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.

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Martin LXK2 “Little Martin” Koa Acoustic Guitar Review

The Martin LXK2 at a glance:

Martin LXK2 Little Martin Koa

Introducing The LXK2 Little Martin Koa-Grained Acoustic Guitar

If you’ve ever seen someone play acoustic guitar in concert or on tv, odds are you saw a Martin guitar. In fact, Martin is one of two or three companies that has pretty much set the standard for acoustic guitar excellence since the 1900s.

Now, they’ve tried to distill that quality and magic down into a smaller stature and smaller price tag. Meet the Martin LXK2 Little Martin Koa Grain acoustic guitar. Built for players with smaller hands, this little Martin is still all tone.

One Of The Best Acoustic Guitar Makers Turns Their Attention To Beginners 

Coming in with a cozy 23” scale length, the LXK2 is a Martin acoustic build for players with smaller hands. Generally, this means beginners, children, or women.

However, the tones hidden in the LXK2 shouldn’t be discounted just because of its small stature. The LXK2 Little Martin is built to compete with the many other affordable acoustics targeted towards beginners.

However, the slight increase in price compared to others does come with tonal improvements and a name that should inspire huge trust in the product.

Who Is The LXK2 “Little Martin” Made For?

The short scale length and affordable price tag makes the LXK2 a perfect option for beginner guitarists. The closer distance between frets can make the learning process easier and more comfortable for players of all ages and sizes.

For more experienced players, this is also a superb travel guitar. Thanks to the small size, padded gig bag, and great sounds it makes it easy to write or practice on the road.

The sub $400 price tag also makes it incredibly accessible to anyone who has always wanted a Martin guitar, but couldn’t necessarily afford one of the flagship models.

Unboxing The LXK2

Unlike many other acoustics we’ve written about, this guitar is not sold as part of a starter pack. You won’t find instructional DVD’s, tuners, or picks falling out the box with your new LXK2.

What you do get however, is a really high quality, padded gig bag. This makes it really easy to bring your LXK2 on the go whether it’s to guitar lessons, band practice, or vacation.

However, without some of the better accessories like a strap or tuner, beginners may have to visit their local guitar store before they get up to playing speed.

Going Piece By Piece Through Martin’s LXK2

The Little Martin Koa Pattern is built around “1-style” solid Spruce bracing and Koa Pattern HPL Wood. The 23” guitar is a few inches shorter than the standard steel string acoustic guitar, making it easier to reach chords for many players, new or experienced.

The neck is comfortable, consisting of a Richlite fretboard with 20 frets. Like most dreadnoughts, the neck meets the body at the 15th fret, making upper fret access difficult.

Quality Gotoh nickel-plated tuners give the guitar surprisingly strong tuning stability for a beginner instrument. The bridge is also made of Micarta, fixed onto the stunning Koa Pattern top. This is definitely a better looking beginner guitar than most.

The Martin LXK2 Little Martin is also a sweet sounding instrument, full of the snap and sparkle. It’s a touch more responsive than most acoustic guitars geared toward beginners and makes the Martin moniker proud.

Many players also comment on the high volume sounds produced by such a compact acoustic.

LXK2 Key Features

• Loud, vibrant tones
• Beautiful Koa pattern top
• Reliable tuning stability
• Short 23” scale length
• Quality parts like Gotoh tuners

Getting The Most Out Of Your LXK2

While it doesn’t come with all the fancy extras and accessories some of the competitors do, the LXK2 Little Martin is still a fine value.

The sound quality and padded gig bag more than make up for the lack of a strap, picks, tuner, or extra strings.

While you may have to go spend extra money on all these accessories yourself, you’ll no doubt be pleased with the sounds you can get.

Check out the demo below to see what you can expect from the Martin LXK2 Little Martin Koa Pattern acoustic.

How Does The Little Martin LXK2 Stack Up Overall?

The Good And The Bad

Little Martin LXK2 Review

Check LXK2 Little Martin Availability >>

Comparison Shopping

Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor Acoustic

Another legendary acoustic guitar brand, Taylor has their own competitor for the LXK2. The BT2 Baby Taylor packs all of Taylor’s rich, acoustic legacy into a smaller, more affordable dreadnought.

In the same vein as the LXK2, you can’t go wrong opting for the Taylor option if your heroes or idols preferred this brand to Martin.

Martin LX1E Little Martin Acoustic

Looking for an affordable acoustic electric? Martin also sells a lovely sub-$500 model called the LX1E. This acoustic electric can serve as a beginner guitar good enough for practice or live shows.

Experienced musicians will also be able to enjoy this short scale acoustic electric, full of rich tones and ready to hit the road!

Final Thoughts On The LXK2 Little Martin Acoustic Guitar

It’s really hard to beat a Martin acoustic, at almost any price point. For beginners who want to top quality option, regardless of price, the LXK2 Little Martin is an excellent first acoustic guitar.

The rugged gig bag and vibrant sounds will also make sure you never end up falling out of love or struggling to find a use for this Koa beauty.

It’s important to remember that it’s a bit more expensive, and doesn’t come as part of a starter pack like most competitors.

Even so, it’s a high quality, beautiful acoustic that will inspire you to continue to grow as an acoustic player and student.

Check Today’s Martin LXK2 Price Here >>

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