Granted, the Little Martin series is designed to be more affordable than most other Martin offerings, but is this particular model worthy of serious consideration? Find out in this in-depth Martin LX1E review.

Rating: 4.5/5

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Martin LX1E Review: Is This the Little Powerhouse Acoustic You’ve Been Looking For?

The Martin LX1E may be best known as one of pop icon Ed Sheeran’s main acoustic-electric instruments.

This small, easily transported acoustic-electric boasts the iconic Martin Acoustic branding and aesthetic that has made them arguably the most popular acoustics of all.

Much like their larger LX2E model, the LX1E is a far more affordable option than most all other Martin offerings.

For over 180 years, C.F. Martin Guitars has been producing the very best acoustic guitars out there.

This LX1E makes it even easier for you to get your hands on one, whether you’re a beginner or pro.

Overview

Martin’s LX1E is built around two major concepts: building a high quality travel guitar and providing a gig-ready acoustic.

With exception of the Backpacker, the LX1E is Martin’s smallest guitar, making it light and easy on the player regardless of size or experience. Plus, it packs a Fishman Sonitone pickup letting you plug in and play when the need arises.

This versatility is what makes the Martin LX1E such an appealing option. It’s suited for a wide variety of roles, whether it’s world wide touring like Ed Sheeran, or bed room practicing.

Who Would Get the Most Out It?

The sub-$500 price tag makes the Martin LX1E a more high end beginner option. On the other hand, it’s an incredibly affordable gig-ready guitar for more experienced players as well.

These two statements come together to show that the Martin LX1E is really a “one size fits all” solution. That being said, the smaller body size does it make easier for beginners or players of small stature.

Martin’s quality control and trusted name make it an easy investment for even the least educated acoustic guitar shopper.

What Comes With The Martin LX1E?

Unlike some of its competitors, the Martin LX1E is not currently sold as part of a beginner bundle.

While these beginner bundles are incredibly convenient, they often don’t feature guitars of this quality. The Martin LX1E with Fishman Sonitone Pickup does come with a high quality, padded gig bag.

Martin’s padded gig bag and the compact body of the LX1E make it incredibly easy to pick up and play around the house or to take it on the road.

LX1E Features & Specs

Martin’s LX1E acoustic-electric guitar packs plenty of quality features into its small package. The body boasts Mahogany high-pressure laminate on the back and sides with a solid Sitka Spruce top.

The Spruce top features a classic natural Satin finish that has adorned many of the classic Martin guitars we all know and love. A Fishman Sonitone acoustic-electric pickup powers the plug-and-play readiness of the LX1E.

This pickup can be controlled by two dials within the body of the acoustic, a popular feature of all Fishman Sonitone-equipped products.

The LX1E also boasts a compact 23” scale length and can be purchased in both righty and lefty configurations.

Highlights

• Acoustic-electric thanks to Sonitone Pickup
• High quality acoustic sounds
• Solid Sitka Spruce top
• Includes padded gig bag

Playing the Martin LX1E

The Martin LX1E is a pretty straightforward instrument. With only two knobs, for volume and tone, the electronics couldn’t be simpler.

Just plug in and play right after you tune up your new LX1E. The included gig bag also lets you take your guitar on the go right after you get it.

Want to take it to a gig? Play it on the beach? Wherever you want to take it, the LX1E will go. Check out this helpful demo of the Martin LX1E and its electric-acoustic applications!

Martin LX1E Review: Key Points

Alternative Instruments

Final Thoughts On The Martin LX1E

Acoustic-electric guitars are sometimes hard to judge, as some see them as less necessary unless you’re a very specific type of player.

That may be true, but the Martin LX1E should be seen as a really versatile model. It can be taken around to wherever you want to strum a few acoustic chords while being plugged into an amp or PA system later that night at a gig.

From coffee houses to picnic blankets, the Martin LX1E with Fishman Sonitone pickup is an affordable and trustworthy option for musicians of all levels. 

If you’ve always dreamed of owning a Martin acoustic, this may be your best bet at getting a useable, reliable, and sweet sounding instrument!

The post Martin LX1E Review (A Big Little Guitar At A Surprising Price) first appeared on GuitarNiche.

If you’re prepared to make a significant investment on an instrument, you’re no doubt looking for a solid build along with playability, resonance, and various other subtleties that make a particular acoustic guitar speak to you.

Great Acoustic Guitars For Less Than $2,000

Compare Select Instruments:
#1 Best Acoustic Under $2000 Gibson Acoustic J-45 Studio		(4.9)	Fantastic projection and warm bass tones
#2 Best Modern Acoustic Taylor 224ce-K DLX		(4.2)	Sounds better with age
#3 Best Value In A Heritage Brand Martin D-15M		(4.5)	Rich, vibrant tone
#4 Legendary Acoustic Electronics Takamine Legacy EF341SC		(3.8)	Mahogany neck + rosewood fretboard for playability
#5 Best Affordable Modern Acoustic  Taylor 214ce Deluxe		(4.2)	Sitka spruce top is excellent for strumming
#6 Traditional Triple-0 Tone Martin 000-15M		(4.7)	All-mahogany build for powerful and warm tone qualities
#7 Best Parlor-Sized Value Guild M-20		(3.7)	Warm, balanced mahogany tone

We certainly hope you find this article helpful, informative and unbiased. Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Top 7 Acoustic Guitars Under $2,000 In Review

1. Gibson Acoustic J-45 Studio

(4.9)

Best Features Fantastic projection and warm bass tones Cutting-edge acoustics Walnut helps it age brilliantly Mahogany helps tame the high frequencies

Specs Walnut fretboard and body Fishman Sonitone pickups Extremely unique and memorable tone A quality Gibson below $2,000

A Masterfully Made Guitar

This is a “workhorse” acoustic-electric guitar from one of the world’s most popular guitar manufacturers, Gibson.

Gibson sits side-by-side with Fender when it comes to the world’s most popular guitar manufacturers. Although they make electric guitars as well, Gibson’s acoustic game is strong, to say the least.

The J-45 studio is a dreadnought round-shoulder instrument with warm bass tones and fantastic projection. The J-45 offers brilliant playability and cutting-edge acoustics.

Highlights

The premium Sitka top brings tremendous amounts of presence to this guitar’s tonal properties.

On the back and on the sides, walnut is used, which is somewhere between rosewood and maple when it comes to tonality, but it’s similar to Koa, when it comes to the clarity brought on by high frequencies. Like Koa, walnut ages gracefully, in terms of tone. The fretboard is also walnut.

The J-45 Studio has Fishman Sonitone electronics which sound as clear as day. Fishman is a renowned guitar pickups company, popular for tonal clarity on their electric and acoustic pickup models.

Gibson Acoustic J-45 Studio Key Features

• Walnut body with Sitka spruce top
• Mahogany clarity to tame the high frequencies
• Walnut bridge to accompany the body
• Fishman Sonitone pickups with brilliant clarity
• 75” scale length – slightly shorter than standard

Truly Memorable

Even though it’s still considered a mid-range guitar, Gibson Acoustic J-45 Studio is an instrument of extreme quality. You can try hundreds of excellent acoustic guitars, but the tone you hear coming out of the J-45 is truly unique and memorable. It’s built with great care and attention to detail.

Gibson-Level Prices

Gibson is a brand that’s notorious for its high-priced instruments. Although the J-45 doesn’t go over $2,000, it is at a fairly high price point. Still, you get a high-quality piece of gear, no one’s denying that.

Gibson Acoustic J-45 Studio Review in Review

Check Gibson Acoustic J-45 Studio Availability >>

2. Taylor 224ce-K DLX

(4.2)

Best Features Sounds better with age Resonant Sparkling highs, stable mids Comfortable neck

Specs Koa build Shaded edgeburst Sapele neck Forward shifted pattern body bracing

Full Koa Tone

This is a top-quality shaded edgeburst and layered Koa acoustic-electric guitar from a world-renowned acoustic guitar manufacturer, Taylor.

Taylor is one of the world leaders in the acoustic guitar production business. Although the price tag on Taylor 224ce-K DLX doesn’t feel very comfortable, its full-Koa body, fantastic resonance, and rich tone justify it.

A Great-Sounding Guitar That Gets Better as It Ages

Taylor is a widely popular and renowned guitar manufacturer that specializes in acoustic guitars. Thanks to the Hawaiian Koa predominant build, this Taylor guitar brings sparkling highs and solid mids to the table, wrapped with nice crisp snappiness.

The unique thing about this guitar’s Hawaiian Koa build is the growing range of sweetness, richness, and resonance over time.

Plug in this acoustic-electric guitar, and the ES2 electronics will give you a rich amplified tone without diminishing any of its acoustic properties.

Brilliant resonance and great EQ qualities have no impact on playability, though. And playability is just as important as a guitar’s sound properties.

The stiff Sapele neck will appeal to guitarists who want uninterrupted comfort while playing. Thanks to its stiffness, however, the feel that it has and the sound that it produces remain powerful.

Taylor 224ce-K DLX Key Features

• Amazingly, thanks to the Koa-predominant construction, the 224ce-K actually starts sounding better as it ages
• Neck is very comfortable but still capable of delivering powerful sound and tone
• The ES2 electronics amplify the brilliant acoustic properties of this Taylor guitar without compromise
• Gorgeous looking – the top wood is solid Hawaiian Koa, while the back and the sides are Layered Koa with Koa veneer
• Gold tuners fit this guitar’s style perfectly

The Best Taylor Model for the Price

Don’t misunderstand us – Taylor 244ce-K DLX is arguably the best Taylor acoustic guitar for under $2,000.

Still, the feature that shines the brightest on it is the amazing Koa-based build. This tonewood is immensely stable, without sounding dull.

The ES2 electronics were a perfect choice here, as they are capable of providing (picking up) the most realistic tonal picture from an acoustic guitar. Other than that, it looks brilliant, and all the parts work perfectly.

Maple Might’ve Been Better

Although ebony is the most common fretboard wood type, we feel that a maple fretboard would help bring out even more sparkling brightness out of this guitar without compromising the mids.

Still, this is not to say that ebony doesn’t work great here; just that we think that maple would’ve been a better choice. Roasted flamed maple would’ve been a great choice. It’s also one of the priciest guitars on this list.

Taylor 224ce-K DLX Review in Review

Read the Latest Taylor 224ce-K DLX Reviews >>

3. Martin D-15M

(4.5)

Best Features Rich, vibrant tone Comfortable satin neck Resonance Elegant appearance

Specs 1940s Style 15 throwback Satin neck finish Very complex, dark, rich voice Perfect for singers

1940s Guitar from a 180-Year-Old Brand

This is a throwback Martin guitar that brings elegance, tonal richness, and comfort to the player’s hands.

Martin is a guitar manufacturer that has been around for more than 180 years. Over time, their guitars have changed but the quality of their builds has remained top-notch.

The Martin D-15M is a perfect representation of that craftsman’s attention to detail. It’s a throwback to the 1940s Style 15 models, and what a throwback it is!

All-Mahogany Guitar Dreadnought

Mahogany is among the most resonant tonewoods out there. Typically, a manufacturer will choose to use it for the guitar’s body.

The Martin D-15M is an all-mahogany guitar, with the top, back, sides, and the neck made out of solid mahogany.

This gives the guitar a surprisingly dark and full voice, which is astonishing in its complexity. This perfectly complements a higher voice.

Don’t expect a fancy-looking guitar here. Its elegance is reflected in its simplicity and straightforward looks.

And, of course, its mahogany build. To supplement the complex, dark, and rich voice, Martin has gone with the traditional rosewood fretboard here.

The neck feels comfortable, making the guitar very easy to play. The satin-finished neck makes sure that your thumb glides smoothly up and down it.

This is a dreadnought-style guitar – bolder, larger body than most guitars, for a richer, louder tone.

Martin D-15M Key Features

• Rich, vibrant voice brought to you by a solid, genuine, all-mahogany build
• The rich sound goes hand in hand with the rosewood fretboard
• Minimalist elegance
• Dreadnought guitar
• Natural color for extra minimalism
• Satin neck for extra playability

The Best of Both Worlds

We’ve always loved the simple, respectable looks of the Style 15 guitars but never appreciated the ancient build.

The D-15M’s build brings the best of both worlds, plus it emphasizes comfort. It is very playable; we love the low oval neck carve. This is absolutely the best acoustic dreadnought guitar under $2,000 that you’ll find out there.

Could’ve Used Electronics

There isn’t a whole lot that we have to say against this model. But, the fact remains, no matter how well it fits the singer-songwriter style, it doesn’t come with any electronics.

And, loud as it is, bringing a regular microphone to the soundhole will provide a muddy picture for this guitar’s brilliant rich and vibrant tone. An optional electronics system would’ve been nice here.

Martin D-15M Review in Review

What are Martin D-15M Players Saying? >>

4. Takamine Legacy EF341SC

(3.8)

Best Features Mahogany neck + rosewood fretboard for playability Gorgeous black gloss finish Cutaway provides easyaccess to higher frets Maple-cedar combo delivers tight lows and warm highs

Specs CT4B II preamp Maple back and sides Solid cedar top Bruce Springsteen’s choice

Pricey Cheap Guitar

This is a handcrafted acoustic-electric guitar with a dreadnought body from the renowned brand Takamine.

Takamine is a company that generally produces mid-range guitars. They are widely renowned for their affordable prices. The Legacy EF341SC isn’t exactly a “cheap” model.

Expect a quality build and great resonance. The CT4B II preamp successfully replicates the Legacy’s sound, so you don’t have to worry about its stage performance.

Bruce Springsteen’s All-Round Dreadnought of Choice

Diversity has always been a part of Takamine’s style. With the Takamine Legacy EF341SC, the company has created an instrument for all acoustic needs, cozy or on the stage.

The EF341SC has been a part of Bruce Springsteen’s arsenal for decades now for good reasons – its versatility and all-round capability.

The Legacy EF341SC is probably the best acoustic guitar for strumming on this list. But this doesn’t mean that it doesn’t sound absolutely brilliant for flatpicking.

Thanks to the tonally accurate CT4B II preamp, every playing intensity, from gentle fingerpicking to aggressive strumming, is sonically portrayed in the most brilliant way. The CTB4B II preamp has a 3-band EQ, as well as an accurate tuner.

Thanks to a very comfy cutaway, the player can effortlessly access those upper frets. This cutaway also gives it a modern, fresh look.

The top wood is solid cedar, while you can find maple on its back and sides. The neck is made out of resonant mahogany, and the fretboard is rosewood.

Takamine Legacy EF341SC Key Features

• CT4B II preamp with a 3-band EQ and a tuner
• Solid cedar top, maple on back and sides, mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard
• Fantastic tonal properties for fingerpicking, flatpicking, and strumming
• Cutaway for higher string access
• Sleek black appearance

Stage-Worthy but Cozy

Takamine guitars aren’t expensive, so you can rest assured that you get a fantastic instrument at this price range. The guitar itself sounds perfectly resonant – you get a powerful low end, very clear highs, as well as complex mids.

But it’s the CT4B II preamp that truly blew our minds, but then again Takamine has always been known for excellent acoustic electronics.

If you’re looking for a guitar that sounds equally good in room conditions and on the stage and plugged in, the Legacy EF341SC might just be your last stop for many years to come.

The Wood is Close

The choice of wood here is decent. That’s it. If the manufacturer went with, say, an all-mahogany build, we are certain that this guitar would’ve deserved and gotten a much heftier price tag.

But, more importantly, it would bring better tonal and feel properties to the table. Still, the guitar sounds and feels better than many $2,000+ guitars.

Takamine Legacy EF341SC Review in Review

Check Takamine Legacy EF341SC Availability >>

5. Taylor 214ce Deluxe

. (4.2)

Best Features Sitka spruce top is excellent for strumming Ebony fingerboard and Sapele neck for fast playing ES2-guaranteed natural amplified sound Grand Auditorium shape

Specs Popular with recording engineers Layered rosewood back and sides Brilliant for fingerpicking and strumming Fantastic treble zing

Sounds Bigger Than It Is

This is an acoustic-electric guitar with a Grand Auditorium body that brings dreadnought-level depth and width but features a tapered waist and a contoured body.

The world’s leading acoustic guitar company is back with a beautifully contoured, modern-looking Grand Auditorium guitar.

A blind test of this guitar would amaze you – it sounds like a dreadnought model, but it’s got a tapered waist, making it appear much smaller.

The Recording Engineer’s Favorite

When you hear that a guitar is a recording engineer’s favorite model, that means much more than you probably think.

This says a lot about its sound quality. The Taylor 214ce Deluxe has particular treble zing that all the sound engineers (and most guitar players) simply adore because it helps clarify note definition. When recording music, you’ll want instruments to sound as clear as day.

Although the 214ce Deluxe can follow through with every playing style, fingerpicking and medium strumming is where its heart is at. This guitar isn’t for heavy strummers, but a thinner pick makes strumming sit perfectly in a mix.

The wonderfully balanced and clear tone here is owed to the solid Sitka spruce top, in combination with rosewood on the sides and on the back.

This model features Taylor’s proprietary ES2 system, which does a great job of accurately reproducing the instrument’s natural tone.

Taylor 214ce Deluxe Key Features

• Balanced and clear tone, ideal for recording
• The ES2 system accurately reproduces the guitar’s natural tone on stage
• Treble zing that sharpens the note definition
• Tapered waist and contoured body make the 214ce look smaller
• Sitka spruce top with rosewood on the back and on the sides

Great Woods for Balanced Tone

Taylor 214ce Deluxe performs remarkably well when it comes to recording. Clear tones and great tonal balance are to be expected here.

However, thanks to the ES2 system, the 214ce is favored by many live performers. The tonewoods of choice work great – they accentuate the treble zing, while balancing the tone out.

A Gentle Beast

This guitar is not for heavy strummers. The balance that the treble zing provides can easily go overboard if impacted by high velocity strumming. Still, using a thinner pick can help here.

Taylor 214ce Review in Review

Read the latest Taylor 214ce Reviews >>

6. Martin 000-15M

(4.7)

Best Features All-mahogany build for powerful and warm tone qualities For strummers and fingerstyle players Dark wood complements the warm tone Reasonable price

Specs Complete satin finish Classic build Extremely cheap Unparalleled craftsmanship

This One’s a Steal

This is a very reasonably priced Martin instrument of quality tonewoods and brilliant craftsmanship.

Martin guitars have sort of a typical look to them. This is why Martin guitars are so easy to recognize. The 000-15M model has the recognizable Martin first-class craftsmanship.

This model’s build is just amazing, with the best tonewoods out there and fantastic craftsmanship. At this level of quality, getting a guitar for such a low price is a real steal.

Unparalleled Resonance

First of all, we’re talking about an all-mahogany build here. This means that the top, the back, the side, and the neck are made out of solid genuine mahogany. This brings unparalleled resonance to the table.

The Martin 000-15M may not be a dreadnought guitar but, thanks to the mahogany build and the rosewood fretboard, you can expect warm, balanced tones. Whether you’re a fingerstyle enthusiast or prefer strumming, the 000-15M won’t disappoint you.

Martin 000-15M Key Features

• All-mahogany build
• First-class Martin craftsmanship
• Classic, sleek appearance
• Warm and balanced tones
• Satin finish

Warm Satin Sleekness

The price tag here is definitely lower than the value of this guitar. The tonewoods used are simply amazing and brilliantly crafted – that, accompanied with the satin finish evokes a classic, sleek vibe.

In terms of craftsmanship, it’s unparalleled here, like on most Martin models. The guitar itself is very playable and comfortable, and the tones it provides are warm and well-balanced.

No Electronics

Unfortunately, there are no electronics on this guitar. Some people will like this and others will be deterred by it. But, in reality, this isn’t the world’s best acoustic guitar.

$1,000 to $2,000 is the price range we’re talking about on this list, and being closer to the former number is always desirable, which is exactly what the 000-15M offers. At this price range, you can’t expect a cool electronics system.

Martin 000-15M Review in Review

Check Martin 000-15M Availability >>

7. Guild M-20

(3.7)

Best Features Warm, balanced mahogany tone Free wood vibration thanks to the satin finish The comfort of the concert body style Gorgeous vintage looks

Specs Concert-style (very compact) Its satin finish enhances its tonal properties You feel its magic instantly Extremely clear tone

A Reintroduction of an Old Star

This is a compact concert body-style guitar from Guild. It’s also one of first guitars from the brand.

Guild is a guitar manufacturer based in the US that has been making guitars for well over six decades. Back in 1967, Guild produced their very first acoustic guitar.

The M-20 is the modern version of the 1967 model. By reintroducing this compact concert body guitar made out of solid mahogany, Guild has rounded up many new fans. We are one of them.

A Comfy, Tone-Rich Model

Usually, all-mahogany acoustic guitars are larger models, like dreadnoughts. The Guild M-20 is a concert-style guitar, meaning that it’s compact. Still, it features an all-mahogany build.

It’s top, back, sides, and neck are solid mahogany, which helps produce a warm, clear tone that doesn’t get muddy or shrill. Thanks to the rosewood fretboard and bridge, the M-20’s harmonic overtones are even further enhanced.

The biggest problem with large guitars is body comfort. Concert guitars, on the other hand, are built with lack of obstruction in mind.

The M-20 tone is midrange-focused, which further enhances the intensity and clarity of each note on the fretboard.

Guild M-20 Key Features

• Vintage appearance, to account for the original model’s look
• Warm, balanced, all-mahogany tone
• Clear sonic qualities
• Satin finish looks great and helps the wood vibrate
• Balanced sound of a concert body style

Extremely Well-Balanced Concert Body Guitar

Everyone can fall in love with all-mahogany builds. This is a tried and true way to evoke warm, balanced, and beautiful tones.

The all-mahogany construction works in tune with the concert build to bring out midrange-focused tones.

This means that clarity and intensity are to be expected here. The rosewood fretboard was a perfect choice – anything else would’ve disrupted the perfect tonal balance.

Not a Lot of Features

This is a guitar, plain and simple. It isn’t especially large and it doesn’t have any electronics. Although this model’s price tag isn’t mind-boggling,

it isn’t the best acoustic under $2,000. But this is the kind of a guitar that you try, and feel its magic instantly.

Though it lacks electronics, an LR Baggs Element pickup system would be a perfect upgrade for this instrument.

Guild M-20 Review in Review

What Do Guild M-20 Owners Think? >>

Buyer’s Guide

Guitars are complex instruments. There is a wide variety of things to consider when shopping for the best acoustic guitar for under $2,000. Allow us to help you out here.

What Acoustic Guitar Has the Lowest Action?

Before we get to our preferred choice, a little explanation: the lower the action, the closer the strings are to the frets.

As a result, the lower the action, the less effort you need to put into fretting a note/chord while playing. This doesn’t make a guitar better, but some people certainly prefer their acoustic guitars that way.

To an extent, action can be lowered on any guitar. On electric guitars, this is done in one of two ways: by adjusting the truss rod from the headstock end of the guitar and by lowering the strings from the bridge part of the instrument.

On acoustic guitars, you can’t lower the action from the bridge side of things, as it is set in place. You can use certain tools to adjust an acoustic guitar’s bridge, but these changes are permanent. Have an expert set this up for you.

But getting a guitar with a low action in the first place is the best idea here. Taylor guitars are famous for their low action and playability. From our list, Taylor 214ce Deluxe has the lowest action.

How Do I Know if My Guitar Action is Too High?

Action that’s too high can be a matter of taste. Some people prefer comfort when playing, while others like guitars that “fight back.” Too low action will result in dead and dull fretted notes.

This requires raising the action by turning the truss rod end on the headstock counter-clockwise.

A high action will always result in clear, resonating fretted notes. However, the higher the action, the more difficult it is to fret a note. The best way to go would be to adjust the truss rod and set the action to your preference.

If you think your guitar needs some adjustment, we have an extensive guitar setup guide that should help.

How do you know that the action is too high? Well, it’s too high the moment it gets uncomfortable for playing.

Don’t worry, you aren’t imagining things, the action can change as a result of factors such as temperature changes and moisture. These affect the truss rod and, as mentioned, can affect a guitar’s action.

What is the Best Acoustic Guitar for Strumming?

When it comes to strumming, you’ll want to look for a guitar that has well-balanced tonal properties and tamed high frequencies.

Guitars with tonewoods that boast high frequencies will sound too shrill when strummed with high velocity. When it comes to tonewoods, Sitka spruce is a good choice for aggressive strummers.

A combination of a large body and rich tonewoods will produce great sounds for strumming.

Another important factor is the guitar’s size. Dreadnought guitars work great in this department, as they have a higher volume ceiling. This means that you get more oomph when you strum harder, but without distortion at the top.

From our list, Gibson Acoustic J-45 Studio is the best strummer’s choice, as it’s a dreadnought guitar with Sitka spruce.

What’s the Best Acoustic Guitar for the Money?

Although the guitars on our list have different price tags, they are in the similar price range. Regardless of how much you like a guitar’s features, it’s advisable that you try it before you buy it.

See which of your local guitar stores have the models from the list and get one that suits you the best.

Are Taylor Guitars Better Than Martin?

Taylor and Martin guitars are often put side-by-side. There are various debates as to which one of these two guitar manufacturers makes better products. Taylor and Martin guitars are very different. You’ll rarely stumble upon a player who is a devoted fan of both.

Martin is a very old company, with more than 180 years of history. Their most famous D-series models are boomy and loud, capable of cutting through an entire band.

They tend to have a deep, warm sound, rich in mid-range. They have a high noise ceiling, which is why many hard-pickers go with Martins.

For a full overview of their differences, check out our popular article: Martin versus Taylor

On the other hand, we have Taylor, a brilliant brand, launched more than 40 years ago. As a relatively young company, Taylor has brought many improvements to the world of acoustic guitars.

They’ve bridged the gap between dreadnoughts and more compact guitars with their Grand Auditorium design. Taylors are bright and rich in sound and offer more clarity, but less body, compared to Martin.

So, Taylor guitars aren’t better than Martin, and it’s not the other way around, either. In the end, it all boils down to the player’s preference.

Closing Thoughts

Although we are certain that each guitar on our list will find an ideal owner, we have to give the best acoustic guitar under 2000 dollars award to Gibson Acoustic J-45 Studio. It has by far the best electronics, is fantastic for strumming, fingerpicking, and flatpicking, and is one of the most comfortable acoustic guitars on the market.

However, keep in mind that taste plays a vital role in picking a guitar, electric or acoustic, so don’t take our word for it, but go ahead and try these acoustic models out.

EDITOR”S PICK!

Gibson J-45 Studio

Check Today’s Gibson j-45 Studio Price! >>

The post The Best Acoustic Guitar Under $2000 (Player’s Guide) first appeared on GuitarNiche.

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Top Electric Guitar Pickups Comparison Chart:

Electric Pickup	Best Feature	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Seymour Duncan SH4 JB Model Humbucker	The perfect balance of refined high output, consistent quality, and price point	4.7 / 5	$$$
#2 DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion Humbucker	When you want full mid range punch at high levels, this is the one.	4.5 / 5	$$$
#3 Fender Original ’57/’62 Strat Pickups	Retains pure vintage twang even with higher levels of gain	4.5 / 5	$$
#4 Gibson 57 Classic Humbucker	Balanced and refined PAF tones for modern players	4.8 / 5	$$$$
#5 EMG ZW-SET Zakk Wylde Humbucker Pickup Set	Extremely well articulated notes on both clean and heavily distorted amp settings	4.5 / 5	$$$

Read the Electric Guitar Pickups Reviews Here

Top Acoustic Guitar Pickups Comparison Chart:

Acoustic Pickup	Best Feature	Rating	Relative Price
#1 No products found. Fishman Rare Earth Humbucking Magnetic Soundhole Pickup	Great natural reproduction for a soundhole pickup	4.0 / 5	$$$
#2 L.R. Baggs ANTHEM Acoustic Guitar Pickup	Very few feedback issues for a mic system	4.2 / 5	$$$$
#3 K&K Pure Mini Acoustic Guitar Pickup	No batteries required	4.8 / 5	$$

Read the Acoustic Guitar Pickups Reviews Here

The Best Electric Guitar Pickups Reviewed

1. Seymour Duncan SH4 JB Model Humbucker Pickup

Seymour Duncan SH4 JB Pickup

This Seymour pickup is one of the most popular pickups in the industry. It first entered the US music market over 30 years ago and has proven extremely popular ever since.

Like most humbuckers, this pickup uses a two-coil system to attain the audio emitted from your electric guitar.

Seymour Duncan created a ‘balanced’ coil configuration that doesn’t put too much emphasis on a particular type of sound. Unlike some humbuckers, which only prioritize distortion, this product gives you the best of both worlds.

It can provide you with light, brighter notes, and still handle heavy rock and roll.

More specifically, the Seymour Duncan SH4 JB Model Humbucker Pickup is popular with jazz and blues musicians looking for a bit of both features. Best of all, it comes at a low price.

Pros and Cons

Seymour Duncan SH4 JB Review

What Do Duncan SH4 JB Owners Think?

2. DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion Humbucker Pickup

DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion Pickup

If you’re looking for a pickup that can take your heavy rock and roll to the next level, this pickup is one of your best options. It’s named ‘Super Distortion’ for a reason – it provides considerable distortion transmission capabilities.

This guitar pickup is best suited for solid body guitars – hollow guitars shouldn’t use this form of pickup.

The DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion Humbucker Pickup is extremely popular in many artist circles. Paul Gilbert is known to use this pickup.

Don’t waste your time with a pickup that can’t provide the full volume your band needs. The DiMarzio Super Distortion is one of our favorite products for those wanting powerful, distorted sound driving their amplifiers.

Pros and Cons

DiMarzio DP100 Super Distortion Humbucker Review

Read What DiMarzio DP100 Customers Have Said >>

3. Fender Original ’57/’62 Strat Pickups

Fender Original ’57/’62 Strat Pickup

It’s hard to ignore a product made by Fender – one of the world’s most famous guitar companies. This package of original ‘Strat’ pickups gives users the authentic audio of an original 1963 Strat.

The current Fender product was reversed engineered to provide the original audio quality that so many musicians crave. These particular pickups use five different magnets to ensure there is a balanced tone to your guitar audio.

If you’re worried about wasting your money, you won’t have to with this product. Not only is the Fender Original ’57/’62 Strat Pickups package loaded with three different high-end pickups, but it also comes with a one-year warranty.

Despite including multiple pickups, the Fender Original ’57/’62 Strat Pickup package is extremely affordable – you can currently purchase it for less than $110.

Pros and Cons

Fender Original ’57/’62 Strat Pickups Review

What Do Original ’57/’62 Strat Pickup Users Think?

4. Gibson ’57 Classic Humbucker

Gibson ’57 Classic Pickup

The Gibson 57 Classic Humbucker is very similar to the previous Fender product. It is also a reverse engineered version of an earlier pickup. Gibson, another famous guitar manufacturer, brought back the Gibson 57 Classic Humbucker to satisfy guitar enthusiasts that enjoy the original sound of one of Gibson’s most famous guitars.

People use the Gibson 57 to improve the clearness and fullness of the sound of their guitar. The Gibson 57 Classic Humbucker is very popular with modern consumers – feedback since its re-release has been exceptional.

The Gibson 57’s outer appearance seems very rudimentary, but it is designed almost exactly as its original predecessor. The current model is comprised of nickel.

Pros and Cons

Gibson ’57 Classic Humbucker Review

Check Gibson ’57 Classic Humbucker Availability! >>

5. EMG ZW-SET Zakk Wylde Signature Humbucker Pickup Set

EMG Zakk Wylde ZW-SET Pickup Set

Moving on to the EMG Zack Wylde Pickup Set, we step up a bit in the market. This product is more than twice as expensive as the two previously reviewed pickups, but is the price warranted?

In many ways, yes. The EMG ZW-Set provides more than just a standard pickup – it comes with a range of different pieces of hardware. This includes both EMG 81 and EMG 85 active pickups for electric guitars.

It also includes tone controls and long shaft volume controls, and you get the benefit of a solderless install system. This is known as one of the best metal guitar pickup packages available. In fact, the package is named after Zakk Wylde – a famous metal musician.

The only downside to the EMG Electric Guitar Hardware (ZW-Set) is the price of the package. At around $200, this might be out of range for some guitar players. Regardless, if you’re into metal or heavy distortion, this is one of the best pickup deals available.

Pros and Cons

EMG ZW-SET Zakk Wylde Pickup Set Review

What Do EMG Zakk Wylde Pickup Customers Think? >>

Great Acoustic Guitar Pickups Reviewed

1. Fishman Rare Earth Humbucking Magnetic Soundhole Pickup

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Fishman Rare Earth Soundhole Pickup

This Fishman Rare Earth Humbucking Magnetic Soundhole Pickup fits comfortably in the sound hole of your acoustic guitar. Using a unique design with individual neodymium magnets, the purpose of this pickup is to provide a full and accurate sound from your acoustic guitar.

Fishman’s unique pickup provides smooth, full audio that is great for a variety of different genres. It’s the perfect sound output for an acoustic guitar.

To run this pickup, you’ll need two 1.5-volt silver oxide batteries or a 3-volt lithium battery. You can expect the pickup to operate for 240 hours on fresh batteries – plenty of time to play a few gigs before you need to replace the power source.

There’s no doubt this is one of the best acoustic pickups on the market, but it certainly comes at a price. To get your hands on the Fishman Rare Earth Humbucking Magnetic Soundhole Pickup, you’ll pay just under $170.

Pros and Cons

Fishman Rare Earth Humbucking Soundhole Pickup Review

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What Do Customers Think of the Fishman Rare Earth Pickup? >>

2. L.R. Baggs ANTHEM Acoustic Guitar Pickup

L.R. Baggs Anthem Acoustic Pickup

The L.R. Baggs ANTHEM Acoustic Guitar Pickup is one of the most popular mic-based guitar pickups on the market. This pickup can create studio quality output no matter where you’re playing. It’s a great accessory if you plan on engaging in large concerts or public events.

The ANTHEM from L.R. Baggs also comes with a range of additional features and benefits. You can alter pickup settings and employ mix controls while you’re playing. It’s a great product if you’re constantly changing what you expect from your guitar pickup.

The only downside to this product is that it’s one of the most expensive pickups on the market. If you can get over the price tag, it’s certainly worth the investment.

Pros and Cons

L.R. Baggs ANTHEM Acoustic Guitar Pickup Review

Check Latest L.R. Baggs Anthem Customer Availability! >>

3. K&K Pure Mini Acoustic Guitar Pickup

K&K Pure Mini Pickup

If you’re looking for something a bit cheaper, the K&K Pure Mini Acoustic Guitar Pickup is a good option. This pickup is a transducer-based system that receives most of its pickup from the soundboard of the guitar.

Three different transducers link into an audio output cable. Each of these transducers is used at the same time – they pick up specific sounds and string pairings. The product looks extremely basic, but it provides some impressive capabilities.

The Pure Mini Acoustic Guitar Pickup from K&K provides full and powerful acoustic audio capabilities. It’s suitable for practice and public gigs.

You won’t need any batteries, and you won’t need to make any alterations to the pickup. Also, you can purchase this excellent piece of musical technology for less than $100.

If you’re looking for your first acoustic audio pickup, make sure to consider the K&K Pure Mini Acoustic Guitar Pickup.

Pros and Cons

K&K Pure Mini Acoustic Pickup Review

What Do K&K Pure Mini Pickup Users Think?

Tips on Choosing the Right Pickup

Acoustic or electric aside, if you really want to get the best performance out of any guitar, it’s essential that you understand guitar pickups and their role in the audio quality of your music.

Our aim is to help you do just that by taking an in-depth look at guitar pickups in general as well as the best guitar pickups on the market today.

Other than the use of great raw materials, what makes aa amplified guitar sound good is its pickups – the engine driving the electronic output.

In the case of solid body guitars, well-refined electric guitar pickups are the essential powerhouse to providing great tone.

With acoustic guitars, a pickup may not be entirely necessary to be heard, but if you intend to perform in front of a large crowd, you’ll probably want the best acoustic guitar pickup to amplify your instrument’s natural voice as faithfully as possible.

What Exactly is a Guitar Pickup?

A guitar pickup helps capture and emit the audio provided by electric or acoustic guitars. More specifically, it is a transducer that can amplify sounds by transferring them to an amplifier or another form of audio equipment.

If you’ve ever played the guitar without a pickup, you know how quiet the sound can be. In fact, with electric guitars, you may not be able to distinguish any sound at all.

Electric guitarists of all skill levels rely on pickups to ensure their audio is transmitted effectively. You can have an expensive amplifier and guitar, but if your pickup is horrible, you won’t be able to transmit good sounds.

For this reason, researching guitar pickups is just as essential as researching guitars. You need to be confident that you know what type of pickups can deliver the sound you’re looking for. This is especially true if you’re someone who is planning on performing in public settings or with a band.

What is the Difference Between Guitar Pickups?

Electric Pickup Differences

For electric guitars, the primary forms of pickups are single-coil, humbuckers, and P90s. Single coil and humbuckers are typically the most popular form of pickup.

Single coil pickups are for people looking for a lighter or brighter sound, though they can work with any form of electric guitar sound. They use a single magnet to detect and capture the sound within a guitar.

Humbuckers, on the other hand, tend to use a two-coil system to detect and transmit noise. This coil system makes the design a bit more suited towards sound distortion for genres such as classic rock.

P90s find themselves located in the middle of the two different coil systems, though the P90 is not as popular as a form of pickup.

Acoustic Pickup Differences

While acoustic pickups are not often talked about, there are a few different acoustic pickup options on the market. Popular options for acoustic guitarists include transducer pickups, piezo pickups, soundhole pickups, and in-body microphones.

Transducer pickups attach to your acoustic guitar’s soundboard – here they pick up the sound needed to transfer to the amplifier or audio output. Piezo pickups are instead placed under the strings of your guitar – making them acutely sensitive to sound.

Despite this, they tend to provide fewer feedback problems than transducer pickups.

Soundhole pickups are typically used by guitarists that want an electric feel to their music. This form of a pickup can help transform your traditional acoustic guitar audio to something a bit more synthetic.

Last, in-body (guitar) microphones are often used by a variety of different musicians. Many people use this option because it is relatively basic. The downside is that the sound quality isn’t as good, and you may receive a lot of feedback.

We suggest that you use a different form of pickup if you’re looking for high-quality audio!

Are Humbuckers Better Than Single Coil?

The answer to this is entirely subjective – it depends on your preferences. There are plenty of people that like both forms of pickups, so you shouldn’t make a judgment call until you hear sound from both types.

As a rule of thumb, if you’re playing distorted music, you may want to use a humbucker as it can pick up distorted sounds much easier. The single coil design is much better at picking up brighter sounds.

Another common distinction is that single coil pickups tend to have a crisper sound – though this is also lighter. Humbuckers can typically produce a much fuller sound, and therefore handle distortion much better than single coil pickups.

Do All Pickups Fit All Guitars?

No. Typically a guitar manufacturer will determine specifications for humbuckers or single coil pickups. This is because these two forms of pickups have traditionally been different sizes.

In the past, this created several problems and ensured you needed to choose the right form of guitar and weren’t able to switch types. Fortunately, many manufacturers now make pickups that fit both types of electric guitars.

For example, some pickup manufacturers now make single coil pickups that are the size of humbuckers – and vice versa. You’re no longer confined to the design of your guitar.

What Are the Best Pickups for Metal?

The answer to this question may seem obvious given some of the previously discussed material. If you’re looking to play metal or heavy metal music, you should typically aim to work with a humbucker pickup.

As previously mentioned, single coil pickups can’t typically handle large amounts of distortion. The noise that single coil pickups create is much lighter. If you want a full, heavy sound for your metal band, your best option is to purchase a humbucker pick up.

Top 3 Best Pickup Choices Compared:

Best Humbucking Pickup

Seymour Duncan SH-4 JB Model Bridge Humbucker...

Best Single Coil Pickup Set

Fender Original '57/'62 Strat Pickups

Best Drop-In Acoustic Pickup

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Summary: Which Pickup is Right for You?

As you can see, there are plenty of great electric and acoustic guitar pickups available – you just need to choose the one that’s right for you.

Setting a budget and determining what type of sound output you’re looking for are great first steps—in addition to understanding the basics of guitar pickups we provided here. We hope this guide and review of the best guitar pickups has helped you find the perfect pickup for you!

The post The Best Guitar Pickups for Electric and Acoustic Instruments (Reviews & Buying Guide) first appeared on GuitarNiche.

The Martin DRS2: Amazing Acoustics Electrified

Legendary Martin tone and solid-wood construction are the hallmarks of this addition to the Martin Road Series line. The DRS2 Dreadnought acoustic electric guitar was designed specifically for the price sensitive player looking for a rich traditional Martin tone at an affordable price.

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

The DRS2 at a Glance:

Martin DRS2 Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The solid Sitka spruce top is carefully selected with a defined grain displaying proper silting to help ensure a traditional Martin signature sonic footprint. The sides and back are solid sapele, a relative in tone to mahogany’s rich mids, but more sustainable and cost effective. That’s very good news for your guitar budget.

The bridge and fingerboard are made of Black Richlite, similar to ebony but again, a consideration which is the result of cost effective construction. The top, back and sides are braced for maximum projection and resonance, and the DRS2’s smooth, modified low oval neck is built with select hardwood for extra rigidity and durability.

Fit and finish are of course excellent as with any Martin branded instrument at this level.

Martin Playability

The slim neck profile fits comfortably in your and the action is easy to manage throughout top to bottom ranges.

As an added feature, the DRS2’s frets were precision milled with a modern Plek machine. Martin uses the Plek to automate the labor intensive levelling process of a guitar setup.

To have an instrument “Pleked” would cost you anywhere from $250-$400 just for the service. Note: a good hands-on master guitar tech can do this for you after the fact for about $75.00 to $100.00 depending on the instrument.

Read More on Martin and Co Guitars Here >>

What Does the Martin DRS2 Sound Like?

The Martin DRS2 comes complete with the latest Fishman Sonitone electronics. This compact, plug and play electronics package makes dealing in a great tone that much easier.

There’s no need for you to spend hours fiddling around to get a great sound. The volume and tone controls are discretely located directly in the soundhole for ease of access. Once you get used to the control’s positioning, changes are made easily on the fly.

DRS2 Features

The Martin DRS2 Acoustic-Electric comes with a variety of features to meet your musical instrument needs. These features include:

• Dreadnought body style
• Solid Sitka spruce top
• “X-1” with A-frame bracing
• Sapele back and sides
• Dimensions: 9” x 20” x 48”
• Select hardwood neck with low oval shape
• Black Richlite fingerboard
• Fishman Sonitone Electronics
• Tuners are enclosed with chrome
• Comes with a modern belly bridge that includes a saddle with “white tusq”
• Comes with a hard-shell case

Read the Latest Martin DRS2 User Reviews Here

Martin DRS2 Pros and Cons

Martin DRS2 Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar Review

View the Martin DRS2 Acoustic-Electric Here! >>

Compare Similar Manufacturer’s Guitars:

Blueridge BR-160 Historic Series Dreadnought...

Martin DRS2 Solid Spruce Top Solid Sapele Back...

Yamaha A3R A-Series Dreadnought Cutaway...

Final Thoughts: Is The Martin DRS2 Acoustic-Electric Worth The Money?

There are so many brands out there to choose from that can literally stretch in price from a mere $25 all the way up to thousands and thousands of dollars.

While Martins do have their own signature sound, other top brands such as Taylor offer a different flavor. Find out more on how they compare in our article here: Taylor vs Martin.

Buying online is definitely the way to go as it is much cheaper, but I always recommend going in person and testing it out for yourself.

Musical instruments are all about personal preference and what someone else might love, you might hate, never buy one online without at least holding the brand in a store.

That being said, I highly recommend the Martin DRS2 Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar as a trustworthy name-brand instrument. It is reasonably priced, but more importantly it sounds and plays fantastic.

Martin Guitars often have a nice full sound, and this one is no exception. It’s fun and includes everything you need in an all out acoustic package.

If you’re looking for a guitar that stands out a bit more on stage, this one might not be the one for you, as it has a typical “normal” guitar look. I actually prefer more plain guitars as I am all about quality of sound, much more than “bling”.

The price also includes a hard-shell carrying case as opposed to a gigbag, a must for anyone who travels extensively as it helps protect your investment.

Enjoy!

What Do Martin DRS2 Owners Think? >>

Manufacturer Info:

Website: https://www.martinguitar.com/

About: C.F. Martin & Co. ® has been creating the finest instruments in the world for over 180 years.

The post Martin DRS2 Acoustic Guitar [Complete Review] first appeared on GuitarNiche.