Little Martin LX1 vs Little Martin LXM

gcrr · #1 12-15-2016, 02:35 PM

I'm leaning towards getting a Little Martin to learn on because I really like the size, but i'm torn on the LX1 and LXM...

You would think the LX1 would be the better buy because it has a solid top but a lot of the reviews I have read said the all lamanite LXM sounded better which is confusing.

Earl49 · #2 12-15-2016, 03:01 PM

The all-HPL version usually sounds decent, better than the solid-topped Baby Taylor IMO. The solid top on the other one will eventually open up and sound a little richer with significant aging and play time. However, buy for today's sound and don't let potential future gains sway you unduly.

I presume that you have played both personally, not just looked on line at photos and specs. Odds are one or the other will "speak" to you more. The HPL version will be almost impervious to low humidity issues, but the solid topped one will still need humidity care.

Rev Tim T · #3 12-15-2016, 03:11 PM

I've played plenty of both and owned the LX1. If you can swing the $ go with the solid top (LX1). If you can find one I'd try the older Ed Sheeran model with the mahogany top. While I don't really like the looks as a whole the mahogany in my opinion has a deeper, richer sound plus I like having the electronics - especially the built in tuner. When I found one I sold my LX1.

Tim

rmoretti49 · #4 12-15-2016, 03:35 PM

I bought the LXM because of the reviews mentioned by the OP. I have found that experimenting with different strings can make quite a difference in tone. Logic tells me that the LX1 would sound better because of the solid wood top, though that may not be true. Martin's HPL guitars can sound surprisingly good. Of course, if you are going to play plugged in, I don't thin any of this matters much.

gcrr · #5 12-15-2016, 06:09 PM

I'm thinking of getting the LX1E and upgrading to a bone saddle like someone suggested.

catfish · #6 12-16-2016, 02:57 AM

Tried both LXM and LX1 at the shop, got an LX1. To my ears, it sounded ways cleaner and open, LXM sounded to me a bit muffled.

I had Baby Taylor for about 3 years before, and to my ears LX1 sounds better.

Doxyshusband · #7 12-16-2016, 07:07 AM

If you are buying it to learn on, you will soon have a larger, solid wood guitar, at least a solid top. The little Martin will be a travel guitar. I think the HPL will be better at facing all conditions than any other. I have one and can tell you that it sounds pretty good. We also have an Ed Sheehan model because my wife just loves the guy. Is there a big difference? No. the way to make just about any small guitar sound better if you are strumming is to learn to strum with a light touch on the strings. Finally, the way to get a little Martin to sound better is through the string choice that appeals to you. Try strings that have much different tonal quality and don't worry about which of these guitars you buy. I recommend the hpl because in six months you will have another guitar anyway and you won't play the tiny one half as much. I have tried lots of strings on my Martin, some prove unsuitable. Silk and steel don't help it but they sure make it easier to play. I have liked the Martin retro strings at times. But in truth, I never play it much. A slightly bigger all laminate guitar that generally comes well set up out of the box is a little Fender parlor. $200 tops but you do need a gig bag. It is slightly larger but not much. Give that a try, too. It is closer in feel to whatever your future guitar is and will sound comparable. Unless you are going to plug in, and then the amp will matter more than which Martin you get. As long as its got electronics you can choose either Martin.

ohYew812 · #8 12-16-2016, 08:52 AM

Have you considered the all-solid wood Martin Dread Jr?

It's not really that much more money, but it is a LOT more guitar.

catfish · #9 12-16-2016, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doxyshusband

... I think the HPL will be better at facing all conditions than any other. I have one and can tell you that it sounds pretty good.

I have no doubts that to someone all-HPL LXM may sound better -- we all perceive the tone differently, but regarding the durability/change of temp/humidity I think the fears that solid-top LX1 will fail in critical conditions seems to be exagerated.
My old Baby Taylor with solid spruce top was with me in dire situations many times, now I have a new LX1 and do not worry much that it will crack or anything. These are built like a tank

StringFive · #10 12-18-2016, 02:02 PM

I opted for the LXM and really like it. I have lots of other solid wood guitars, so a full HPL guitar had appeal.. I think it sounds great. Better, in fact, than the Baby Taylor we had prior, and stays in tune better. And since the XLM is nearly indestructible it gets played. We use it for travel, but also banging (literally) around the house. Good couch guitar. You can see my video review here http://firsttimeguitarbuyer.com/review-martin-lxm/

Greg Rappleye · #11 12-18-2016, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ohYew812

Have you considered the all-solid wood Martin Dread Jr?

It's not really that much more money, but it is a LOT more guitar.

This is great advice. If you possibly can, bump up to the Dreadnought Junior.

Greg Rappleye

TwoMartinMan · #12 12-18-2016, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg Rappleye

This is great advice. If you possibly can, bump up to the Dreadnought Junior.

I agree. It's worth the extra investment to get the Dreadnought Jr. The LXM and LX1 are no comparison to a solid wood guitar.

rmoretti49 · #13 12-18-2016, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoMartinMan

I agree. It's worth the extra investment to get the Dreadnought Jr. The LXM and LX1 are no comparison to a solid wood guitar.

I've played the Martin D Jr, and it is definitely a much better sounding guitar than the LXM. But it is also significantly larger in size, pushing the limits of what can be considered a travel guitar.

nmrk · #14 12-19-2016, 12:39 AM

I think the little martins, regardless from what version you use, are so far from what a good non-amped acoustic sounds like it doesn't really matter what version you choose. Every one of them left me thoroughly unimpressed tbh, but i can see it has it's uses.

catfish · #15 12-19-2016, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmrk

I think the little martins, regardless from what version you use, are so far from what a good non-amped acoustic sounds like it doesn't really matter what version you choose. Every one of them left me thoroughly unimpressed tbh, but i can see it has it's uses.

That's true, Little Martins does not compare to either Dr Jr or full size guitars, but put a set of fresh strings, sit in a small room and it may speak to you.

I often play it very late in the evening at the kitchen, while other family members gone to sleep, and love it for that purpose. It is also easy to grab it and play a few things while in a hurry.