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Average Price: $786

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Description

The Martin D12X1AE 12-String Electro Acoustic Guitar is a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation, designed for musicians who seek the lush, full sound only a 12-string guitar can deliver. This guitar is an excellent choice for both seasoned performers and aspiring players looking to expand their sound palette. The D12X1AE features a Fishman Sonitone pickup system, ensuring that its rich, resonant tones are faithfully captured when plugged into an amplifier or PA system.

Built with a solid Sitka spruce top that provides a dynamic sound range, this guitar also incorporates high-pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides, offering durability and resistance to climate and temperature changes. The neck is crafted from Rust Birch laminate, paired with a Richlite fingerboard, providing smooth playability and comfort during extended sessions.

Whether you're strumming chords or picking intricate melodies, the Martin D12X1AE projects a balanced and vibrant sound. Its dreadnought body shape enhances volume and sustain, making it perfect for both solo performances and ensemble settings. The guitar's satin finish adds a touch of elegance, complementing the natural beauty of its tonewoods.

Key Features:

  • 12-string electro-acoustic guitar with a dreadnought body shape
  • Solid Sitka spruce top for dynamic tonal range
  • High-pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides for durability
  • Fishman Sonitone pickup system for amplified sound
  • Rust Birch laminate neck with Richlite fingerboard
  • Satin finish for a sophisticated look

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model D12X1AE
Finish Natural
Year 2010s
Made In Mexico
Categories 12-String Acoustic Guitars, Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp Yes
Back Material High Pressure Laminate
Body Shape Dreadnought
Color Family Natural
Fretboard Material Composite
Model Family Martin D-X1
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 12-String
Pickup Undersaddle Piezo Pickup
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Martin X-Series
Sides Material High Pressure Laminate
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the top of the Martin D12X1AE 12-String Electro Acoustic Guitar?

The top of the Martin D12X1AE is made from spruce, which is known for its bright and clear tonal qualities, enhancing the guitar's projection and resonance.

Does the Martin D12X1AE come with an electronics system for amplification?

Yes, the Martin D12X1AE is equipped with an active preamp and an undersaddle piezo pickup, allowing for easy amplification and use in live performance settings.

Is the Martin D12X1AE suitable for beginners?

While the Martin D12X1AE offers excellent sound quality, its 12-string setup may be challenging for beginners due to the added string tension and complexity, making it more suitable for intermediate to advanced players.

What is the body shape of the Martin D12X1AE, and how does it affect the sound?

The Martin D12X1AE features a dreadnought body shape, which provides a robust and full sound with strong bass response, making it ideal for strumming and flat-picking styles.

How does the high-pressure laminate material affect the durability of the Martin D12X1AE?

The high-pressure laminate used for the back and sides of the Martin D12X1AE offers increased durability and resistance to environmental changes, making it a reliable choice for various playing conditions.

DST

DST

Martin D12X1AE 12 String Guitar [SOUND SAMPLES]

Video thumbnail for Martin D12X1AE 12 String Guitar [SOUND SAMPLES] by DST

Martin D12X1AE 12 String Guitar [SOUND SAMPLES]

DST

DST

Video thumbnail for Martin d12x1ae | Martin 12 String Review by Mark Pappas

Martin d12x1ae | Martin 12 String Review

Mark Pappas

Mark Pappas

Video thumbnail for Martin D12X1AE by Bernunzio Uptown Music

Martin D12X1AE

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Video thumbnail for My New Martin D12X1AE 12 String Guitar by kirkis007

My New Martin D12X1AE 12 String Guitar

kirkis007

kirkis007

Video thumbnail for Martin 12 String Master | Rocking the D12X1AE by C. A. House Music

Martin 12 String Master | Rocking the D12X1AE

C. A. House Music

C. A. House Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional volume and projection, unmatched by other 12-string guitars

  • High-quality spruce top enhances tonal depth and clarity

  • Impressive sustain and response due to hi-tech plastic laminate back and sides

  • Solid construction ensures reliability and stability in tuning

  • Outstanding tone and playability make it suitable for beginners and experienced players

  • Remarkable value for money compared to more expensive models

  • Versatile tuning options, like DADGAD, enhance playability

  • Aesthetically plain yet elegant design appeals to minimalists

CONS

  • Excessive volume may highlight player mistakes, requiring careful control

  • Bridge lifting issue noticed after several years of use

  • Plastic laminate back and sides may deter traditional wood enthusiasts

Critic Reviews

Four Affordable 12-String Flattops Roundup - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

While the Martin D12X1AE offers impressive volume and a robust strumming sound, its use of high-pressure laminate for the back and sides may deter traditionalists. The guitar feels solid and plays well, but players seeking a more authentic wood feel might be disappointed. Additionally, its aesthetics are more utilitarian than striking, lacking intricate details. The Fishman electronics perform adequately but do not elevate the overall experience to match the brand's storied legacy. For those prioritizing affordability over tradition, it’s a decent choice, but purists might want to look elsewhere.

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Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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eesh_sin_ger

I love it

i bought it in sept 15 2019 it was my first martin guitar and it sounds so beautiful and when i first played it i fell in love with it.if you want a 6 string take the octave strings out is what i do

patrick_milliken

I love the Stratabond Neck

I use this for acoustic stuff - I have since installed a a preamp with a condenser microphone inside, rather than a piezo pickup.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Thurston Moore uses Martin D12X1AE 12-String Electro Acoustic Guitar

Thurston Moore

Singer, Guitarist

Sonic Youth

...
Verified via YouTube

Thurston Moore's solo acoustic set at Élysée-Montmartre, Paris, France, opening for Dinosaur Jr. on 10/31/2016

See how Álvaro López uses Martin D12X1AE 12-String Electro Acoustic Guitar

Álvaro López

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via Photo

Álvaro López used the Martin D12X1AE 12-String Electro Acoustic Guitar to perform the songs "Abril", "El derecho de vivir en paz", and "Canción para mañana" during his concerts at the Estadio Nacional in April 2024 in Chile. This is supported by an image available on Equipboard.

See how Hunter Agufish uses Martin D12X1AE 12-String Electro Acoustic Guitar

Hunter Agufish

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

hunter has a martin d12xae in his collection. he states that he bought it off a friend in college. the friend was moving back to india, and didn't want to bring it with him

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Martin D12X1AE 12-String Electro Acoustic Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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