Martin DX1 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
Solid Spruce soundboard, Mahogany pattern HPL back and sides with a textured finish.
Overall User Ratings (based on 96 ratings)
Submitted April 22, 2006 by a customer from ntown.net
"WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT?"
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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.
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!
Features
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.
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".
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.
Manufacturer 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?
The Wow Factor
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?
Musical Background:
Player, performer, producer since 1967
Musical Style:
Acoustic rock
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Submitted June 5, 2007 by a customer from asde.net
"Best Bang for Your Buck(s)!!"
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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.
Sound
The quality and projection is fabulous. I can't believe I bought a Martin for less than $500!
Features
I rate it 10 for its simplicity. A no "fluff," beautiful guitar.
Ease of Use
It almost plays itself . . low action, super finger friendly.
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!
Manufacturer 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!
The Wow Factor
I rate the DX-1 as a 10 because of its simplicity. No gloss finish, etc. Just a down to earth, honest guitar.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Old time R#R, Country
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Submitted February 6, 2010 by a customer from gmail.com
"BEST DEAL FOR THE MONEY ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH!"
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I'd love this. I will be buying a pick up for my DX1!
Sound
For the money, this guitar blows anything else I own away. I've owned takamine acoustics, alvarez, and fender. ZZounds payment plans make this a no brainer. BUY IT!
Features
It's a simple guitar. No real features except for the MARTIN name on the headstock. It lives up to the name just fine!
Ease of Use
Extremely light, fun, and easy guitar to play!
Quality
I bought it as a blemish but haven't noticed a single mark. It's incredible.
Value
Worth way more than I paid!
Manufacturer Support
No support so far with Martin. ZZounds has been good.
The Wow Factor
It smells sexy, looks sexy, and makes ME sexier!
Musical Background:
hobbyist
Musical Style:
Indie rock.
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Submitted May 10, 2007 by a customer from hotmail.com
"DX1 - Try one out (but make sure you have your money ready to buy)"
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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I certainly hope this guitar ages well. I would like to play it as long as I can stll grip the neck.
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.
Features
No accessories, just a guitar. Oh wait, they did throw in a pretty good basic strap and an inexpensive gig bag.
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.
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.
Manufacturer Support
None needed so far. Nice web site.
The Wow Factor
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...
Musical Background:
Active musician
Musical Style:
fingerstyle/rock/techno
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Submitted February 13, 2005 by a customer from yahoo.com
"GREAT Guitar, At An UNBELIEVABLE price!"
I expect to be satisfied with this product for atleast the next five years. After that point I have no intention of throwing it away, but I believe that in five years it will be time for another Martin.
Sound
This guitar sounds just as good as some of Martin's $1000+ guitars. It's got a great feel, and a great sound to match. The sound is rich and resonates very well which provides a deep solid tone that make it hard to believe that the guitar is only $500.
Features
This guitar is composed perfectly. Solid spruce top, patented neck mortise, and a wood compisite back that is incredibly durable and ensures years of playing. And, its made in the US, what more can I say?
Quality
This guitar is absolutely perfect. Its quality is unmatched (by any company other than martin, that is) and its solid spruce top and compisate back ensure that it will produce a good sound and last a long time. And again, its made in the US!!
Value
This guitar is here for an unbelievable price, and you are getting WAY more for your money when you buy this guitar.
Manufacturer Support
My friend had the DX1 and he left it by his couch with his door open durring the snow. The whole neck bent up, and it produced an awfull sound. But that was no problem, he took it to the UPS store, and they shipped it for free to the Martin factory and in 12 days he recieved a brand new guitar.
The Wow Factor
One of the many reasons that I chose this product was becaus of its apperance. Its not a shiny, obtrusive sort of tan, but its a duller more 'laid back' tan that really REALLY looks good.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Rock
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Submitted October 12, 2007 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Sound and price are unmatched"
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I don't plan on getting another acoustic like this for a long time. It just sounds so nice, it's not worth the extra money.
Sound
I have been playing mine for a year now and it sounds amazing. No one believes the back and sides are laminate. I have played many different acoustic guitars and always love coming back to the Martin. Everyone wants to give it a play, just sounds so amazing.
Features
Mine didn't come with a bag, but I would have wanted a hard case anyway. It's too nice to leave in a bag.
Ease of Use
I love it, low action, easy to play. And because it sounds so nice, it's a very forgiving guitar for the newer players.
Quality
Just beautiful. Fit and finish is perfect.
Value
For the price, nothing comes close.
Manufacturer Support
I asked about strings when I first got it, they mailed me a few different types to try.
The Wow Factor
The one complaint I hear is that it's plain looking. I wanted a guitar that looked like a guitar, I have no interest in Doves on my pick guard. It's a very pretty guitar
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Rock Folk
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Submitted November 18, 2004 by a customer from aol.com
"Best sounding guitar on earth"
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
love it love it love it.
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!
Features
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.
Manufacturer Support
have not had to deal with the company yet.
The Wow Factor
The sound is incredable,, the craftmanship is wonderful,,and as far as sex appeal,, it's a guitar,and it's sexy.
Musical Background:
all of the above
Musical Style:
all.
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Submitted April 29, 2009 by a customer from ptd.net
"Best bang for the buck with quality sound."
I will never look for a replacement for this unless it gets lost. Then I would no doubt replace it with the same model if available.
Sound
The sound is typical of the Martin brand. It sounds so much better than anything else in that price range and even better than some in a higher price range. While playing it the tones will remind you of many different songs that you have heard in the past. Pure quality at a bargan price.
Features
This is a plain Jane guitar. Nothing fancy here but then again fancy inlays and decoration do not make the sound they just make it more appealing to the eye. This guitar is crafted for good sound at a low price. Yes they are using man made materials on parts other than pure wood but it is done with lots of thought behind how they will work out in the end, If you want that martin sound and a very playable instrument at a resonable price then this is your axe.
Ease of Use
I don't know if I got lucky or if they all play this well but the one I purchased fingeredas easy as most of my electrics. right off the rack.
Quality
As I said in the feature section Martin has a real hit with this guitar. Quality construction using different materials. Seems like this one will be around for many years it treated correctly.
Value
This guitar is well worth the average price it sells for online and even more.
Manufacturer Support
I emailed Martin reps about choice of strings and a few other questions and had a responce within 4 hours with all the info I needed. Top Notch
The Wow Factor
This is a very plain no frills guitar. Reminds you of how a Martin may have looked back in the 1800's. Some people may over look this due to no having bliong. This guitar is not about bling it is about sound quality.
Musical Background:
Active player for over 30 years
Musical Style:
Rock, Heavy Rock, Blues
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Submitted January 26, 2012 by kevin g in winsfull, AK
"Best value in acoustic guitars"
i have owned this guitar for 10 years and this is my first and only review. It has been sitting in its case for almost a year. I have been playing other guitars lately. Pulled it out tuned it up and played it for two hours. I have played many different acoustics over the years and this cheap beaten up campfire guitar sounds so good. Just buy one. You will be so happy with it. No tin crap sound as with other cheap guitars bass is so good. Full and balanced.
Musical Background:
julyhard
Musical Style:
dumb
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Submitted February 18, 2008 by a customer from netzero.com
Martin DX1 Acoustic Customer Review
I'll own this guitar forever. Knowing how this one sounds I will definitely check into a D28 down the road. If it offers a much superior sound and I feel it's worth the $$$. In the meantime, this one sounds just fine.
Sound
The DX1 has rich high ends and deep, soulful resonance. It really projects. I love it...It sings so beautifully, it makes me want to see what it's big brothers will do.
Quality
It's made very well. The spruce top clean and smooth..very pretty wood. It also smells wonderful.
Value
I shopped around and tried a dozen or so guitars...Nothing matched the Martin sound and projection. I don't think you'll find a better sounding guitar for the price.
The Wow Factor
Everyone says to play as many guitars as possible and choose the one that says, "Take me home." The DX1 is not the prettiest guitar around. I tell my friends it is plain looking but sings beautifully. It has no embellishments. I'm not crazy about the color of the laminate sides and back, they're okay, but I love the smoothness of the spruce top as it's unvarnished and soft as a woman's thigh.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Rock
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Submitted August 21, 2007 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Whatsa matter with not killing trees to make music?"
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you can pay much more, and find much more elaborate guitars, some even sound better, but this is one great box.
Sound
excellent sound
Features
pretty basic guitar
Ease of Use
the sound you get is up to you :)
Quality
excellent
Value
best guitar for the price i have found
Manufacturer Support
none needed so far
The Wow Factor
i think its simplicity is beautiful
Musical Background:
amateur performer
Musical Style:
slide blues/pop/folk/altindie
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Submitted August 29, 2012 by ROGER TUCKER in PENNSBORO, WV
"MOST BANG FOR THE BUCK EVER!"
IVE BEEN PLAYING SINCE I WAS 13 YEARS OLD. IM NOW 57. IVE HAD YAMAHAS, EPIPHONES,WASHBURNS,KELLYS,....AND THIS GUITAR BY FAR EXCEEDS ANY OF THE ONES IVE EVER OWNED. IT PLAYED WELL STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX...I PLAYED IT AT A MUSIC STORE ABOUT A YEAR BEFORE I BOUGHT ONE...IT STUCK OUT HEADS ABOVE THE OTHERS IN THE STORE..ANYWAY, I KEPT SEARCHING FOR SOMETHING BETTER, AND IT COULDN'T BE FOUND..SOME OF THE OTHER PRICIER MARTINS SOUNDED AS GOOD, BUT WHY SPEND THE EXTRA WHEN THIS BABY HAS THE TONE AND RESONANCE OF THE MORE EXPENSIVE BROTHERS FOR WAY LESS CASH? IVE HAD MINE FOR AROUND 4 YEARS NOW, AND THE TONE NEVER CEASES TO AMZE ME AND MY MUSICIAN FRIENDS.......THANKS FOR A GREAT VALUE, MARTIN!
Musical Background:
PLAYING 40+ YEARS..HAVE BEEN IN BANDS BEFORE..NOW JUST PLAYING FOR PLEASURE AT HOME WITH MY WIFE.
Musical Style:
CLASSIC ROCK, GOSPEL, BLUEGRASS. SOME FOLK.
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