Martin Special X Series Koa - How Do They Sound?

[@joshr961]

Recently found one of these used but in absolutely mint condition for 350$ with the bag. And I feel like it was the deal of the century. Had a setup done by previous owner with a really low action and no buzz or anything abnormal. And I have a Yamaha fg800 I started on with bone upgrades saddle pins and nut and I just can’t get enough of the Martin. It’s a much darker bluesy tone with much more bass. Yet it’s more mellow. I wish I could afford a solid wood Martin but honestly I’m pretty dang happy with the X series.

[@texhaines9957]

The way Martin does HPL is using wood dust and sawdust put under pressure (possibly with a resin, pressure increasing temperature) to produce a material like many counter tops. It is bonded to an image of a nice wood back. How do these sound compared to a carbon fiber guitar? Thanks Quinton and Paul.

[@RandyBadour]

My current X series sounds fantastic! It handles the elements very well. Extreme heat and cold have not been an issue and it's been tested 3-4years and going incredibly strong still. Hard road use, little maintenance. Awesome affordable quality tool! 🤙

[@ShopJock]

Ive had one for 15+ yrs. Setup hasnt changed. Sits at the shop and has been a awsome knock around guitar. Sounds better plugged in also

[@CaptainOfMyBurden82]

I’ve got the dread, similar to the one in the video. I use it as my travel guitar. Truth be told I was impressed with the tone for it being all HPL. Also a great guitar to leave out if you’ve got small kids around.

[@Texas1836Band]

I’ve got several Martin laminates hpl, including this one they all sound and feel great! I also have several high end guitars that I would not want to use outdoors/ campfire environments so the HPLs are great instruments in these situations. Also very durable

[@VincentCaruso-o2m]

I changed from lifespan phos bronze to kovar luxe - both light gauge - on my Martin 012 28 and love them - a bit softer in sound but better note separation - I'm a bare finger picker and I love them

[@BaktaBak3]

Having had both Carbon Fiber guitars and these HPL Martins....I like these Martin Guitars for the sound as it still sounds like a Martin. The Carbon Fiber type guitars (for my ears) gets on my nerves after playing them awhile ( sounding harsh ). These Martins don't do that . Had a Carbon Fiber Cello.......same thing. Sounded great at the first 15 minutes, but the more I played it , the more I didn't like it. Sold the Carbon Fiber & got a Eastman Cello which I just LOVE. Just throwing in my 2 cents from experience with both. Others may prefer Carbon Fiber instruments. Thanks (as always) for the reviews you guys do ! 🎸🎸🎸

[@uvp5000]

High-pressure laminate guitars have their time and place. I was fortunate enough to purchase a Yamaha for $100.00 (an HPL instrument) which sounds quite good for what it is. I would need to try the demonstrated instruments in the hand to see how they felt to play. They sound nice enough over my speakers.

[@boudibla4011]

Laminate Single O sounds kinda cool. For the right price point, I would be interested...

[@smandez2023]

Another fun review guys. In my opinion, nobody does all solid better than Martin, and nobody does laminate/ layered guitars better than Taylor.

[@eduardoramirez6877]

Takamine are way better.

[@BaktaBak3]

Hope they have the stratabond neck like the older models . Those necks stayed "put". I think these are wonderful travel guitars / second "stage" guitar. Do these have electronics built in ?

[@gregweber3387]

The Martin Special X Koa do not have built-in electronics. For $499 though, the price is pretty good. If you want electronics the Martin D-X1E is only about $50 more. I have a Martin D-X2E (HPL back and side with a solid spruce wood top). I've been very happy with it. Sounds terrific acoustically and plugged in to an amp.

[@kenhoward3512]

@@gregweber3387 The D-X1E also has a tuner (along with the preamp) inside the sound hole.

[@pierresongs6]

They sound OK to me. Just wondering how long the HPL lasts. Does it start going soft after a while? Great price for a budget Martin though.

[@kenhoward3512]

It doesn't "go soft" unless, I'm told, you subject it to very high temperature, like leaving it in your car in the summer with the windows up (like, 140+ degrees).

[@johnhicksmusic]

Really important point about needing to humidify the wood braces - I didn’t consider that!

[@kenhoward3512]

- if you're in a very dry climate.

[@WysteriaGuitar]

For a bit more, $579.00, you can an ALL WOOD Eastman. (Yes, I am a Martin guy AND an EASTMAN guy)

[@jmar5785]

Me too

[@aperezdeal]

Eastman’s are fantastic but I like these because I can leave them out.

[@louieo.blevinsmusic2011]

Never played an Eastman. What type of Eastman’s should I check out? Especially one that sounds great great in drop D?

[@WysteriaGuitar]

@@louieo.blevinsmusic2011 Depends on what size body you like but they all should sound just fine in drop D - you may want to look at an E1-D, that's the model I reference above that is all solid wood for under $600.00. CANNOT go wrong with an EASTMAN. If you want their high end dred that would be the E40D. I have one of those as well and they are great. (and I have a slew of high end Martin, Gibson, Collings, and Taylor guitars)

[@MikeD0011]

I have a Martin with HPL back and sides and it’s terrible. Always go for all wood.

[@mickymillersson4376]

Don't mind the laminate body, hate the necks

[@kenhoward3512]

Laminated birchwood. C-shaped. Rounded fretboard edges. What do you hate?

[@iamhannahmontana1153]

The one guitar I liked in the store and finding out it’s not wood ☹️ why is it so expensive at $600+

[@zoemeow7677]

pretty is what counts wee lovely

[@Bnailling]

Yeah the fact that it’s not made of wood makes me want it even more so it can be passed down generation to generation…. I wish people would realize this about houses too.

[@kaushalsuvarna5156]

They sound hollow

[@Wiggi147]

Koa has a more airy lighter ambience imo but the hpl is another cause

[@kenhoward3512]

HaHaHa! They're hollow body guitars, of course.

[@dancingtears]

The price is ridiculous for non-wood guitar. I guess you pay for the name. I can buy two solid top wood guitars from different brand for the price of this Martin.

[@gloryrow100]

I haven't heard anyone say anything good about them

[@fabieng6864]

HPL 😂😂😂😂 the price is not under pressure. They can sell their garbage mixed with epoxy

[@stanleyng9491]

Koa-like plastic 🤣🤣🤣

[@eduardoramirez6877]

I'm sorry,but sounds very bad.