Martin DX1 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

Feature:
I rate it 10 for its simplicity. A no "fluff," beautiful guitar.

Quality:
It's a Martin. 'Nuff said.

Value:
At less than $500? It's a steal. Buy this guitar now, before they get wise and jack the price up!

Desirability:
I rate the DX-1 as a 10 because of its simplicity. No gloss finish, etc. Just a down to earth, honest guitar.

Sound:
The quality and projection is fabulous. I can't believe I bought a Martin for less than $500!

Ease of Use:
It almost plays itself . . low action, super finger friendly.

Support:
Great support, friendly people. I asked them a question regarding two different types of strings, they sent me a set of each to try!

Overall:
I intend to keep this guitar, period. I've played it with friends that own higher priced Martins, but the DX-1 stays with them in every aspect.

Feature:
I've played since the mid-60's and have always loved the sound of a great acoustic guitar. As this one-time coffee house player grew older he also became a bit of a technology geek. Hence, my complete acceptance of the evolution of Martin guitars to include composite materials. When you think about the consistency that can be obtained with "man-made" materials, it makes sense that a properly designed guitar would benefit from materials that were predictable in their response and form.

Quality:
While some Martin fans of old have had issues with some of the newer Martin offerings, the DX-1 is a seminal moment in the history of a great guitar manufacturer. Well made, with composite materials making a contribution to a more eco-friendly manufacturing ethic, the DX-1 is a well-made instrument priced within reach of most serious musicians. If you can find a better sounding, better made instrument in the $500 range in which the DX-1 sems to sell...BUY IT! (I'm betting your search is in vain!)

Value:
Having haunted countless music stores and sampled endless guitars, I can't bring to mind another instrument which gave as much bang for the buck as the DX-!. But don't take my word for it. Go to your local guitar shop and put the DX-1 up against guitars costing twice, or even three times, as much, and see what I mean.

Desirability:
A subtle, unassuming guitar which reeks of class. No bells, no whistles, just that unmistakeable Martin look which carries over a hundred years of authenticity. What more could you ask for?

Sound:
Having acquired a number of instruments, I knew my collection would not be complete without Martin guitar. When I stumbled upon a mint condition DX-1 in a high quality hard-shell case at a pawn shop for $350 I was amazed. When I picked it up and played a few bars I went from amazed to awestruck. Purists might have a hard time wrapping their head around a Martin guitar with composite sides, back, neck and head, but if you close your eyes and listen objectively, there's no mistaking the Martin sound!

Ease of Use:
Most of my work nowadays is in my studio. The DX-1 shines whether I'm pointing a mike at it or feeding the signal through a Dean Markley pickup. The action was a tad high for my tastes, but completely playable. I'll have my friendly local luthier fine tune the set-up and I'm sure this will become my favorite acoustic guitar. I seldom have to do much EQing as the DX-1 has a balanced tone from top to bottom. The bottom end rocks without crossing into the "THUMP ZONE".

Support:
I can't rate service and that's a good thing, because I haven't had any problems with the instrument. When I see a review with raves about service I always wonder why the user needed service to begin with, don't you?

Overall:
No, this guitar is not GOD. But if you're a working stiff like me, and you dollars are few and precious, you just couldn't do any better than the DX-1. Sound...great. Appearance...great. Quality of workmanship...DUH! IT'S A MARTIN. Would I buy it again...absolutely. In a day and age when shoddy workmanship is the norm and reverence for traditional values is almost non-existant, Martin and Co. is to be commended for their dedication to quality and earth-friendly products.