Martin X Series X1-DE

[texaspicker]

Just picked up a Martin X series X1-DE today. Anyone out there have one of these? Just curious as I was in the mood to buy a guitar under $500 and wasn't sure what I was going to get until I picked this one up and started strumming it. Impressed with the feel and tone, I plugged it in and was blown away by how good it sounded! It comes with the Fishman Sonitone Pickup and needless to say I was really impressed!

I'm a Taylor guy and have 3 Taylor Acoustics. From the GS8, a 214ce and a Taylor 310. But after picking up this quite affordable Martin model made in Mexico, I was really amazed at how nice it was! I especially liked the "Richlite" neck and how smooth it felt.

For anyone looking for a great acoustic electric to start out with and doesn't want to spend a ton of money. This is it!

[Ralph124C41]

I've played those types of guitars for several years, through many different model numbers and features. To me, they all sound like they are wrapped in an old pair of heavy socks.

In other words, muddy and muffled. But that's my opinion. It's sad because I am in my 70s and have never had enough money to buy a Martin ... but even at that I wouldn't buy one.

[macfawlty]

Originally Posted by texaspicker

Just picked up a Martin X series X1-DE today. Anyone out there have one of these? Just curious as I was in the mood to buy a guitar under $500 and wasn't sure what I was going to get until I picked this one up and started strumming it. Impressed with the feel and tone, I plugged it in and was blown away by how good it sounded! It comes with the Fishman Sonitone Pickup and needless to say I was really impressed!

I'm a Taylor guy and have 3 Taylor Acoustics. From the GS8, a 214ce and a Taylor 310. But after picking up this quite affordable Martin model made in Mexico, I was really amazed at how nice it was! I especially liked the "Richlite" neck and how smooth it felt.

For anyone looking for a great acoustic electric to start out with and doesn't want to spend a ton of money. This is it!

It’s not your imagination. I’ve had my Martin 000-x1ae for like, 5 years. I demo’d it for 2 years at GC every time I went in and I always liked it. I had the 000-18GE before it, which is real nice but I ended up trading it because I played the 000x1 most of the time. To this day, that little HPL Guitar is my go-to guitar over all the rest. I can leave it out, toss it in the car, camping, etc. and don’t have to worry about it. I’d like to buy a 2nd one for no good reason. Most important, I really love the sound of it. The HPL has a warmer, deeper tone, which sounds nice in a small body and it takes a flatpick really well without overdriving the top. I really play that thing hard. My Little Martin Felix is also HPL F/B/S and sounds better than the One with the wood top. Only the neck is wood.

[magazine]

Just got a little x and am impressed with the stratabond and richlite. Honestly if this hpl holds up to the abuse I suspect it can, I'll be getting a bigger one in the future.

[lowrider]

I sold my first MartinX to a friend who has a d-18. He wanted it to take out when he didn't want to take his good guitar. He still has it and he's still happy with it.

Last year I got another, a GPCX 20th Anniversary with a hardwood neck and Morado (Bolivian Rosewood) fretboard and bridge. I got a great deal on it, new, locally. It stays at my Upstate house. When I take it to my jam group up here someone will always say how good it sounds! I also have my Dread Jr here but I never play it anymore. The MartinX has taken it's spot. Soon I'll sell off the Dread Jr.

This year Martin is banking a lot on the X, with a lot of upgraded models. So the Nay-Sayers, like Ralph, better get used to them.

[texaspicker]

Originally Posted by magazine

Just got a little x and am impressed with the stratabond and richlite. Honestly if this hpl holds up to the abuse I suspect it can, I'll be getting a bigger one in the future.

That’s what I like about it. You don’t feel stressed out about it getting nicked or abused. It plays like a dream and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Great guitar for the money! And it has that Martin look and stamp on it, without all the D-45 bling and cost!

[whvick]

Originally Posted by magazine

Just got a little x and am impressed with the stratabond and richlite. Honestly if this hpl holds up to the abuse I suspect it can, I'll be getting a bigger one in the future.

They do hold up well, but remember that HPL is closer to Formica than wood. If you hit it wrong it does not crack, it shatters. If repairable it will be big and ugly.

[whvick]

I bought my daughter a 000XM 18 years ago hoping it would handle the humidity at summer camp. I played it a lot when she was young. For the last ten years she has not played it, and it was in the case under her bed.
On my last visit I found that the front was separating from the lower side. I brought it home and the luthier was able to get it glued back. I was thinking water damage but he thought it was from heat like too close to a vent or space heater.
Regardless it is playing again. Remarkable that Martin can get a decent sound from Formica.
I have heard comments that it is really neat, and also “shame on Martin for pushing a plasticized Formica guitar.
I do not regret buying it for her as the neck is quite playable, and with new strings it does not sound bad for a cheap guitar (this was the lowest end of the line...all HPL, no wood except neck). However, I don’t know that I would recommend one either.
Congrats on your new guitar. I hope it is great for you.
IMG_5446.jpgIMG_5439.jpg

[macfawlty]

Originally Posted by magazine

Just got a little x and am impressed with the stratabond and richlite. Honestly if this hpl holds up to the abuse I suspect it can, I'll be getting a bigger one in the future.

You don’t need the bigger one. It’s plenty loud and so comfortable to play on the sofa compared to a big dreadnaught. It doesn’t get dings on the B/S. I don’t prefer the sound of the bigger x series compared to real wood, but they sound a lot better than most of the lesser brand all wood guitars.

[macfawlty]

Originally Posted by whvick

I bought my daughter a 000XM 18 years ago hoping it would handle the humidity at summer camp. I played it a lot when she was young. For the last ten years she has not played it, and it was in the case under her bed.
On my last visit I found that the front was separating from the lower side. I brought it home and the luthier was able to get it glued back. I was thinking water damage but he thought it was from heat like too close to a vent or space heater.
Regardless it is playing again. Remarkable that Martin can get a decent sound from Formica.
I have heard comments that it is really neat, and also “shame on Martin for pushing a plasticized Formica guitar.
I do not regret buying it for her as the neck is quite playable, and with new strings it does not sound bad for a cheap guitar (this was the lowest end of the line...all HPL, no wood except neck)

Yes, it’s possible for the top to separate on the non-wood top models and I wouldn’t recommend that one. I experienced that with my Little Martin Felix when my son was banging it on the carpet to get a pick out of it. He was 4 or 5 at the time. I got it fixed though.

[catdaddy]

Originally Posted by macfawlty

It’s not your imagination. I’ve had my Martin 000-x1ae for like, 5 years. I demo’d it for 2 years at GC every time I went in and I always liked it. I had the 000-18GE before it, which is real nice but I ended up trading it because I played the 000x1 most of the time. To this day, that little HPL Guitar is my go-to guitar over all the rest. I can leave it out, toss it in the car, camping, etc. and don’t have to worry about it. I’d like to buy a 2nd one for no good reason. Most important, I really love the sound of it. The HPL has a warmer, deeper tone, which sounds nice in a small body and it takes a flatpick really well without overdriving the top. I really play that thing hard. My Little Martin Felix is also HPL F/B/S and sounds better than the One with the wood top. Only the neck is wood.

I picked up a 000-X1AE last year. I'm amazed that Martin can produce a guitar that plays and sounds this good at a price point south of $500 street price. It gets as much playing time as any of my other more expensive guitars. As someone who has not preferred anything but dreads and jumbos in the past, I find your comment about the warmer, deeper tone of this model to be spot on. A small body guitar with a tone that a dread-lover can appreciate.

[Naboz]

I have a 2005 DX1-R, bought used; it is really unique in that it has real (rose)wood for the fretboard and bridge...and was made in Nazareth, USA!
It was on the selling block for a while, then I changed brands of strings searching for what might make it acceptable to me. It is now getting loads of playing time; I am normally a GHS string user, but I went from GHS Bluegrass 85/15, to J. Pearse PB Lights, and it has become a DADGAD favorite. And it's really a bonus considering what I paid for it!

[Ralph124C41]

Originally Posted by lowrider

This year Martin is banking a lot on the X, with a lot of upgraded models. So the Nay-Sayers, like Ralph, better get used to them.

Wow. I wake up, get my morning coffee and read this personal attack against me. Not cool. I thought I was allowed to voice my opinion on this forum. Well I guess I was wrong.

I said that it was "my opinion" as I know the "X" series has been a big seller for Martin. I have been disappointed in the ones I've played ... and as I've said I've played many models for the past two or three years.

If you like the sound of the guitar, that's fine. Bashing me for my personal opinion is not.