Martin 11DX1E-01 Acoustic-Electric Guitar: Full Review

to the Martin 11DX1E-01

The Martin 11DX1E-01 is an acoustic-electric guitar model produced by the renowned American guitar maker C.F. Martin & Co. Martin has been crafting high-quality acoustic guitars since 1833 and is known for its iconic "X-Series" line that blends traditional Martin craftsmanship with affordability and playability.

The 11DX1E-01 is part of Martin's popular Performing Artist Series, which aims to deliver professional features and great tone in a reasonably priced package. This model combines a solid Sitka spruce top with laminated mahogany back and sides for balanced acoustic resonance. The non-cutaway style body provides excellent projection and sustain. Overall, the 11DX1E-01 delivers the acclaimed Martin tone and playability in an accessible acoustic-electric option well-suited to performing guitarists.

Body & Neck

Martin designed this acoustic-electric guitar with a solid Sitka spruce top and high pressure laminate (HPL) on the back and sides for a great blend of tonewoods. The spruce top helps produce a bright, balanced sound with good projection and volume. The HPL makes the guitar more durable and resistant to weather changes.

The neck is also made from Stratabond laminate for reliability and stability. It has a Performing Artist taper that is comfortable for chording and fast playing. The neck joins the body at the 14th fret for easy upper register access. The nut width is 1-3/4" for comfortable fretting. The fingerboard material is Richlite which simulates the look and feel of ebony.

Overall, the build quality on the DX1E is excellent. The neck has a smooth satin finish that promotes fast playability. The body sports a glossy finish that looks great on stage. The craftsmanship and attention to detail make this an ideal guitar for gigging and practice.

The Yamaha CG122MS is another quality acoustic-electric guitar option worth considering. It has a solid Engelmann spruce top paired with rosewood back and sides for a balanced tone. The neck is 5-ply rosewood and mahogany for stability. It uses an ART-based pickup system to accurately capture the guitar's natural sound when plugging into an amp or PA system. The body shape is comfortable for playing seated or standing up. With a 25" scale length and 1-3/4" nut width, this guitar accommodates various playing styles and techniques. The finish is attractive with binding on the body, neck and headstock. Overall, the Yamaha CG122MS combines playability, aesthetics and amplified performance in a competitively priced package. Many guitarists praise its quality and value, making it a popular choice in the sub-$500 price range. For more details, check out the Yamaha CG122MS profile.

When shopping for an acoustic-electric guitar, it's advisable to try out different models in person to get a feel for the neck, body shape and overall playability. Tonewoods, electronics and hardware specs are important, but comfort and feel are also key factors in finding the right guitar for your needs. It's a very subjective process. The Martin DX1E and Yamaha CG122MS offer two high quality options with some key differences to consider. Testing them side-by-side would reveal your preference. Consult reviews and demo the shortlisted guitars to make an informed buying decision.

Sound & Tone

The Martin 11DX1E-01 produces a well-balanced tone offering nice clarity in the higher registers along with pleasant warmth in the low end. The solid Sitka spruce top provides crisp articulation and snappy responsiveness, while the sapele back and sides add depth and resonance to the overall sound.

Compared to other acoustic-electrics in this price range, the 11DX1E-01 stands out for its evenness across the tonal spectrum. It doesn't get overly bright on the treble strings or muddled in the bass frequencies. The result is a very natural and organic acoustic tone, with just the right blend of sparkle, snap, richness, and boom.

Whether strumming rhythm parts or fingerpicking melodic lines, the 11DX1E-01 showcases the hallmark Martin tone - clean, balanced, and highly playable. It's an excellent option for guitarists looking for an affordable acoustic-electric with authentic Martin character.

For guitarists interested in a more affordable acoustic-electric option, check out the Applause Traditional AB24-4S. This guitar features a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides, producing a balanced and versatile tone. The slim neck profile provides comfort and playability, making it a great choice for beginners or intermediate players. Some key features include a smooth satin finish, Fishman Presys pickup system, and die-cast chrome tuners. With its comfortable feel and great plugged-in sound, the Applause Traditional AB24-4S is an excellent value acoustic-electric worth considering.

In terms of sound, the AB24-4S has a bright, focused tone that cuts through amplified mixes nicely. The spruce and mahogany combination results in nice note separation and articulation on the treble strings, along with some mid-range punch and low-end warmth. It has enough bass response to avoid sounding thin, but avoids muddiness in the lower registers. The built-in Fishman electronics accurately reproduce the acoustic tone, with easy controls for shaping the EQ and volume. Overall, the AB24-4S delivers impressive plugged-in performance for the price.

While not as rich and complex as a high-end Martin, the Applause Traditional AB24-4S still captures some of that signature Martin flair at a fraction of the cost. It's a great option for acoustic guitarists on a budget, or electric players looking for an affordable stage acoustic. With its comfortable feel and versatile electronics, the AB24-4S is an excellent value worthy of consideration.

Electronics & Pickups

The Martin DX1E acoustic-electric guitar is equipped with Fishman Sonitone electronics and an undersaddle piezo pickup. This pickup system produces a very natural amplified tone, accurately capturing the nuances of the guitar's acoustic sound.

The onboard preamp has volume and tone controls, allowing you to shape and optimize your amplified tone. There is a built-in tuner and phase switch as well. The volume knob controls the overall output level, while the tone knob lets you dial in more bass or treble response as desired.

The undersaddle piezo pickup combined with the preamp delivers excellent amplification while minimizing feedback. Even at higher volumes, the guitar remains feedback-resistant for clean amplified performance. The preamp has been specifically voiced to complement the DX1E's tonewood combination and deliver a balanced amplified tone across all registers.

Overall, the electronics and pickup system provide high-quality acoustic amplification in a discreet and feedback-resistant package. Between the preamp EQ and phase switch, you have plenty of tonal shaping options for amplified gigs or recording scenarios.

Playability

The 11DX1E-01 features Martin's High Performance Neck profile that provides a slim and comfortable feel. The satin finished neck allows for smooth and fast movements up and down the neck.

The string action on the 11DX1E-01 is set low from the factory, making it very playable right out of the box. Many players find they don't need any setup adjustments. The action is optimized for blues, rock, country and pop playing styles.

The fretwork on this Martin acoustic-electric is excellent. The frets are finished smoothly and consistently, with no sharp edges. Bends, slides and vibrato are easy to execute. The nut slots are cleanly cut for good string spacing. Overall the fretwork enhances the playability and makes this a guitarist's guitar.

Hardware

The Martin 11DX1E-01 has high quality hardware that contributes to its great playability and sound.

Tuning Machines

It has sealed chrome tuners that keep the guitar in tune reliably. The tuning machines are smooth and precise for easy tuning and intonation adjustments.

Bridge

The 11DX1E-01 features a lightweight arched top Stratabond bridge made of laminated wood composite. This contributes to its resonant and balanced tone. The compensated saddle provides accurate intonation.

Nut and Saddle

The nut and saddle are both made of a proprietary white corian nut material developed by Martin for optimal sustain and tone production. This helps transfer the vibrations from the strings cleanly and evenly across the guitar top.

Overall, the hardware of the 11DX1E-01 is thoughtfully designed and well-crafted for great functionality, playability and tone. The tuners, bridge, nut and saddle all work together seamlessly to make this an excellent playing and sounding guitar.

Pros

• Rich and balanced acoustic tone. The solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides produce a balanced, well-rounded acoustic tone. The mahogany adds warmth and bass response while the spruce provides crisp treble notes.

• Excellent playability. The neck profile is comfortable and easy to play. The shorter 24.9" scale length makes it easier to fret notes and chord shapes, especially for players with smaller hands.

• Quality electronics and pickup. The Fishman Sonitone electronics accurately reproduce the guitar's acoustic tone. The undersaddle transducer captures the guitar's full dynamic range. The built-in tuner is handy for quick tuning adjustments on stage.

• Attractive all-mahogany body. The all solid mahogany body gives the guitar a rich, vintage look. The satin finish allows the wood grain to show through beautifully. A stylish and iconic acoustic-electric guitar.

Cons

The Martin DX1E may have a few drawbacks to consider.

• The low action can cause some fret buzz on lower frets. This may require a setup or adjustment from a guitar tech to raise the action slightly.

• The onboard preamp and pickup system may not satisfy players looking for complex EQ controls. The controls are basic volume, tone, and pickup blend.

• The narrow neck profile may feel too slim for some players used to wider acoustic neck shapes. Those with larger hands may find it uncomfortable.

• The lack of cutaway can inhibit access to higher frets, which some players may not like. Those who play in upper registers a lot may prefer a cutaway acoustic-electric.

• The laminate back and sides don't resonate as richly as solid wood models. While cost effective, they produce a less complex tone than solid wood guitars.

Alternatives

Martin is not the only brand producing top quality acoustic-electric guitars in this price range. Here are a couple comparable models to consider:

Taylor 114ce

• Solid Sitka Spruce top with layered Sapele back and sides
• Grand Auditorium body shape
• Expression System 2 electronics with discreet undersaddle pickup
• Excellent balanced tone and playability
• Slightly less expensive than the Martin 11DX1E

Fender Kingman CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar

• Solid Spruce top with laminated Mahogany back and sides
• Concert body shape
• Fishman Presys Blend pickup system
• Warm, full tones with great sustain
• Very comfortable neck and playability
• More affordable price point

The Taylor and Fender models both offer solid wood tops and quality electronics like the Martin, with the Tayor considered a close competitor. The Fender provides a more budget-friendly option with laminate back and sides. Ultimately the 11DX1E holds its own with a great blend of features, tone, and craftsmanship.

Summary

The Martin 11DX1E-01 Acoustic-Electric Guitar is an excellent choice for players looking for a high quality, versatile guitar at a reasonable price point. With its solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, it produces a balanced, nuanced acoustic tone that works well for various styles. The Fishman Sonitone electronics and easy-to-use controls provide natural amplification without affecting the guitar's inherent sound.

Overall, this guitar is recommended for intermediate players and above searching for their next-level acoustic-electric at a sub-$1,000 budget. The craftsmanship and attention to detail make this a guitar that could stay with a musician for many years. While not exactly cheap, the 11DX1E-01 offers great bang-for-buck given its build quality and rich sound. It will appeal to guitarists who appreciate traditional construction with modern appointments.

For those seeking an acoustic-electric with slightly more affordable pricing, Martin and other top brands like Taylor and Guild offer models between $500-800. However, the step up to the 11DX1E-01 would be worthwhile for serious players who can manage the extra budget. Ultimately, this is an impressive instrument that feels and sounds like a true solid wood Martin guitar.