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.

Feature:
No accessories, just a guitar. Oh wait, they did throw in a pretty good basic strap and an inexpensive gig bag.

Quality:
Of course one can obviously spend 10 times more, though I think for that money one might at best approach a guitar that sounds maybe twice as good, if that. You would mainly get more fancy materials. This is a well built, very plain, excellent sounding instrument. I love it more than I should for a material thing!

Value:
No question in my mind. I almost spent a little less and got a Taylor Big Baby (another great guitar in roughly same lower end price range), but had no issue spending slightly more and getting, in my opinion much more tone, for the the DX1.

Desirability:
Well, it has a very plain look that to me looks no nonsense and kind of macho. I'm not big on highly decorated guitars, too foo foo for my taste, though I can admire the craftsmanship. So, I think this is a very 'sexy' guitar...

Sound:
Very responsive guitar. I was leery of synthetic material, but actually think that due to density actually is a better choice for sides and back which apparently mainly function as reflectors in the guitar tonal shaping. Wood looks nicer tho.

Ease of Use:
Plays like a dream. I heard of fretting issues, but the review I read was from 1999. Martin must have listened, cause this thing plays great.

Support:
None needed so far. Nice web site.

Overall:
I certainly hope this guitar ages well. I would like to play it as long as I can stll grip the neck.

Feature:
N/A

Quality:
This instrument is of the finest quality and craftmanship i have ever come across.. The only problem i have is that when fretting the small E string,, it tends to slip off the neck if you're not carefull. The fretts should be more rounded on the ends,, not cut at such and angle,, this will take care of that problem.

Desirability:
The sound is incredable,, the craftmanship is wonderful,,and as far as sex appeal,, it's a guitar,and it's sexy.

Sound:
This is absolutely the best sounding guitar i have ever owned in my life. I am 36 years old,, and have been playing since i was 6. I have owned at least 50 guitars. and have played hundereds. No guitar i ever held had the magic punch of the Martin DX-1. It has a sound that you would only expect from a well mixed recording,, but it's right in your hands!

Support:
have not had to deal with the company yet.

Overall:
love it love it love it.