Martin 11DXJOHNNYCASH Acoustic Guitar: Full Review

The Martin 11DXJOHNNYCASH is a Johnny Cash signature model acoustic-electric guitar made by C.F. Martin & Co. This guitar combines vintage styling with modern playability to create a versatile instrument suitable for playing country, folk, and other roots music genres.

Some of the 11DXJOHNNYCASH's most notable features include its solid Sitka spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides. This tonewood combination produces a balanced sound with crisp highs, warm lows, and good projection. The neck has an easy-playing low oval profile, making it comfortable for chording and lead playing. The guitar also has a Fishman Sonitone electronics system, allowing it to be plugged into an amplifier or PA system.

With its association with the legendary Johnny Cash, this guitar will appeal to those looking for an acoustic-electric with vintage vibe and authentic country and Americana tone. The 11DXJOHNNYCASH aims to embody Johnny's stripped-down, raw sound and no-frills style.

Brand Overview

Martin has been crafting exceptional acoustic guitars since 1833, making it one of the most established and reputable acoustic guitar manufacturers. Based in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, the company has pioneered many innovations in guitar design over its long history.

Founded by German immigrant Christian Frederick Martin, the company originally focused on building violins and guitars with catgut strings. By the 1840s, Martin started using steel strings and rose to prominence supplying guitars for many famous blues and country musicians.

With almost two centuries of experience, Martin has established itself as a leading acoustic guitar brand. Its reputation rests on meticulous craftsmanship, premium tonewoods, and continual innovation. Signature Martin features include the dreadnought body shape, X-bracing, and square taper neck profile.

From legends like Eric Clapton, Johnny Cash, Neil Young to modern stars like Ed Sheeran, Martin guitars have been integral to acoustic music. With exceptional heritage and brand cachet, Martin acoustic guitars continue to be highly desirable instruments.

Martin has inspired many other acoustic guitar brands over the years. One such brand is Cordoba from Spain. Cordoba offers handmade classical and flamenco style guitars. The Cordoba F7 04707 is an excellent example of their craftsmanship. It features a solid Canadian cedar top with Indian rosewood back and sides. This combination produces a warm, balanced tone perfect for fingerstyle playing. The F7 model has a traditional fan bracing pattern and narrower nut width suited for classical guitarists. With its elegant appointments and robust construction, the Cordoba F7 delivers the quality and heritage Spanish guitars are renowned for.

While Martin paved the way for the modern acoustic guitar, brands like Cordoba continue the tradition of meticulous hand craftsmanship producing instruments with rich musical history. The two brands have some similarities like their fresh tonewoods and premium fit and finish. However, they have diverged into different styles suited for specific playing techniques. Martin excels at steel-string guitars perfect for strumming and flatpicking. Meanwhile, Cordoba specializes in nylon-string classical and flamenco models designed for intricate fingerstyle playing. Both have become icons in their own right.

Acoustic guitars bear the marks of skilled artisans and carry the songs of generations. With such rich heritage, it's no wonder musicians continue to be drawn to legendary brands like Martin and Cordoba. Their guitars feel like lifetime companions that only get better with age. For many players, owning a premium acoustic is about more than just the tone - it's about joining a legacy stretching back centuries.

Design and Build Quality

Crafted by the masters at Martin Guitar, the Acoustic Guitar Martin 11DXJOHNNYCASH showcases exceptional build quality with high-end components, careful attention to detail, and choice tonewoods.

The top is solid Sitka spruce, which provides a nicely balanced tone with crisp highs, articulated mids, and tight bass. Sitka is appreciated for its ability to sound great when strummed gently while also responding beautifully to aggressive, hard-strumming styles.

The back and sides are constructed from solid genuine mahogany which adds warmth, definition and complexity to the sound. Mahogany contributes excellent note separation and focus. The rich look of the mahogany is also aesthetically striking.

Other premium appointments include a black Richlite fretboard which is known for sustaining bright tone, along with a modified low oval neck shape for extremely comfortable feel during long practice or playing sessions.

The zigzag and circle diamond fingerboard inlays, modeled after Johnny Cash's guitar, provide an ornate vintage flair. Overall, the 11DXJOHNNYCASH reflects Martin's heritage of hand-crafting guitars to the highest standards with exquisite care and attention to every detail.

In addition to the excellent craftsmanship of the Martin 11DXJOHNNYCASH, another high quality acoustic guitar option to consider is the Yamaha FS850. This instrument features a solid Sitka spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and a Nato neck for bright, balanced tone. The FS850 is known for its clear trebles, warm bass, and rich overtones that enhance playing dynamics beautifully. Yamaha is renowned for superior acoustic guitar construction, and the FS850 lives up to this reputation with its all-solid wood body and intricate bracing design optimized for resonance and sustain.

When it comes to craftsmanship and attention to detail, both Martin and Yamaha stand out as premier acoustic guitar manufacturers. Martin has a long legacy of building guitars by hand in the United States, while Yamaha has perfected cutting-edge acoustic technology in their factories. Players looking for vintage American craft will appreciate Martin's adherence to traditional methods, whereas those wanting modern innovation may prefer Yamaha's contemporary build advancements. Ultimately, with either brand you can expect a well-made instrument capable of projecting warm, balanced acoustic tone.

In terms of aesthetics, the Martin 11DXJOHNNYCASH has a classic, ornate appearance with its zigzag inlays, while the Yamaha FS850 opts for a more understated elegance. Those wanting a guitar that makes a visual statement may lean toward Martin, but Yamaha also creates very attractive instruments. It comes down to personal taste and playing style preferences when choosing between these two quality options.

From high-end solid wood materials, to hand-shaped necks, to intricate bracing patterns, both Martin and Yamaha put tremendous care into their acoustic guitar construction. Players seeking optimal sound, playability, and visual appeal will be very happy with either the 11DXJOHNNYCASH or FS850. By starting with premium tonewoods and components, then employing master craftsmanship during assembly, Martin and Yamaha deliver exceptional instruments capable of inspiring musicians to reach new creative heights.

Sound Profile

The Martin 11DXJOHNNYCASH produces a beautiful full-bodied bass tone with well-balanced mids and shimmering highs. The dreadnought body shape paired with a solid Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides gives this guitar a warm, resonant sound with exceptional projection and sustain.

The spruce top provides sweet treble tones and articulate bass notes. The rosewood back and sides add complexity to the midrange while emphasizing the lows. Together, this premium tonewood combination generates a rich, nuanced sound that is equally at home strumming chords or playing intricate fingerstyle passages.

When strummed, chords ring out with a piano-like resonance. Bass notes have a deep rumble while midrange tones retain their clarity even during aggressive rhythmic playing. The trebles have a crystalline sparkle that completes the chord voicings.

Notes up and down the fretboard have excellent sustain and definition. The guitar's body serves as a natural amplifier, projecting each note outwards with vibrancy. Complex fingerstyle playing is well-articulated across all registers thanks to the responsiveness of the spruce top.

Overall, the Martin 11DXJOHNNYCASH has the volume, resonance and tonal nuance expected from a professional level acoustic guitar. The immaculate tonewood pairing and construction allows this instrument to shine in any solo or accompaniment scenario.

Playability

The Martin 11DXJOHNNYCASH is designed for playability and comfort during long sessions. The neck has a comfortable, slim taper profile that feels great in the hand. The string action is set low and optimized from the factory, allowing for easy fretting and fast riffing without buzz.

The neck is crafted from Stratabond laminate which provides stability and rigidity while the fretboard and bridge are solid East Indian rosewood. This combination results in great feel and a smooth surface for your fingers to glide over. The belly bridge position is also set for ideal intonation across the fretboard.

The body shape and size make this an enjoyable guitar to hold and play either seated or standing. It's lightweight enough to play for extended periods yet has enough surface area for balanced tone projection. Whether you're strumming chords or playing intricate fingerstyle lines, the 11DXJOHNNYCASH offers comfort and playability to match its iconic style.

Electronics and Controls

The Martin 11DXJOHNNYCASH comes equipped with Fishman Sonitone electronics, giving this acoustic-electric guitar excellent plugged-in tone and versatility. The onboard preamp and pickup system is designed to accurately reproduce the guitar's natural acoustic sound when amplified.

It features a discreet undersaddle piezo pickup that senses the vibrations of the guitar body and bridge. This pickup design results in an amplified tone that is balanced across all six strings, with smooth and full low end, clear midrange, and crisp highs.

The preamp includes volume and tone controls, allowing you to shape your amplified sound. The volume knob controls the overall output level, while the tone knob lets you dial in the right amount of brightness and cut for your particular amplifier and desired sound.

The preamp's integrated chromatic tuner makes it easy to tune the guitar both on stage and in the studio. The tuner can easily be engaged with the press of a button.

Overall, the electronics package on the Martin 11DXJOHNNYCASH provides the flexibility to move seamlessly from acoustic strumming and picking to amplifying your sound for live performance or recording scenarios. The Fishman preamp and undersaddle pickup accurately convey the guitar's wonderful acoustic tone.

Pros

The Martin DX Johnny Cash signature model acoustic-electric guitar has several excellent features that make it stand out:

• Iconic and unique design - The all-black finish and custom engraving give this guitar a distinctive look that pays tribute to Johnny Cash's signature style. Fans will appreciate the stylish homage.

• Quality materials - Constructed using solid spruce and mahogany, this guitar produces full, balanced tone. The materials are selected for optimal resonance and sustain.

• Fishman electronics - The Fishman Sonitone electronics accurately convey the guitar's natural tone. They include easy-to-use controls for volume and tone optimization when plugging into an amplifier.

• Playability - The modified low-oval neck profile provides comfortable and fast playability across the fingerboard. The guitar feels natural and responsive.

• Lifetime warranty - As with all Martin guitars, the DX Johnny Cash model is protected by a lifetime warranty to the original owner. This ensures long-lasting enjoyment.

• Collectible appeal - The unique styling and Johnny Cash association give this guitar collectible appeal. It will hold its value well for Martin fans and Johnny Cash memorabilia collectors.

Cons

• The 11DX has a wider neck width (2" at the nut) which some find less comfortable or harder to play than more standard acoustic guitar necks. This extra width can make it harder for those with smaller hands to form certain chords.

• While the electronics allow you to amplify or record with the 11DX, the undersaddle piezo pickup and preamp are fairly basic. The amplified tone is not as rich, nuanced or acoustic sounding as higher end guitar electronics.

• The rear shifted bracing can reduce volume and projection compared to more standard bracing. It helps enhance the bass end but some may find it lacking in volume and punch for heavier strumming.

• While durability is generally very good thanks to the solid spruce and mahogany build, the finish may be more prone to dents/dings than some other Martin guitars. The satin finish shows wear more easily than a glossy finish.

• The wider nut width and rear bracing make this a less beginner friendly choice than some other comparable Martins like the D-10E or 000X-1. While well suited to Johnny Cash's style of playing, it's not as versatile for those still developing their skills.

Alternatives to Consider

The Martin DX Johnny Cash signature model acoustic-electric guitar offers great sound and playability at a premium price point. There are a few other comparable guitar models to consider as alternatives:

• Taylor 114e - This is another excellent entry-level electro-acoustic. It has a bright, balanced tone thanks to its Grand Auditorium body shape and Sitka spruce top. The onboard ES-T electronics provide natural amplified tone.

• Yamaha A3R ARE - Yamaha's hand-crafted ARE acoustic-electric guitars offer incredible value for money. The A3R has a rosewood back and sides for a rich, bassy tone that complements its solid Sitka spruce top. The SRT pickup system allows for great amplified sound.

• Seagull S6 Original Q1 - Known for their high-quality craftsmanship, Seagull guitars provide amazing sound at accessible prices. The S6 Original features a cedar top and wild cherry back/sides for warm, resonant tones. An onboard Quantum 1 pickup adds plug-and-play functionality.

• Breedlove Solo Concert - Breedlove offers Oregon Myrtlewood on the back and sides of this electro-acoustic, providing a clear, focused sound. The Concert body style produces excellent balance, and the LR Baggs EAS-VTC pickup reproduces your tone accurately.

Conclusion

The Martin 11DX JOHNNYCASH signature model acoustic-electric guitar provides exceptional sound and playability worthy of its namesake. With premium tonewoods, comfortable neck profile, Fishman electronics, and high-end appointments, this guitar delivers rich, resonant acoustic tones and stage-ready amplified performance.

While not cheap, the Martin 11DX JOHNNYCASH stands out as a meticulously crafted instrument that will satisfy even seasoned players. It's an investment-level guitar that does justice to the Man in Black's legacy. Thanks to top-tier construction and electronics, players can count on this guitar to sound and play beautifully for many years.

For players and collectors seeking a special instrument to honor Johnny Cash's iconic music, the 11DX JOHNNYCASH is a top-tier choice. From fingerstyle playing to aggressive strumming, it handles anything with class and quality worthy of the Martin name. For those wanting a professional-grade acoustic-electric, it's hard to find a guitar that looks, sounds, and plays better than this signature model.

In the final verdict, the Martin 11DX JOHNNYCASH is a premium acoustic-electric guitar that delivers an exceptional playing experience. For Johnny Cash fans or any guitarist needing amplified acoustic tones, pro electronics, and masterful craftsmanship, it's easy to recommend this classy signature model.