Martin X Series DX1

$425.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (6)

1 Critic Review

3 Reviews

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Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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Price

4.0 (7)

$425.00 5 available Used

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Average Price: $425

Standard/Professional

$200

$601+

Price Tier

In the Steel-string Acoustic Guitars category, Martin X Series DX1 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Discover the Martin X Series DX1, a steel-string acoustic guitar that blends tradition with innovation, offering musicians a reliable performance tool that doesn’t compromise on quality. Crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top, this guitar provides a dynamic tonal range with exceptional clarity and resonance, making it ideal for both strumming and fingerpicking styles. The high-pressure laminate back and sides contribute to its durability without sacrificing sound quality, making it a resilient option for musicians on the go.

The DX1 features a modified low oval neck shape, which facilitates comfortable playability for extended sessions, whether you're practicing at home or performing on stage. The guitar's design incorporates sustainable wood certified parts, aligning with Martin's commitment to environmentally friendly manufacturing practices. As part of the iconic Martin X Series, the DX1 continues to uphold the brand's legacy of creating guitars that cater to diverse musical needs while maintaining affordability.

Key Features:

Solid Sitka spruce top for enhanced sound quality
High-pressure laminate back and sides for durability
Modified low oval neck for comfortable playability
Sustainable wood certified parts
Part of the renowned Martin X Series

Product specs

Brand	Martin
Model	DX1
Finish	Natural
Year	2003 - 2011
Made In	Mexico
Categories	Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp	No
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	6-String
Pickup	None
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Martin X-Series
Sides Material	High Pressure Laminate
String Type	Steel
Top Material	High Pressure Laminate

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the Martin X Series DX1 guitar?: The Martin X Series DX1 features a body made of high-pressure laminate, which includes the top, back, and sides. This material provides durability and resilience while maintaining a classic acoustic guitar sound.
Is the Martin X Series DX1 suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Martin X Series DX1 is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and easy playability. It offers a great balance of quality and affordability, making it an excellent choice for new guitarists.
What is the sound quality of the Martin X Series DX1 like?: The Martin X Series DX1 delivers a rich, warm sound typical of a dreadnought guitar. Despite its laminate construction, it projects well and offers a balanced tone that is suitable for various styles of music.
Does the Martin X Series DX1 come with a pickup for amplification?: No, the Martin X Series DX1 does not come with a built-in pickup. It is a purely acoustic guitar, but you can install an aftermarket pickup if you need amplification.
How many frets does the Martin X Series DX1 have?: The Martin X Series DX1 has 20 frets, providing a standard range for most acoustic guitar playing styles.
What is the body shape of the Martin X Series DX1?: The Martin X Series DX1 features a dreadnought body shape, known for its large size and powerful sound projection, making it ideal for strumming and fingerpicking.

Videos

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Vintage Guitar Workshop

Martin DX1 Dreadnaught - VGW

Vintage Guitar Workshop

Reviews

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PROS

Sparkling clarity and impressive volume, even in group settings
Solid spruce top contributes to rich, warm sound
Outperforms other guitars in its price range for sound quality
Smooth playability with low action and fast neck
Comparable to higher-end models in tonal quality
Highly durable, withstands years of use
Open wood design enhances sound resonance
Attractive option for those seeking quality at a lower price

CONS

High-pressure laminate material may lack traditional aesthetic appeal
Top can separate, leading to buzzing issues over time
Glue may not adhere well between spruce and plastic
Unsealed top gets dirty easily, requiring careful cleaning
Stock components like nut and tuners perceived as low-quality
Electronics in certain models can mute sound quality

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin X Series DX1.

Build quality

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Owners report that the HPL material used in Martin X Series has limited resonance and can cause top bellying and bridge lifting.
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Setup and maintenance

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The DX1 may require a luthier setup for non-strumming styles, despite improved factory Plek setup.
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It's advised to adjust the truss rod no more than a quarter turn at a time, allowing hours to see the effect.
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A tiny gap of no more than .010" should exist between middle frets and strings when checking neck curvature with a capo on the first fret.
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If the neck curvature is correct but action remains high, professionals may suggest modifying the bridge to lower action.
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Comparisons

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The Eastman E1D and E2D, both solid wood, are often recommended over the DX1 for better tone in the same price range.
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The Seagull S6 is highlighted as a superior alternative due to its better price and potential savings for accessories like strings.
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Martin 000jr-10 is suggested as an alternative for those interested in a travel-sized, all-wood guitar at a similar price point.
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User experience

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Some users note that the DX1 performs well in harsh environments like Texas, maintaining action in extreme weather.
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Owners describe the DX1AE as providing 90% of a $2000 guitar's sound, making it a high-end beater option.
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One owner claims the DX1AE sounds surprisingly good for a high-pressure laminate, even impressing a skeptical music instructor.
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Use cases and applications

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The DX1 is often used as a travel or beater guitar due to its durability, despite its sound limitations.
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Features and functionality

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The DX1AE’s electronics are noted to be adequate for most needs, and it maintains tuning stability even after shipping in cold temperatures.
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Critic Reviews

Martin DX1 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Martin DX1 delivers commendable value with its eco-friendly design, boasting strong tonal qualities for its price. While it doesn't match high-end Martins, its solid wood top and laminate body offer an impressive approximation of the brand's signature sound, making it a great entry point into Martin acoustics. However, traditionalists might miss the natural wood and onboard preamp. Despite these drawbacks, the DX1 stands out as a budget-friendly option that stays true to Martin's quality and character.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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mikefiction

1264

almost 7 years ago

It's grrreat!

It's warm and makes great noises. I like plucking on the strings and strumming them sometimes. With a microphone pointed at the lower neck it sings like a little fat cherub. I like it.

Mine was made in the USA, before they made these in Mexico and has a normal single piece neck instead of that laminate thing they currently have. I'm not sure I would love the laminated one as much. Mine is in bad need of a setup, I need to get on that.

Roles:

Guitarist Keyboardist Audio Engineer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Electro-industrial

gregwarro

almost 9 years ago

Martin sound for a budget price

I found one of these in a pawn shop. It was the first time I had ever played a Martin. I was blown away. The issue I had with that guitar is someone had put a few cracks in it. The price was right but I just could not pay for a guitar with that much damage.

For the next month I looked for a Martin with a good price that was in good shape. Not an easy task.

During that time I also picked up every model and brand of acoustic that I could get my hands on. Gibson, Taylor, Takamine, Yamaha, Ibanez, Fender, etc. Nothing hit my ears like this Martin.

Does it sound as good as the D28? no. But it sure sounds better than anything else I could find in the price range.

Its worth it. Get a Martin. It really does sound that much better.

clay_norvell

over 7 years ago

Number 1

My first "real" acoustic guitar acquired in a trade with Guitar Center back in 2004/5. I traded an Epiphone Les Paul Standard and an Ibanez semi-hollow and walked out with this. I eventually had an L.R. Baggs I-Beam pickup installed as well.

Artist usage

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Orville Peck

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via YouTube

In this KEXP performance, Orville Peck uses a Martin acoustic guitar. The guitar model is visible as a DX1 through the sound hole at 3:00 in the video.

Rusty Cage

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via YouTube

Key details of the guitar visible throughout the whole video. The pickguard is missing, but it is easy to remove pickguards from Martin guitars, and Rusty's guitar has a scratch where the pickguard should be, so I assume he removed the pickguard.