it flat. It sounds much better with mids scooped out as do most guitars using pickup.There are many great options in this price range, you are correct.
Like what
@@fatmamsallem5287 Most guitars in this price range don't have the greatest electronics till you spend a whole lot more money. The Epiphone Masterbuilt's are nice solid wood body options plus Breedlove has some nice offshore guitars in this price range. If you go a little bit higher you can tap into Martin's Road series which are an awesome solid wood option that sound amazing for the price as well.
the sound from the fishman pickup its very bad
Yes, most at the $500 price range do.
Seagull S6 Mahogany Deluxe beats this easily and for the same price
The S6 is a great option as well. I have several students that have it. The idea is that these martins are more rugged however. This isn’t just about tone but about playability and durability.
@@JoshuaKrell So the Martin plays better? Thinking of getting one of the 2 for my 17yo who turns 18 soon.
The Martin had a slimmer neck and so I’ve found most of my students find it much easier to play on. Due to the HPL too it’s more resilient to more hardcore humidity environments as well which can be a huge plus depending on where you live!
@@JoshuaKrell cool. You're talking me into that one now. Looking for one for my 17 yo son. He plays guitar but just 1st position open chords and maybe Bm and B. Doesn't know the neck well. Trying to encourage him to go further. Tx!
Totally get that! You should check out my cover of incubus drive on my channel. You can see in video how easy it is to move up and down the neck!
nice beginner guitar!
Ive only got electrics now a MIM standrd tele a pearl LP and a squier strat. I think this is gonna be my first acoustic. It looks and sounds like a dream guitar
I preferred an Alvarez over this one
Alvarez makes great guitars as well!
My ears suck! I can only hear the same thing over and over! 😂
Listen on headphones or studio monitors and the difference is very apparent!
punching out due to vocal fry
Coming from Cabinet Making and working with Laminate for 12 years, $600 for a guitar made of compressed paper? Pass... I briefly owned one although it sounded very clean, it doesn't compare to a real wood guitar. I'd sooner buy a vintage Japanese guitar made of quality woods that have been aging for decades and cost less than 1/4 of a new paper guitar...
Paper? please explain.