Martin DX1KAE X Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar

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Get the whole Martin package: looks, playability, and tone at an affordable price. A spruce top and koa back and sides give this dreadnought a unique sound.

What's special about this item?

Feature: What it does:
Solid Sitka spruce top Projects rich, crisp and responsive tone
Koa back and sides Complex and resonant tone
A-frame "X-1" bracing Added stability and better projection
Richlite fretboard Focused tone with excellent playability

The Martin DX1KAE is a D-14 style guitar with attractive looks, playability and a solid top at a great price! The DX1KAE features professional-grade Fishman Sonitone electronics and a non-cutaway style body.

The DX1KAE features patented high pressure laminate (HPL) Koa back and sides with a solid Sitka spruce top, patented mortise and tenon neck construction and professionally installed Fishman electronics. Featuring proven Sonicore pickup technology with the Fishman Sonitone system featuring "easy access" volume and tone controls conveniently and strategically located just inside the sound hole. The DX1KAE is equipped with the Fishman Sonitone onboard electronics system.

Features:

- D-14 dreadnought style body
- Solid Sitka Spruce top will get only better as it ages
- Modified Low Oval neck shape is very comfortable and allows for easy chord changes and moves up the neck
- HPL Koa back and sides give it a unique look
- Mortise and tenon neck joint ensures solid construction and optimum projection of sound

Construction: Mortise/Tenon Neck Joint
Body Size: D-14 Fret
Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
Rosette: Multiple Black/White Boltaron With Red Fiber
Top Bracing Pattern: A-Frame x-1
Top Braces: Solid Sitka Spruce 5/16"
Back Material: Koa Wood Pattern Hpl Textured Finish
Back Purfling: None
Side Material: Koa Wood Pattern Hpl Textured Finish
Endpiece: None
Endpiece Inlay: None
Binding: None
Top Inlay Style: None
Side Inlay: None
Back Inlay: None
Neck Material: Natural Stratabond
Neck Shape: Modified Low Oval
Nut Material: White Corian
Headstock: Solid/Standard Taper
Headplate: Koa Wood Pattern Hpl
Heelcap: None
Fingerboard Material: Black Richlite
Scale Length: 25.4"
- # Of Frets Clear: 14
- # Of Frets Total: 20
Fingerboard Width At Nut: 1-11/16"
Fingerboard Width At 12th Fret: 2-1/8"
Fingerboard Position Inlays: None
Fingerboard Binding: None
Finish Back & Sides: None
Finish Top: Hand Rubbed Urethane
Finish Neck: None
Bridge Material: Black Richlite
Bridge Style: Belly
Bridge String Spacing: 2-1/8"
Saddle: 16" Radius/Compensated/White Tusq
Tuning Machines: Chrome W/ Small Buttons
Recommended Strings: Martin Studio Performance Light Phosphor Bronze (Msp4100)
Bridge & End Pins: White W/ Black Dots
Pickguard: Tortoise Color
Interior Label: Foil Label
Electronics: Fishman Sonitone

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 610-759-2837

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (8 ratings)
Submitted April 28, 2012 by James Foster in Lombard, IL

"An Incredible Instrument!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I researched this product extensively before purchasing it. I was torn between a few less expensive solid spruce-tops and the Martin. After actually playing one in person, I knew this was the one. The bottom line for me is the sound of the guitar, and this one is pristine. I have wanted a Martin all my life, but they were always out of reach because of the cost. They have finally found a way to deliver the sound and playability of the Martin at a price even I can afford.

Sound
The sound of this guitar is very impressive. The solid spruce top gives it that "piano soundboard" volume and projection, but what is most impressive is how balanced and musical the sound is. It is bright without being harsh; it is full without being "boomy". I play a lot of finger-style instrumental stuff, and every note rings true. Very pleasant voicing and sustain. It stands alone without an amplifier, and for a special treat I played it through my Fender Acoustisonic Jr. which is a great combination. The Fishman electronics are very natural sounding through the amp, You can't go wrong here.

Features
I had read a lot of reviews from skeptics who were critical of this model because of the "Stratabond" neck material, the laminated sides and back, and the fact that the guitar is made in Mexico. As a musician, none of that stuff makes any difference to me if the instrument feels and sounds awesome. I'm not a tree-hugger, but if environmentally read more sound innovations which are less expensive to manufacture can give me the chance to own a guitar which is this nice, I am cool with that. Made in Mexico? I couldn't care less, the thing sounds perfect. Martin can be proud to display their logo on this guitar, and should be given credit for answering the needs of musicians during hard economic times. For the price, this is a fantastic guitar. The strap button on the heel is a nice touch, making this very practical for gigs.

Ease of Use
This guitar played like a dream right out of the box. I usually get a set up done with new instruments, but I don't see any need to do anything right away with this one. Action is nice and comfortable, no buzzes or rattles.

Quality
It is very well-made, the finish is beautiful. I bought the koa wood model. I might buy the Rosewood and Mahogany ones and keep them in different tunings.

Value
In my opinion this is a steal for the money. There are some less expensive acoustics that are very good such as Washburn and Epiphone. I believe you have to compare them side by side to decide for yourself. For me, the Martin was magic and worth every penny.

Manufacturer Support
I have never been much involved in contacting manufacturers. They do offer a pamphlet on guitar care and information on how to contact them, so I am confident they are there if I ever need them.

The Wow Factor
The sound and elegance of this instrument speaks for itself. I like the simplicity of having no fret markers. It is a pretty cool guitar all the way around.

Musical Background:
I have played 43 years. I play Les Pauls, Stratocasters, Telecasters, and a variety of acoustics. I play out with a band.

Musical Style:
Blues, rock, Latin.
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