Thoughts On The Martin X Series

[@NoLefTurnUnStoned.]

I tend not to hit my guitars with hammers or stab them with screwdrivers, but hey, I’m a bit weird.

[@SaintsPurgatory]

If someone hammered and stabbed you with a screwdriver I wonder where you’d be split and busted open. I bet it’d be fun to see.

[@cooloutac]

LMAO. I mean a big selling point on these guitars is that they are more durable and resistant to environment and stress. So its kind of crazy to listen to what this guy is saying lol. If he fixes alot of them its probably because they are small investments and people use them as beaters. I can tell you i've banged mine on the back and sides all the time and never got a hole. but I do have scratches on the spruce, not a single scrach on the HPL.

[@cooloutac]

I"ve had a dx1 for 20 years. still great intonation never needed a damn thing done to it. Difference is I treated mine like an expensive guitar. Over the years the Spruce has darkened to a orangey yellow and grain lines have formed from past humidity issues, but it has made the highs super sweet and smooth now. Whats amazing is that those HPL sides and bottom with the spruce top is the best sounding guitar ever made. You can keep your d18's and d28's they sound like garbage compared the original D1, The original DX1 and I'm going to assume since I never heard it personally the now DX2E. For people who want a thumping bass and full mellow sound this is Martins Signature right here. Also a little secret the DX2E is the only Martin model with Katalox I believe, strongest wood in the world and from Mexico there gotta be some pride in that one...lol Mexico got the Torch passed to them from PA and seem to be following Martins Tradition with the series.

[@chrisrose1508]

Agree. I have the DX1 with the solid spruce top for about 20 years also. I bought it because it was the most tonally even acoustic that I’d ever played. Still love it but I’m thinking of trading it for a DX1e

[@cooloutac]

@@chrisrose1508 Get the d10e man.

[@wilkbor]

I bought a used X series a couple of years ago and, so far, have been pretty happy with it. It has the laminate back and sides with a solid spruce top. The fingerboard, I believe, is richlite. I'm not sure about the saddle or the nut. So far, it has held up well and plays well. It stays in tune very well, except when the weather changes abruptly. (I suspect abrupt weather changes are hard on all wood guitars, so this is not something unique to Martin.) The tone sounds good, although I'm honestly not that fussy about tone. I strum it and it sounds like a guitar, which is all I expect. In general, I think it's a good buy for a first guitar.

[@DanielLDavis-df3uy]

I guess you have provided some really good info.IF a person drops or throws their guitar around, or play them with hammers or screwdrivers. I own several acoustic guitars one is Martin special X series. and I can guarantee that if I smacked it with a hammer it would have a hole in it as would any of my acoustics. The same with a screwdriver. IF a person takes care of his/her instrument as one should, those "problems" would be non-existent. nuff said

[@AbcDino843]

Agreed, I am pretty happy with mine.

[@NoLefTurnUnStoned.]

Totally agree! Plus no worry about plane rides, regular gigging, humidity, cold/hot etc.

[@staceystrickland5302]

I agree. This guy seems to have real beef with DX series guitars. I wonder what a D-18 would look like of it was subjected to the same abuse that this DX1 was subjected to. I have a DX1KAE for about 10 years now and absolutely now issues.

[@JohnnyRebKy]

I had one years ago. I took it to a summertime bluegrass festival and when I opened the case that night the top had separated from the sides. Had been in its case outside for just a few hours. Martin fixed it but I sold it afterward. My old Alvarez solid Mahogany guitar had been going to those events for 10 years and never had a single issue. Now it’s 25 years old and still barks and sings like a D18. I also have a D28 and the Alvarez is right there with it. For the money I’d take a solid Alvarez any day over a particle board Martin

[@cooloutac]

very strange i've had my dx1 for 20 years. I bought it because it sounded better than the d18's and d28's. wondering if maybe yours was weakening for some reason before you even went to that festival. My spruce top has some scars, its got a real dark orangey yellow now, and dark grain lines have formed in it I believe from past humidity issues but it seems pretty stabilized over the past years. Its also pretty dirty especially where my armpit rests. Talking to you maybe I should condition it with dr ducks and this year get a humidipak for my case in the coming winter. But all i've ever done is use martin polish on the neck and fretboard (i know probably pointless) and keep it in its case in a temp controlled environment. I have bought it outside on occasion but not often. But what you describe sounds farfetched.

[@JohnnyRebKy]

@cooloutac you musta played some bad D18 and D28s...but that's off subject It's gets VERY VERY humid in the south. Combine 90s degrees and 100% humidity all day long and into the night...it isn't far fetched at all. Martin repaired it under warranty though. But I gladly traded it for a new HD28 a few months later. It doesn't go outside all day and night though. No way.

[@cooloutac]

@JohnnyRebKy you play outside a lot? I never do I also keep it in a hard case leaning on the wall when I'm not playing. As for the sound it might not have the clarity of a D-28 or as easy to play but it's got thumping bass which is my priority. And with that Spruce top the highs really have come alive over the years. I use the Martin lifespan strings and I really just beat the s*** out of my guitar. Some guys cringe Bluegrass guys love it. Lol.

[@cooloutac]

@JohnnyRebKy only other guitar I like the bass on is the latest d18. Would love to hear one with Rosewood but I don't think they make it?

[@JohnnyRebKy]

@cooloutac no such thing as a rosewood D18. That's fundamentally the main difference between a D18 and D28....18 is mahogany, and 28 is rosewood. If you like deep rumbling bass then you have to try a HD28. It's the king of thumping rumbling bass. These days they also make pretty good highs too. They are more balanced than they used to be. Martin changed the bracing a few years ago to not only scalloped bracing, but also forward shifted bracing. So they rumble great and also make good trebles. If you liked the D18 but want a bit more bass rumble and rosewood...grab a standard D28. Then put it down and try a HD28. I like loud rumbling guitars too and that's why I have a HD28. You can feel the entire guitar vibrate and shimmer against your body! It's great lol 😆. It will be a much more powerful and louder guitar than your DX. It's hard to explain or understand unless you put one in your hands. I think you will be blown away. I'm NOT knocking your guitar, I had one I liked a lot too, but I didn't understand how much more volume and power a HD28 had over them until I went and played one. I been spoiled ever since lol Come back and let me know how it goes 😎. Oh I almost forgot....I play outside on the porch a lot. But that's just short time periods. No way I'd take my HD28 on a camping trip in middle of summer heat and humidity in the south unless I had a camper with AC in it ( and I don't). I learned that lesson already lol. But a couple hours on back porch doesn't hurt. If I was going camping in a tent all weekend during summer heat and humidity I'd take a much cheaper guitar. All solid wood guitars like d18 and d28 are much more sensitive to heat and humidity...especially in the south Lastly...life is short brother. If you play one that blows you away...BUY IT

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

My childhood Library’s missing table tops have finally resurfaced… 😏👩‍🏫

[@BaktaBak3]

The stratabond necks are rock solid. As mentioned , I've had these guitars. Never had to do ANY work to them. Maybe I'm just one of those people that takes care of their instruments regardless of what was paid for them. Thanks for the video. Was very informative.🎸🎸🎸

[@DrewsGuitarShop]

The stuff I see at the shop is like that pic of the B-17 with all the little dots on it. I might only get the ones that are abused.

[@Kur0y4m4]

Had mine in a hard case when not being played (as with all my guitars). Had this D1XAE for 12 years now… I’ve had zero of the problems you’ve seen.

[@StratsRUs]

They updated these guitars with electrics , more real wood etc. This model is fine too , mine aged beautifully , great action ..but the neck has been updated to solid wood.THAT was my only issue. The new models are amazing. I never saw any guitar being treated like that. The 'new' DX2E is great.Highly recommended. They must sell by the truckloads.

[@wilele7133]

I bought a customX 12 string because it played and sounded fantastic. After playing it for a couple of months, i started looking for a Martin 6 string. I finally came across a custom X 6 string. In all honesty it played and sounded as goid if not better than several of the other more expensive Martins on hand. I took it hone and it is now one of my most prized guitars! I love them both and wouldnt trade them for anything!@

[@guitmanful]

I came across this video searching on the Martin X-series special/problems. I look at these guitars as "throw aways" and will not even try to repair them. They all have fret issues, and the richlite fretboards are almost impossible to work with doing neck leveling and re-fretting. Richlite doesn't behave like an actual wood fretboard.

[@fatmanbhkbjorn]

I just bought a used Mexican made DXME, just like the one in this vid., and the 2,3,4 frets are badly worn at GBE. I have three other guitars that I bought used (Crafter, Yamaha an SX Custom); noen of them have any fret-wear at all. Also, the decal wears off more each time I play it - I totally agree in that it would look better without, so I’m just gonna rub it off (it looks cheap). The sound is lovely, but the worn frets makes it so that I have to death grip the D-chord in order to avoid buzz. I just hope I can get these frets replaced, ‘cause I really love the sound.

[@shambledunk2089]

My DXME served me well for many gigs, great sound and pretty reasonable plugged in. But after 10 years of use it did physically deteriorate: rosette decal scratched away, as you see above, couple of tuners stripped, but most seriously the top developed a pretty noticeable belly-bulge. When I last pulled it out of the case, It was still quite playable, but had lost all midrange! Lots of feelings for that old laminate Martin, but in comparison my Yamaha FG730, bought around the same time has only improved with age.

[@riffdigger2133]

I’ve bought a DX-2AE and a DX-1AE and they are fun to play with great PLEKED frets and feel. Funny thing, when my girlfriend and I were in the acoustic guitar sound room of a major retailer we compared the sound of the Mexican Martins to expensive Nashville Martins, Epiphones and Yamaha we both liked the sound of the X Martins. Brighter more resonant. Plugging them into a Katana amp acoustic setting , at home also makes these guitars a win.

[@HayesTech]

First off, I love Martin guitars (I have an HD-28V). But I have issues with purchasing a guitar made out of counter top material. Even plywood is a better option, in my opinion. But to pay what you do for those X series guitars, with formica instead of quality plywood, there are better options. Recording King and Alvarez make all solid wood guitars, with dovetail neck joints and all wood glue (no epoxy) construction. Those guitars start at around $650.00 for solid mahogany back and sides, to $850.00 for solid rosewood back and sides. I would get one of those before getting a countertop guitar, just because it says Martin in the label. Just my opinion. And as you said, so eloquently, opinions are like ass holes, everybody's got one...lol

[@cooloutac]

ALSO FYI, Martin now has a different rosette on their X series. Its a mother of pearl.

[@williecheng7430]

Useful info. Thank you

[@yourtubisfilled7164]

Martin should get a glue clue, also looking at the binding coming off issues on the higher end models. Fun fact: both problems have to with trying to combine plastics with wood / wood working techniques. Currently shopping for a new guitar and I really like Martin's sound and heritage but the use of plastic (in any guitar) seriously makes me hesitate to commit.

[@jcrgtattoo333]

My 2018 custom X series dreadnaught has been fantastic. Every time I go to try new acoustic guitars, I realize mine either plays better, sounds better, or both, sometimes at 2X the price. Look, if you drop your guitar, it will probably break., but the reality is that these are great for the price, and can stand up to harsher environments than most acoustic guitars.

[@dtowndano]

Question for those of you that own this model Martin "X-series" guitars. I'm looking for a second acoustic/electric guitar. I own a Takamine acoustic guitar (1998) that sounds wonderful. I'd like to add another acoustic / electric guitar that won't break the bank so I'm considering this Martin series. Is it worth the $750-$800 they are selling these for now? (Feb. 2024) What other comparable AE guitars would you recommend in this price point?

[@sezginbayir]

Selam. Ben de bir martin x serisi kullanıcısıyım. Tavsiye etmem, yanlar ve arkası yapay ağaçlardan oluşuyor. Bunlar yerine taylor 110 daha mantıklı olur. Masif ağaç olmalı

[@everydaymesopotamian9816]

My favorite guitar to play is a Martin 00CX1AE. I bought it new in 2004 and it was the best $600 I ever spent. I like the way the stratabond neck feels in my hand and I prefer the Micarta or Richlite fingerboards and bridges over the select hardwood on the later version. I upgraded my 00CX1AE with a bone nut and Luxe bridge pins and it sounds terrific for a small guitar. From my experience, these HPL guitars are super rugged and ready to go practically anywhere, but try to get the older version for richer tone.

[@YouTubeHandlesAreMoronic]

I don't own an X-Series, or any Martin, for that matter, so I have no dog in this fight. But, if you punch a hole in the side of your guitar, you're either careless or a moron. The fact that the repair will be both ugly and obvious will serve as a warning to others who might consider letting you touch their gear.

[@duaneulman9915]

Thank you for the opinion its all good.

[@scotteeles2305]

Very informative video! It's a shame people are conned into buying these. Especially when you look at the fact you can get all solid guitars from other brands like Seagull and Yamaha whose reputation for build quality in the mid price range is second to none even their cheaper stuff is robustly built.

[@AbcDino843]

I went to the Guitar Center and tried a bunch of guitars in the $300-$800 price range, different brands, didn't do any prior research, I just needed a relatively cheap no fluff acoustic guitar. I walked out with a variation of this guitar, just rosewood color. I loved how it felt, fretwork was good, fit and finish was neat, action was low and it sounded pretty good. I don't feel I was "conned", I'm one happy customer.

[@NoLefTurnUnStoned.]

Not a con at all. For the price they’re great if you don’t want to worry about heat/cold humidity, plane rides, regular gigging/busking.

[@pepe3675]

@@AbcDino843 this guitar doesn't beat any cheap guitar, don't kid yourself, with that money you could have bought two yamaha fg830, or a seagull s6, when you buy a martin buying a name on your headstock

[@AbcDino843]

@@pepe3675 I am not kidding myself, I actually went and compared the guitars.

[@cooloutac]

I've had a DX1 for 20 years and it sounds better then the D18's and D28's in the stores lol. You are the one being conned my friend. I believe its successor the now Mexican Made DX2E is the new King. The fact it has a Katalox Fret and Bridge tells me the Mexicans have pride in building it, and are signaling that they are following the Martin Tradition with the series and now have the torch passed from PA.

[@silvertip8k278]

High pressure laminate...nothing but "formica"...how in the world could a company like martin stoop so low...there's way too many nice all wood guitars out there for less money...I was sold one as a "koa" wood top,sides and back by one of the online stores...it was sent back immediately after I unzipped the gig bag...musicians friend apologized for the lack of knowledge of their salesperson...fake wood is not for me!

[@jordanross9828]

The neck is made of Birch strips

[@MikeD0011]

I wish I saw this before I bought one of these.

[@brianredmon378]

HPL is paper and phenolic resin.

[@kats1978]

At 3:08, it tells a lots of thing you want to say about this guitar.

[@blackbirdpie217]

If you had a $20,000.00 Santa Cruz you'd treat it with lots of care believe me. Why not treat all your guitars this way? I bought one of these because of its marvelous tone. It really sounds great. Composite bodies are nothing new. Ovation has used synthetic bodies for decades. I don't know of them having this problem, but so far I haven't dropped mine. no problems with it, I haven't popped any holes in the sides, good grief! And I still love the sound.

[@DrewsGuitarShop]

The soundboards are solid wood and are fine on these guitars. The issues come from everything else. Just be gentle with it and it should treat you well but be mindful of the potential issues.

[@cooloutac]

exactly. I'ave had my DX1 for 20 years and from day 1 I thought it sounded better than d18's and D28's in the stores. This guy is a snob lol.

[@jaybeslig]

just when I was about to buy myself a martin Guitar. then I see this. heartbreaking, really.

[@DrewsGuitarShop]

Martin is a good build, it's just these laminate guitars.

[@davegott8412]

Binding keeps coming if my hd 28

[@ServantofChrist81]

Fingerboard is made of Richlite

[@cooloutac]

The DX2E is the only Martin Model made with Katalox fret and bridge I believe, strongest wood in the world, and a sign The Mexicans are signaling the pride they have in making that particular model and that they are following Martins tradition. The Successor to the original DX1, which a was a successor to the D1. Best sounding Martins of all time. I have had my DX1 for 20 years, never needed service and still sounds amazing.

[@futurevintage1597]

i would recommend not leaving your guitar outside. holygod that thing is busted up pretty good for only being a few years old .

[@thefreese1]

He surenhas a gentle way to say this is a piece of junk .. Personally i cannot stand them . They sound like a trash can lid.. and they shouldn't go for 600-700 ... The only reason they get that kind of money is because of tue name... Taylor does the same thing...want to buy a cheap guitar ? Buy a Luna with a spruce top.. they will sound a lot better and you'll have less than 1/2 the money invested...yes. they will probably need a setup but KZbin has lots of information on how to do that .. If you want a Martin , save you money up and buy an all wood Martin...

[@DiffuseOne]

Long story short, save your money and get a Takamine if you want a cheaper road guitar.

[@NoLefTurnUnStoned.]

Doesn’t sound as good.

[@DiffuseOne]

@@NoLefTurnUnStoned. Right, The Martin X series is like if Martin was made in China. There's plenty of better guitars to get in that price range.

[@NoLefTurnUnStoned.]

@@DiffuseOne “Better” is subjective. Depends what you like, what you use it for, what style you play. I have amongst other guitars, a 10 year old Koa hpl back and sides Martin that blows away many guitars 3 times the price. It has fantastic projection, clarity/balance and a woody warmth that makes people go “oh wow!” when they pick it up. It’s not a 3 grand solid wood, but it didn’t cost 3 grand. Plus I’m not worried about planes, cars, hot/cold, humid/dry conditions or whatever gigging situations. I can go into any ambience and it sounds the same, no tone change. Great workhorse. Very dependable. Always in tune. I haven’t played many guitars that sound as good, (subjectively) and as durable for the price.

[@cooloutac]

@@DiffuseOne the DX2E the sucessor to the DX1 which was sucessor to the D1 has always been Martins hidden Gem. Better sounding then a D18 I can tell you personally (with my 20 year old DX1 since day one). And the fact its the only model with Katalox, a Mexican wood is signaling that the Mexicans are following the Martin Tradition in making it with pride for the people.

[@williecheng7430]

Any model you can recommend from Takamine

[@pacovl46]

If I was Martin and wanted to break into the affordable guitar side of things, I’d rather have the guitars made from wood overseas according to my specifications instead of making this laminated rubbish.

[@eolden7749]

Basically these are throw away guitars. Play them for a year or to maybe three then give it to a young player.

[@cooloutac]

I've had my DX1 20 years. But if you treat it like a throw away guitar, even though it sounds better than a fkn D18, then ya it won't last long with you lmao.

[@PezRacer]

I can't imagine what you would charge a customer to fix this guitar, but it probably doesn't make sense to fix an x series guitar. I would just buy another used one for $300-$400.

[@DrewsGuitarShop]

There really isn't a good fix for it.

[@tubathecoolkid6919]

More of these arnt treated as well because it's a martin yes but martin buyers see it as a cheep guitar so the treat it as such

[@DrewsGuitarShop]

I have found that even the well treated ones often have the seam separation issues I talk about here. Its true though that these are often treated as beaters and that doesn't help. Personally, my beater guitar was an old Johnson acoustic made of the finest plywood. The thing stood up to many a drunken party night while sustaining minimal injury.

[@JMM440xi]

I have had a DCX1E for 15 years. It’s a great guitar , sounds excellent. Guess I was fortunate.

[@DrewsGuitarShop]

If you are gentle with them they can last a long time.

[@cooloutac]

I've had my DX1 for 20. I mean I have no idea what this guy is talking about. They are more durable then expensive fancy guitars which is the whole point. If people keep breaking them its because they are treating them like junk. Probably buying them for kids, or treating them as a throw away. Which is a shame, because the D1, DX1, and i'm assuming DX2E are probably the best sounding Martins of all time. But very few people who want bragging rights or who have spend thousands would admit that. If you take your guitar to a snob like this guy try to find another luthier.

[@Marian1st.]

My guitar is GPCX2AE. Is it part of the X series?

[@InAtlasAtLast]

Yep

[@joshuaparkerrains5340]

If i were the owner of this guitar i would replace the whole back with wood. $80-$100 will get a nice set of rosewood back panels from a luthier supplier.

[@cooloutac]

The fact this guy put a hole in his, what he doesn't need is something that requires even more maintenance lmao.

[@dreamervr2936]

I have one that separated, barley used lived on the wall

[@cooloutac]

sounds like your problem right there. should live in the case and you should be keeping your temp and humidity regulated in your home for your own health as well. I"ve had my dx1 for 20 years never serviced great intonation lol.

[@tjstevens001]

Thanks for the warning!

[@mirthbass]

you know

[@jerrydosser7031]

A herd of cattle can do less damage than your customers dude! The problems listed here have nothing to do with Martin!

[@joeyhaynes3198]

These are nice guitars but I don’t like the crappy fishman electronics wish they came with a Dimarzio electronics

[@desbrowne1900]

The updated version of this guitar has a Martin pick up, the Fishman is no longer used.

[@larryrichards3668]

I have seen that on the cheaper Taylor guitars too.

[@DrewsGuitarShop]

That would not surprise me. Cut corners and worse materials don’t lead to good outcomes.

[@BaktaBak3]

I've had these guitars and never had the issues described in this video. Wonder what the hell happened to cause this damage ? Maybe a drunk fell on it ! ??? 🤣😆🤣

[@DrewsGuitarShop]

I mean, back in my parties, I had an old Johnson I would take in case that happened. Chances are the drunk would have been me.

[@77guitarts22]

Nice video! Thanks for taking the time to give so many useful informations. I was looking for one like these but with Solid Top. Still, can't understand why would Martin go to the so low quality of their products instead of using just layered wood like all the competitors. I know some really low cost brands that build with much better materials for way less money.

[@DrewsGuitarShop]

Yeah, its confusing.

[@duaneulman9915]

Might make for a good camping guitar.

[@Marian1st.]

They are probably trying to achieve a light weight guitar in a smaller body. Good for beginners and for when you want something light.

[@cooloutac]

The original D1 for $900 around 1993 as the best sounding Martin at the time and it had mahogany laminate. But when the DX1 came out about a decade later it took the crown. You just can't reproduce the bass these HPL ones have. Although I do agree the new DX1 doesn't sound good with the HPL top, its muffled and no top end at all. But with the SPruce Top it is literally a golden combination. I haven't heard the DX2E but I'm going to assume even though its made in Mexico it has taken the crown now. Just the fact its the only model I believe with Katalox, shows me the pride the Mexicans have in building it and the fact they are putting it on this Model means they are following the Martin tradition hands down. PA passed Mexico the Torch.

[@yadielmercedes3635]

no way 😂 this is the exact same crack i got my x series, i will say the koa x series has a unique sound

[@DrewsGuitarShop]

Its a pretty common and known problem.

[@cooloutac]

I don't know what you mean by koa, because its a high pressure laminate its not real wood not even a layer. Unless you mean the one with the HPL Top. it does have a unique sound and I guess it can be different and appealing. But to me it sounds muffled and lacking top end sound. The x series with the solid spruce top have a totally different sound, because 90% of the sound comes from the top. Its much louder, clearer and brighter with the same amount of bass. And I don't know how in the fk you took a hammer to the same spot on your guitar. Maybe when you throw these guitars they do have a tendency to slight and hook into the crease with whatever jagged edge you throw it on lmao....

[@cooloutac]

FYI, its so common to see on those instruments probably because people buy them as beaters and take them outside in all conditions. I mean I would never take my guitar to your shop after listening to this delusional rant.

[@Mo-fl9jw]

He should play Rouges"s , or toddlers guitars . My two year old , would take better of a guitar .

[@kellysooth602]

X series, or really any composite or HPL material guitars are complete trash. Basically they are the Formica counter of the instrument world. They are plastic and glue and they don’t fool anyone

[@RayC234]

Well going by the comments they apparently fooled a lot of people because some of them seem to be butt hurt and are very proud of their $800 plastic guitars lol.

[@dukenukem69]

​​@@RayC234well I paid 299$ for my 1999 DXM with a 150$ fender roadrunner hard case. It sounds better than most 800-1000$ martins

[@curtisporter8468]

Bondo

[@DrewsGuitarShop]

Unfortunately, some of the better looking repairs I have seen have been done that way on these guitars.

[@curtisporter8468]

@@DrewsGuitarShop ...worked for a furniture repair shop...and Bondo is known to be the best repair stuff ya can use..with the right paint... Never know it was repaired..that being said ... guitar.. obviously you'll..see the repair from the inside... fiber glass as well..mixed w sawdust.. works. But is about as thin of a repair..as you can get..

[@multipipi1234]

I have an x series 12 string. No problems what so ever.

[@multipipi1234]

Funny how all the things that could go wrong has gone wrong. I blame the person who owns it.

[@DrewsGuitarShop]

I of course picked an extreme example that showed most of the things I wanted to talk about here. The owner probably did have a lot to do with it.