Martin 11DX1E-04 Acoustic-Electric Guitar: Full Review

Martin guitars have been handcrafted in the United States since 1833, earning a reputation for their exemplary craftsmanship and tonewoods. The 11DX1E-04 model combines Martin's signature sound with modern appointments, resulting in a versatile electro-acoustic that's suitable for players across genres.

This review will cover the major features of the Martin 11DX1E-04, including the solid sapele back and sides, Fishman electronics, and comfortable Performing Artist profile neck. We'll evaluate the guitar's overall sound, playability, hardware, and examine the pros and cons of this model. Whether you're looking for a quality American-made acoustic-electric or want to learn about Martin's mid-range DX series, read on for an in-depth review.

Body & Neck

The Martin 11DX1E-04 acoustic-electric guitar has a solid Sitka spruce top with high pressure laminate (HPL) mahogany back and sides. The neck is also made from stratabond laminate mahogany for durability.

The guitar has a slim taper neck profile that is very comfortable and easy to play. The width at the nut is 1 11/16 inches, which provides enough room for fingerpicking while still being manageable for smaller hands. The 25.4 inch scale length and low action facilitate quick lead playing across the fretboard.

The neck has a satin finish that lets your hand glide smoothly up and down during performance. The fretboard and bridge are both made from richlite, an eco-friendly and sustainable material that has a smooth feel reminiscent of ebony. The 20 frets are medium in size for versatility.

Overall, the materials and construction of the body and neck make this an accessible, playable acoustic-electric guitar suitable for various playing styles and guitarists. The tonewoods lend themselves well to live settings where the guitar needs to cut through the mix.

The Martin 11DX1E-04 is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality acoustic-electric guitar at an affordable price point. It produces rich, balanced tone and has excellent playability right out of the box. The built-in Fishman Sonitone electronics accurately capture the guitar's natural acoustic sound when plugged in. While it may not have the ornate visual appointments of Martin's more expensive models, it certainly delivers where it counts - tone and playability. For more information on a similar acoustic-electric guitar, check out the Ibanez RGD61ALETMGM. This model features a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides, slim neck profile, and Fishman Sonicore electronics. The Ibanez offers comparable quality and playability to the Martin 11DX1E-04 at a similarly accessible price point. Either guitar would make an excellent choice for the player looking for great acoustic-electric tone and performance without breaking the bank.

Electronics & Pickups

The Martin DX1E Acoustic-Electric guitar is equipped with Fishman Sonitone electronics and an undersaddle pickup to amplify its sound. This combination allows you to plug into an amplifier or PA system for larger performances.

The undersaddle pickup captures the natural acoustic tone of the guitar body and strings. It has a transparent sound that retains the authentic vibration and resonance of the wood. Fishman's Sonitone preamp provides simple but effective tone shaping controls.

There are volume and tone knobs located just inside the soundhole, allowing you to easily adjust your amplified volume and tone while playing. The volume knob controls the output level, while the tone knob cuts high frequencies when turned down to mellow out the tone.

The guitar has a 1/4" output jack located at the base of the guitar. This allows you to plug a standard instrument cable into the guitar to connect it to an amp or mixer. The jack provides a balanced output signal that minimizes noise over long cable runs.

Overall the electronics package on the Martin DX1E is designed to amplify the guitar's sound cleanly and accurately. The undersaddle pickup and Sonitone preamp keep your tone balanced without coloring the sound. It's a simple but high-quality system optimized for acoustic-electric performance.

The Martin DX1E uses simple but effective electronics to amplify its acoustic tone. Another popular acoustic-electric guitar option is the Yamaha FGX800C. This guitar has a solid spruce top and nato back and sides, delivering warm and balanced acoustic resonance. It features a System55T preamp system designed by Yamaha with a built-in tuner, EQ controls, and flexible onboard reverb. The undersaddle piezo pickup provides a natural acoustic-electric tone through the preamp and 3-band EQ. This allows you to shape your amplified tone with bass, mid, and treble control. The guitar has a cutaway for easy upper fret access and a rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability. At under $300, the FGX800C is an affordable entry-level acoustic-electric with Yamaha's quality construction and electronics. It's a great option for players looking for an acoustic-electric with stage-ready amplified tone and versatility. The Martin DX1E and Yamaha FGX800C are two examples of the quality acoustic-electric guitars available to suit different playing needs and budgets.

When choosing an acoustic-electric guitar like the Martin DX1E, it's important to consider the pickup and preamp electronics. A good undersaddle or soundhole pickup should capture the nuances of the guitar's acoustic tone. The preamp provides crucial tone shaping while amplifying the instrument's sound. Simple controls like volume and EQ allow shaping the amplified tone for the desired sound. Onboard tuners are also very handy for quick tuning on stage. The electronics should enhance the guitar's acoustic voice, not overshadow it. High-quality electronics which capture the guitar's organic resonance are critical in an acoustic-electric.

Sound & Tone

The Martin DX1E produces a nicely balanced tone across the tonal spectrum that many describe as 'vintage' sounding. The solid spruce top gives it brightness and clarity in the treble range, while the mahogany back and sides provide some warmth and low-end, resulting in a rich and resonant sound. It's not overly bass-heavy, but has enough low end to give rhythm parts a nice sense of body and fullness. The mahogany neck also adds some mid-range punch.

In terms of volume, the DX1E projects very well when playing without an amp thanks to its solid top construction. It can easily hold its own when jamming with others acoustically. Plugged in, the Fishman Sonitone electronics provide plenty of volume for larger venues when needed. Overall, the DX1E offers excellent acoustic sound and flexibility for amplification when required.

Playability

The Martin 11DX1E-04 has excellent playability that players of all levels will enjoy. The neck features a 1-3/4" nut width, which provides a very comfortable and familiar feel for most acoustic guitarists. The string height at the 12th fret measures 3/32", resulting in a nice low-to-medium action that makes chords and lead lines very easy to fret.

The fretwork on this Martin is top notch, with smoothly finished medium jumbo frets. The ends of the frets are nicely rounded and polished, so you won't encounter any sharp edges while playing. Overall the neck feels very smooth and inviting, encouraging you to play for hours on end. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned guitarist, you'll find the 11DX1E-04 to be a very playable and enjoyable instrument.

Hardware

The Martin 11DX1E-04 comes equipped with quality hardware designed for performance and longevity.

Tuning Machines

The guitar utilizes sealed die-cast tuning machines with a satin nickel finish. The sealed design keeps out dust and debris to ensure smooth and accurate tuning stability over time. The die-cast construction provides precision gearing for fine tuning capability.

Bridge

It features a Richlite bridge made of resin and wood fiber for reduced mass and lively tone. The material is durable yet comfortable on the hands during strumming. The compensated saddle provides proper intonation across each string.

Nut & Saddle

The nut and saddle are both constructed from Tusq, an engineered bone substitute known for tone transfer and sustain. Tusq is an affordable alternative to bone that resists cracking and provides consistent string spacing. The nut's pre-cut slots prevent binding while the saddle compensates for accurate intonation.

Pros

• The Martin 11DX1E-04 stands out for its excellent overall craftsmanship and build quality. Martin is known for its high standards, and this model lives up to the brand's reputation.

• Many users praise the comfort and feel of playing the 11DX1E-04. The neck shape and fingerboard make chords and solos smooth and enjoyable. The body shape is also comfortable whether sitting or standing.

• This Martin delivers impressive versatility through its pickup system and preamp. The Fishman Sonitone electronics allow for natural amplified tones suitable for performing. Users say it excels as both an acoustic and plugged-in guitar.

Cons

• The 1.75” nut width may be too narrow for some players who prefer wider nut widths for fingerpicking and getting clean articulation when playing chords. It can feel cramped.

• While the Fishman Sonitone electronics sound good, they are pretty basic and don't offer much in terms of tone shaping or EQ. Players who want more control over their amplified tone may need to use outboard gear.

• The satin finish on the neck could be prone to quicker wearing down from hands over time compared to a gloss finish. The smooth neck feel right off the shelf may not last as long.

Verdict

The Martin 11DX1E-04 delivers impressive acoustic-electric performance in an affordable and accessible package. It's an ideal guitar for new players looking to upgrade to a serious instrument, as well as experienced acoustic players who want plug-in convenience without breaking the bank.

With its solid spruce top and comfortable neck profile, the 11DX1E-04 excels at both strumming and fingerpicking. The Fishman Sonitone electronics reproduce the guitar's warm, balanced tone faithfully when plugged in. While not as loud or rich as Martin's premium models, the guitar still delivers pleasing acoustic resonance and sustain.

The downsides are minimal for a guitar in this price range. The laminate back and sides don't resonate quite as freely as solid wood, and the nut and saddle are plastic rather than bone. However, these sacrifices help keep costs down while having only a minor impact on the overall playing experience.

For its quality construction, great sound, and approachable price point, the Martin 11DX1E-04 earns a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. It's easy to recommend this guitar for intermediate players looking for their first serious acoustic-electric or veterans seeking an affordable workhorse instrument. While not ideal for professional stage and studio use, it hits a sweet spot for gigging, practice, and leisure playing.

Alternatives

The Martin 11DX1E-04 is a high quality acoustic-electric guitar but there are some comparable models to consider as alternatives:

Fender FA-135CE Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The Fender FA-135CE is a popular acoustic-electric option with a laminate spruce top, mahogany back and sides, 20-fret neck with walnut fingerboard and bridge, and Fishman electronics. It delivers a balanced tone across the tonal spectrum and comes at a more budget-friendly price point compared to the Martin. The build quality and electronics may not be as robust as the 11DX1E-04 but it's a great entry-level acoustic-electric.

Taylor 114ce Grand Auditorium Acoustic-Electric Guitar

For those looking for a premium acoustic-electric in a similar price range as the Martin, the Taylor 114ce is an excellent choice. It has a solid Sitka spruce top and layered walnut back and sides. The playability, intonation, and electronics are top-notch thanks to Taylor's expert craftsmanship. The tone profile focuses on clear trebles and articulate bass response. It's an easy-playing, great-sounding grand auditorium model ideal for fingerstyle and strumming.