Are they Better?! Martin Revamps the Popular X Series Acoustic Guitars

Martin Guitars is known the world over for producing world class acoustic guitars but for many the opportunity to own a Martin guitar is out of reach. Thankfully Martin started producing additional lower priced instruments to meet consumer demand at a budget price. The Martin X Series, produced in their Mexico factory has long been a popular option with varying features that have slowly been changing and improving over the years. For 2024 Martin has revamped the X Series with new wood finishes and ergonomic player improvements. Are they that much better than before?
Shop Martin X Series: bit.ly/3wTZsVq
0:00 Intro
0:38 What is the X Series?
2:35 What's new
11:42 000-X2E Demo
13:03 GPC-X2E Demo
14:33 Final Thoughts
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[@jcrgtattoo333]

I got a Martin “custom x series” dread back in 2016, spruce top, Hpl back and sides, stratabond neck, richlite fretboard and bridge., I took the saddle down about 0.5mm, and that guitar just slams!, it’s bullet proof, I’ve never had to make any adjustments to it at all, I string it up with dadarrio ej16 phosphor bronze, 12-53, and I’ve been nothing but impressed with it since I got it!, these new ones look nice too

[@jfj794]

These guitars sound fantastic plugged in. This is where they shine. I bought one off a guy at a yard sell for $250 all black HPL back, top and sides X series around 2012. Played it in church for years plugged in and got many compliments. My son has it now, but this new X series is in a better class with the solid top. Buy without fear is all I can say.

[@texhaines9957]

HIGH Pressure Laminate: saw dust, resin, Pressure and heat produces a plastic-like polymer (like some counter tops). Thanks Chris and Cooper!

[@Kaotiqua]

It feels like plastic... but it's also LOUD. Crazy loud.

[@texhaines9957]

@@Kaotiqua yes, and strong for its weight.

[@pepmasters-999]

@texhaines9957 And let's not forget, cheap for them to produce.

[@yomommaahotoo264]

​@@Kaotiqua If you think these are crazy loud, you don't know guitars.

[@DAC49]

I own a Martin D Xr1 made in 2004. BEST guitar I’ve owned. Even among all solid wood Martins I own. This guitar was made back when Martin had access to the strarabond (I may be saying it wrong) for necks. As far as the HPL it’s good. The way it was explained to me is that HPL reflects sound instead of moving like real wood. It does a great job. The neck is a rock! The guitar is 20 years old and the neck have NEVER moved. Ever! It’s stronger than wood

[@oracleboix]

I appreciate these guys honesty..

[@careyolson3446]

This is the "bullet proof" guitar that you take everywhere. For me, It's a camping guitar. I throw it in the truck with my camping gear and never think twice about it. There's value in that... I have guitars that are far better. They stay home, I don't, so define "better".

[@davidabramyk2999]

Sounds like a great guitar for someone’s first “real” guitar or that next step up from kid going to lessons. Might not be the show piece or recording studio/big stage guitar but looks like a guitar I could take camping, Coffee shops, busking, smaller settings letting it ride in the trunk without having to worry about every little thing…. Or theft.

[@davidmiles533]

I’m the early 70s I bought a Japanese Sigma. People who owned D-18s and up to D-45s were amazed at the sound and build for the dollar. Playability was top too. I just played a 12 string version of the new X series and I got on the phone and ordered one for myself. It’s as good as my old Sigma. No. It’s not my HD-35 but I don’t expect that for less than 1,000.00. The improvements are top notch. Bag is a plus too.

[@falcongunner33]

These used to punch way above their weight class at the $499 price point. I paid $250 for my 2003 000-x1 and it’s still one of my favorites even with various solid wood models in the stable now. The higher price is a bummer but I would definitely recommend shopping used for anyone interested.

[@nubisnotstump]

Used Road series is the way to go 🎉

[@falcongunner33]

@@nubisnotstump for the right price those can be great guitars

[@BaktaBak3]

I must be an odd ball. I liked the strata bond neck on the X series. Solid neck . Never needed an adjustment. I'm also fond of solid neck. Just saying Strata bond wasn't bad. Great review guys. I always watch & refer back to your Vid's. 🎸🎸🎸 These guitars are awesome for a spare backup gig guitar also. 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@lhvent]

I agree

[@brianredmon378]

It is also very slick and easy to maneuver, I like it too.

[@everydaymesopotamian9816]

Yes! I love my stratabond neck. I like the Micarta fingerboard too that my old 00CX1AE came with.

[@WildernessBuilderness]

The pattern on the back of the cutout version will match my brown and tan tuxedo t-shirt perfectly!

[@jshu1625]

Of these two ...I preferred the sound of the GPC-X2E the best!! sounded fuller to me!!!

[@barthrvatin8297]

San An-tone is closer to Navojoa than it is to Nazareth or Nashville… 🎶 There’s a lyric for your next album Coop. 🤘🏻❤️

[@lhvent]

The Martin Factory in Navajo is making some great guitars.

[@paulhendershott667]

Very similar to the old Bakelite from the 40's. I played these guitars to have something on the road I wouldn't be too upset getting a little banged around. My other guitars are a 5 year old 000-15M and a 000-18 Custom Shop with bearclaw Sitka spruce top. Not wanting to ding up my expensive Martin, I thought these X-Series would be a fun guitar to throw in the backseat on vacation, etc. I came to the conclusion that there were much better sounding all wood guitars in the same range that played and sounded much better. In the end I decided to use my 000-15M as the bang around guitar because it sounds beautiful and It now looks like a road worn guitar, and the trauma has been perpetrated by me alone (No Murphy Lab required!).

[@BaktaBak3]

You two make the videos interesting, fun and informative.🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸 and you play well.

[@bongocuba]

Tried it but like the FG3 instead. I believe you get much more value with the Yamaha.

[@LegsON]

Absolutely. I could only justify paying ~1000$ for partially laminate guitar if it's blinged out... which I did.😭🤣

[@johnwashburn3793]

I had a Yamaha motorcycle once. Martin doesn't even make a motorcycle...

[@SuperEdge67]

@@johnwashburn3793 I had a Yamaha soundbar……….Martin don’t make sound bars.

[@johnwashburn3793]

...and neither make a candy bar, that I know of. I also had a Yamaha receiver decades ago. I recommend Yamaha guitars often, and may buy one. I have two Alvarez and two Martin guitars. Ironically, 00 and dreadnought for both.

[@Kaotiqua]

The first guitar that ever won my heart was an early FG-110, and there's a reason they're collector's gold. Beautiful instrument. Broken my heart to lose mine to a car fire.

[@dalecoffing8655]

Have had a D10e for about 18 months. Use in church, with a gospel group and the pit for musicals. A real working man's guitar. IMO. Musicians I play with really like it. I was not a big fan of Martins. After trying many acoustic electrics this is the one that my wife liked (sound wise) of anything I played. It plays really easy. It's a plane jane guitar but I'm not the front man. You two are a great team, keep the vids coming!

[@Kaotiqua]

Holy crap... I thought I was the only person on the planet who admitted to not being a fan. 😆 Yeah- same. The X-series made a believer out of me.

[@dalecoffing8655]

Never cared for the "Martin Sound" but it does set nicely in the mix with singers. I do run my D10 through some pedals. Pulling in some mids and pull off some of the bass. Sometimes I run straight into the board or my acoustic amp. Always wanted a Taylor 614ce. Maybe someday. Thanks for your comment kiddo. Keep playing. @@Kaotiqua

[@michaelcoy8698]

I have the Macassar Ebony and enjoy it very much for being my first Martin. Enjoyed your videos from LV. Also I'm good friends with your brother Mark

[@sigfredocholin2467]

When I went to the music store last time, the GPC X2E had a better sound than the more expensive SC-13e. I kept on plying them both and the GPC X2E really had a better sound, the SC-13e sounded a little bit thin coz some parts were removed inside in order to be a lightweight guitar. The SC-13e looked way better though but the GPC X2e really sounded better in my ears. I’m a musician and have more preference on the sound and playability and the GPC deliver’s both.

[@Kaotiqua]

I've had a black X- series for about 5 years now. I am definitively _NOT_ a Martin fan, and actually swore for years I'd never let one under my roof, but when you're guitar shopping, you play what someone puts in your hands, and you bring home what speaks to you, and that's what this weird guitar did. It sounds great, it's got tone that's insane for the pricepoint. I'm a "thumper", and the thump on the X is almost more of a "Toc". Not gonna lie- it feels like plastic in my hands, and I don't love that, but it's a workhorse like no other Martin could be. The _reason_ I'm not a fan of M's is that I'm hard on my instruments, and I expect them to take it. I have no patience for delicate humidifiers or princesses that demand precise fussy handling, all of which are traits that Martins are notorious for. No disrespect- most players seem to enjoy a Martin's delicate sensibilities, but it's not for me. I get none of that from the X. I keep it hung in an unheated, cold basement hallway, and when I bring it into the warm studio, it's ready to roll almost immediately. I have no doubt it would have held up admirably if I were still busking in the Seattle weather. All that praise said, I have to come down to the big glaring cons. First, it's pretty much a plastic guitar. There's wood in there, but it's injected with a whole lot of plastic laminate, and you can feel that in your hands. Second, and I've thankfully never experienced this, I've only been told by others who have... It can take a beating, but when it fails, it literally _shatters_ in a way that is nigh-unrepairable. I've seen pictures. It's not pretty. And knowing that, I find myself kid-gloving it more than I like to do. Still, I can't _not_ recommend the X series. It's a sweet, wallet-friendly guitar that sounds good, looks cool, and sports the prestigious Martin name on the headstock. It's not going to be for everyone, but it's worth taking for a spin, at the very least.

[@ramspencer5492]

Sounds amazing ... Crazy that Martin didn't add adjustable trust rods until 1985 though.... It's kind of an ordeal to get the action dialed in consistently.... A lot of old guitars need a neck reset... And then what gauge of string you use, can still be dictated by how the wood is doing... And extra need for humidity protection

[@mariodriessen9740]

I saw that Martin doesn’t make their 0-x1E anymore. I loved that little thing. Looked similar to a beautiful Martin 0-15 with added electronics that sounded pretty decent as well. They still have a single 0 x-series guitar in their lineup, but that one doesn’t look as nice and it doesn’t have the pickup. Bummer. I always kept and still keep my eyes open in case one might pop up in the 2nd hand market. Yes, 2nd hand, because these x-series guitars are fun, but I wouldn’t consider them cheap. Last year I bought an all solid wood constructed, beautiful looking Eastman that can compete with something like a Martin 000-17 (seriously!) for less than 700 dollars, brand new, with a soft case. The only thing it didn’t have was a pickup. It would absolutely be worth to install an LR Baggs Anthem, because it’s that good. It just feels a bit silly to do this in a guitar that was approximately 670 dollars, so I’m thinking of a soundhole pickup like the DeArmond Tone Boss. Hmmmm…., maybe that’s a way better option anyway. 🤔

[@powbobs]

The 0-x2e is the replacement. It does have a pickup and tuner.

[@mariodriessen9740]

@@powbobs : I know, but I preferred the ‘mahagony look’. Thanks for sharing though! Appreciated!

[@frankmitman3347]

Still sounds like a Martin and that’s a good thing

[@Kaotiqua]

I perform live on audio streams, and a fan called me out after a show, right after I got mine. "I thought you said you didn't like Martins," he said, "but I know a Martin when I hear one!" *lol*

[@shaneroberts9466]

These sound like a reasonable bargain with improvement until comparing what Yamaha provides for same or less price. I've never been a fan of HPL or with the printed wood design. The hpl finish reminds me of older linoleum floors!

[@Kaotiqua]

Accurate, but the tone is incredibly responsive, and unlike most Martins, it's pretty damned near weather-proof.

[@Rexpbass]

Good sounding counter top

[@ScottRandall31]

X séries are a very decent guitar that are great for travel or daily practice. Very playable and hardy. You’re not going to get the same tone as guitars with certain woods but price for what you get is almost untouchable.

[@romysan1]

well Cooper , you make em sing. I think I like the non cutaway. thanks PLs reply...what model is the non cutaway?

[@rinkydinky-ob9pe]

gs mini would be my go to for under 800

[@wilkbor]

I bought a used X series a couple of years ago and really like it.

[@ronnelsmith9581]

Navajo Mexico is 648 miles from San Antonio as the condor flies.

[@Dare_To_Imagine]

How do they compare with similar priced Taylor, regarding sound and playability?

[@cckidd883]

I was looking at Mexican martins yesterday, walked out with a Breedlove

[@ianALTmusic]

Breedlove are Chinese unless you go for Oregon series. Both companies are great 👍🏻

[@luizdiaz5196]

My 000-x2e Brazilian sounds and plays better than my all solid 000-10e sapele. Highly recommend this BUT Yamaha does make better guitars for the same price.

[@dareelevi9945]

I ordered a brazilian as well and I hope I will not be disappointed!

[@asdfjklol]

How are the all HPL martins? I'm looking for a guitar that will be stable in extremely low humidity environments (Colorado mountains).

[@Kaotiqua]

You won't go wrong with the X-series. They very nearly shrug off the weather. I wouldn't be surprised if you could play this thing in a bathtub. (Not plugged in of course. 😆 that'd be an electrifying experience!)

[@sigfredocholin2467]

I have one (0-x1e) and have played it twice or thrice a week in a gig for three years and it still in great condition. The sound is great. These guitars are underrated but they even sound better than a solid wood Martin when I tried comparing them in the store. The GPC X2e is the one I recommend for both practice and gigging guitar. This is truly a bulletproof guitar in a high humidity place like here in Okinawa. 😊

[@TheDogPetter]

What are the two demo songs?

[@anthonyb2334]

I owned one of these in the 000X2 earlier version. I did not like the stratabond neck , it did not feel good. Ritchlight fretboard and bridge also were not good. I love Martins but their entry level is getting a bit pricey. I would probably look at a couple of other brands ( Yamaha, Alvarez, Epiphone inspired by Gibson , Eastman) except Martins are NOT MADE in China. I think the improvements are a positive change. Thank you for the video.

[@kennethhockey2598]

Imh, these also make excellent beginner guitars. Thx guys, Alamo's the best 🙂👍

[@kenmoffat3283]

Is the road series a big step up?

[@LegsON]

Absolutely. All-solid wood MATTERS.

[@AlamoMusic]

Check the specs though. The Road series is great but some models are all solid and some are not. - Chris

[@kenmoffat3283]

@@AlamoMusic thanks!

[@johnwashburn3793]

My life was so much simpler when I was buying guitars like that, but of course they were not a Martin. Now they are.

[@trevorgleave5168]

I have the johnny cash plugged in its awesome very awesome

[@lhvent]

I have a DX1RAE, and it has a broken in sound.

[@vegaa.1645]

First! Wish they had more left handed models available!

[@Romamb]

🥇🙄

[@vegaa.1645]

​@@Romamb🐓🍭

[@sgblues4238]

My luthier loves Martin guitars but told me to run from X series. They come unglued, he’s sees it all the time.

[@Kaotiqua]

I've never heard that, and I've been playing one for about 5 years- but I have heard that the HPL can shatter pretty spectacularly.

[@JeffSimpson-yy2si]

Eastman om has a great one full solid woods real bone 24:05 24:05 nut and

[@erou_al_munciisocialiste7665]

Guitar name boxes. Better buy Takamine (GD 72, GD 90, GD93, GJ90 ZC etc.) or Yamaha (FG820, FG830, FG 850, FS 830, FS 820 etc.) with laminated wood.

[@user-jp1qc4ex8c]

Yamaha LL6 or Martin X series?

[@LifeWideOpen780]

Ll6 no contest

[@Kaotiqua]

@@LifeWideOpen780Can't go wrong with a Yamaha, imho, and I'll take one over Martin any day, but I won't knock the X series either.

[@ia5662]

Here's the thing - they are unequivocally better. There is no way Richlite will ever resonate or sound better than a solid piece of organic wood. Richlite is so dense, fake and resined that it doesn't have natural fibers to vibrate. I know some people see a fingerboard or bridge as negligible vibration and only care about a solid top (clearly THE most important element), but ask yourself this: if a guitar resonates ALL OVER when strummed, why would you want to deaden that natural ringing and vibrations ANYWHERE on the instrument? I also feel like a playing surface feels better as a natural piece of a wood, though often a cheaper fingerboard may more easily allow fingernails to dig in, making it more uncomfortable to play. I'll give Richlite the advantage there, but only there. Even in the looks department, I'd rather see a solid piece of brown wood than a jet-black piece of a manmade inorganic material. The fact that Taylor owns their own ebony mills and can put ebony fingerboards and bridges on ALL their guitars is a testament to their conservation efforts, but also their business model. I can't believe that Martin refuses deliver X-series guitars with AT LEAST layered back and sides, if not an alternative, lesser known or lesser tone wood. At least it would be wood on the guitar. The Formica has to go! It's been an insult to their own legacy, unless they start calling them outdoor guitars or something where there is an actual purpose for the use of HPL other than clear cost savings. I do appreciate that they at least have made efforts to make the HPL attractive and use a variety of printed patterns. But most importantly, I applaud Martin to the moon for finally putting back real wood bridges, fretboards and necks. This has vastly improved the quality and resonance of the X-Series and there is A LOT more natural wood to the sound, which is what we all want.

[@billimbriale8535]

Pricewise, the junior series is comparable and all wood.

[@jamesbruce8749]

These X series guitars are the every man work horses that if you had to swing it upside the head of an over spirited stage bomber with no fear or good sense, you could do so with out fear or guilt, and at a pretty affordable replacement cost. I have one and it's aging beautifully, keeps getting better sounding the older it gets and the more I play it.

[@JAGProductionss]

Sounds a little empty. Would be better with a real layered wood. HPL is a no go

[@olivier5866]

👍👌

[@phil8528]

The contempt you guys had for those guitars was hilariously not hidden by your politeness. Particularly the long haired guy. I would go so far as to say he was secretly disgusted by those guitars 😂

[@Djamieson713]

Are you guys hiring?

[@warrentinsley921]

Are you just paying for the name with these guitars? Im in the market for a decent solid wood guitar for around this price point, but I feel could get a better guitar for that price.

[@Kaotiqua]

If you want wood, don't buy an X-series. They sound great, but they don't feel like wood in your hands at all- because they really aren't. There's wood in there... but not much.

[@warrentinsley921]

@Kaotiqua thanks man. Yes I am thinking of going for a guild d140 seems like a better option

[@billimbriale8535]

That the top American guitar manufacturer does not tell you exactly what wood they are using is pathetic.

[@Kaotiqua]

It's not wood. It's HPL, and they say it frequently, and honestly. HPL has wood _in it_ but it's not wood.

[@billimbriale8535]

@@KaotiquaI was referring to the neck on this guitar. They even laughed about it in the video. I know what HPL is.

[@lotusmark2]

good frank review, but you did come off a bit elitist

[@Garrus-w2h]

there was a lot of "buy from Mexico instead of China" stuff in this video... sorry, Mexico isn't made in the US, some people care about that, it was weird for them to push Mexico so much in this video

[@LifeWideOpen780]

Love martin but these guitars sound lifeless. Save your money and buy a yamaha

[@telecaster9988]

Which yamaha would you recommend on this martin price range?

[@billymorrison23]

Over priced get and all solid Alvarez for that kind of money

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Martin thinks if they use purdy veneers people will pay more for these now - I guess we will see if their marketing hits the mark this year...

[@Kaotiqua]

I'll be honest... the new veneers look funky. I feel like they're trying to pretend to be something they aren't. I like the X-series, but it's a plastic guitar, and if that's what it is, then weird carbon black is fine by me, especially if the price difference is several hundred bucks.

[@LifeWideOpen780]

Say no to hpl

[@Kaotiqua]

Eh. I'd say, "Say yes... _but_ ". Folks should know what to expect when they buy it. I feel like these fancy new finishes are trying to pretend to be something they aren't.

[@yomommaahotoo264]

Friend of mine has one of these from 8 or so years back. NOT impressed.

[@DeimosXX0]

For 600 USD you can have an actually all wood guitar. Soooo.... 600 USD for a plastic material just for pay the brand, idk.

[@KLeeHill]

I hear you but…for using outdoors, hiking, lakes, ocean and camping, long hot or cold road trips… they’re virtually indestructible and that way there’s always some strumming to do no matter the conditions! ✌️ but yes have an all wood for home and stage. Have a great day!!!

[@ellesnyder942]

since you asked- chris, ditch the beard. nobody needs to look like a gnome on purpose.

[@misorodzinak8829]

I disagree

[@Kaotiqua]

I thought he was born with that beard. 😆