Martin DX1KAE X Series Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar

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.

Overall User Ratings (based on 8 ratings)
  • Overall:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    5 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(8) (see rating details)
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 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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Submitted March 31, 2016 by John L in Geneva, NA

"Martin love"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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The sound is great and well balanced, in tune all over the neck, and strings stay tuned (thanks to the good mechanics).It is kinda 'tropicalized' (stratabond neck and HPL sides and back, and richlite fingerboard)Richlite fingerboard is less pleasant than ebony (harder and less warm) but you soon get used to it.Just needed a very fine sandpaper (2000) to erase some asperities from the neck and make it as sweet as baby skin (stratabond is many pieces of woods glued together).I felt in love, did not had to try more guitars after this one, I would not hesitate again.Perfect for the price.The solid top is fragile, yeah it is wood, buy a hardcase and avoid frequent or extreme temperature and humidity changes. Loosen the strings for such events.

Musical Background:

I play for 35 years

Musical Style:

Fusion blues soul jazz funk
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Submitted September 19, 2013 by Jeremy L in Buffalo, NY

"Great sound"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Always wanted a Martin, always had a reason to wait. I was looking and looking and looking and playing DX series guitars at different stores and looking for deals. Then I saw one of these while I was out and a guy as playing one at a open mic at a coffeeshop. I talked to him after the set and he let me give it a whirl. Wow, played great. I got online that night and ordered it from zZounds and what do you know, the next day Guitar Center has them on sale for less! I took a photo of the sales tag and called customer service. The rep did a price adjustment on the spot and gave me the GC price! The guitar came 3 days after I ordered it and was everything I'd hoped it would be. Even my wife was happy, because she got to use the box to store all her wrapping paper in!!

Musical Background:

Playing again since 2004

Musical Style:

All over the place. One song Johnny Cash, the next song Pink Floyd
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Submitted August 1, 2019 by Gary Cost in Springfield, OH

"Best sound for the buck!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This was almost a year-long struggle, to decide whether to go Taylor or Martin! I'd read everything I could on both the companies as well as the models I'd narrowed now. But after a while, I decided to go with this Martin. (I've wanted a Martin since the late '50s! I ordered it, got it sooner than expected, unpacked then waited while it got used to the new temperature. Then 3 hours later, my first chords and WOW! I can't put this down. I've had approx.. 12 acoustics over the years from all mfgs. and by far, this is the best acoustic I've ever owned! The technology in the neck is so strong you could use it for a baseball bat! Don't knock this new Martin guitar if you've never played it and researched 'the facts'!

Musical Background:

Got my first guitar at age 5! Have played seriously since the mid 60's. I play both electric as well as acoustics and 12 strings

Musical Style:

Classic Rock, Blues, Clapton
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