Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $600
Standard/Professional
$200
$1001+
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Description
Designed for musicians who crave quality and versatility without breaking the bank, the Martin DCX1E is your go-to guitar for both stage and studio performances. This dreadnought cutaway model marries tradition with innovation, featuring a solid spruce top that delivers rich and resonant tones. Its back and sides are crafted from mahogany grained high-pressure laminate (HPL), offering durability without sacrificing the classic Martin sound.
The guitar is equipped with the reliable Fishman Presys Plus electronics system, ensuring your sound is captured in its truest form during live gigs or studio sessions. Whether you're strumming in a cozy coffee shop or performing at a bustling venue, the DCX1E adapts seamlessly, offering both playability and comfort.
The dreadnought body shape provides bold projection and a well-balanced tonal range, ideal for a variety of musical genres. Meanwhile, the cutaway design allows easy access to the higher frets, giving you the freedom to explore more complex chord structures and solos.
Key Features:
- Dreadnought cutaway body shape
- Solid spruce top
- Mahogany high-pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides
- Fishman Presys Plus electronics system
- Comfortable playability for stage and studio use
Product specs
| Brand | Martin |
| Model | DCX1E Sitka Spruce/HPL Dreadnought with Cutaway |
| Finish | Natural |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | Mexico |
| Categories | Acoustic-Electric Guitars |
| Active Preamp | Yes |
| Back Material | High Pressure Laminate |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Color Family | Natural |
| Fretboard Material | Composite |
| Model Family | Martin D-X1 |
| Model Sub-Family | Martin DC-X1E |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-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
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What type of wood is used in the Martin DCX1E's construction?
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The Martin DCX1E features a spruce top and high-pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides, combining traditional and modern materials for durability and a classic tone.
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Is the Martin DCX1E suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Martin DCX1E is equipped with an active preamp and an undersaddle piezo pickup, making it ideal for live performances where amplification is needed.
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How does the cutaway design of the Martin DCX1E affect playability?
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The cutaway design of the Martin DCX1E allows for easier access to the higher frets, making it more comfortable for players who perform solos or intricate fingerwork.
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What is the neck profile of the Martin DCX1E like?
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The Martin DCX1E features a comfortable neck profile crafted from mahogany, providing a smooth playing experience suitable for both beginners and seasoned musicians.
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Does the Martin DCX1E come with a case?
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The Martin DCX1E does not typically include a case, so it's recommended to purchase a compatible case separately to protect your instrument.
Videos
Musora
Learn About The Martin DCX1E In This Gear Review
Learn About The Martin DCX1E In This Gear Review
Musora
Martin DCX1E
Carlo Bova's Guitars
Martin DCX1E Acoustic Electric Demo
Paul Stark
Instrument Demo: Pre-Owned Martin DCX1E
The Minor Chord
Martin DCX1E Acoustic Electric Guitar Demo Made in Mexico (Key of Awesome Music)
Key of Awesome Music
Martin DCX1E Guitar Demo
Scotty Luke
MARTIN DCX1E - Coffee Music & Co.
Coffee Music Luthieria
Reviews
PROS
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Rich, resonant tone from solid Sitka spruce top
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Durable HPL mahogany back and sides enhance balanced sound
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Slim, comfortable neck profile for effortless playability
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Versatile across different playing styles
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Onboard Fishman Sonitone system captures natural acoustic tone
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Affordable entry into USA-made Martin guitars
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High-quality craftsmanship despite lower price point
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Attractive laminate design adds aesthetic appeal
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Great for mid-level enthusiast players
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Consistent performance in live settings
CONS
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Slightly brighter tone than some may prefer
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Fishman pickup may exacerbate brightness
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Higher action may not suit all players
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin DCX1E.
Build quality
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Owners have reported issues with the bridge lifting and the top bellying, often attributed to inadequate HPL glue adhesion.
Source
Comparisons
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Users commonly compare the Martin DCX1E to Yamaha's FG800, noting Yamaha's superior tone and playability at a lower price point.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The DCX1E is praised for its durability in extreme climates, making it an excellent choice for outdoor performances.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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It comes set up for hard strumming, requiring a luthier for other styles despite improvements in Martin's Plek setup process.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 6 Ratings
134
The Martin DCX1E is an outstanding acoustic-electric guitar that offers a perfect blend of craftsmanship, playability, and tone.
The guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top, which delivers a rich and resonant tone with excellent projection. The back and sides are made from high-pressure laminate (HPL) mahogany, which not only adds durability but also contributes to the guitar's balanced sound. When it comes to playability, the Martin DCX1E shines. The slim, comfortable neck profile allows for effortless finger movement, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced players. The onboard Fishman Sonitone system captures the natural acoustic tone of the guitar, allowing you to easily plug into an amplifier or PA system.
156
Entry-level Martin Goodness
At the time I bought it, the DCX1E was almost certainly the least expensive Martin you could buy. It's still a Martin though, and the craftsmanship is flawless. My only complaint is that the guitar is a touch brighter sounding than I'd like, and the Fishman pickup exacerbates things. Still, it was the best sounding instrument in its price range on the day I picked it up.
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37535
Nice! Mind sharing what you paid for it? Why did you go Martin instead of Taylor, given that you got a bright sounding guitar?
156
It's been seven or eight years ago now, but I want to say it was somewhere in the neighborhood of $500. I don't recall seeing any Taylors at the shop that day, they had lots of Fender and Yamaha stuff and some Gibsons that were decidedly out of my price range.
If you didn't want bright, you shouldn't have gone Martin… let the strings go a bit...
362
Big work horse
This was a more affordable Martin with a fishman. It's BIG, mine sounds quite mellow, I put super light strings on it to brighten things up a bit. My friend has a Taylor Big Baby, and this is the exact opposite of that, it's got higher action and it's boomy. The cheaper laminate back and sides, is quite attractive actually. I used to play this live all the time, it never let me down. Not the coolest looking, or sounding acoustic out there, but it covers all the bases and has its own nice vibe.
Artist usage
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Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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