TEST: Martin DX1AE

 A name like thunder, at least in the field of acoustic guitars. What the protagonists Fender and Gibson are to the common electric guitarist, the instruments from the house of Martin have always been to the steel string acoustician. Whoever wanted to pluck along in the tonal national league of the strumming or picking department could not avoid dealing with this manufacturer at some point. If any manufacturer has succeeded in establishing the dreadnought myth, it's Martin.

But like all the other American manufacturers who have built their reputation on mostly "pricey" products over the past decades, Martin finally realized that even a dentist can't stock up on D-28s indefinitely, and the ambitious youngsters discreetly abandon their budget sails at price regions of just under €2,000. What to do, said Zeus, and went in search of low-cost production facilities and concessions in the choice of wood, so that the American trademark is not diluted by Asian manufacturing in the value, but a lower price does not move into the unattainable distance.

The solution to the riddle continues to lie in American production, just a few miles further south, in Mexico. Here, the parent company can ship its components very clearly in terms of distance, the supervisors do not have to cross the Pacific first, and the extremely important "Made In America" remains intact. Labor costs alone, however, can't drive manufacturing costs down arbitrarily; the mother ship must also come up with something in the selection of components. Here Martin surprises with an unexpected move....



Design

At first glance, the DX1AE looks very familiar, nothing that would elicit a frown from the expert. A solid Sitka spruce top, just like in the tradition of the fathers. But then, in contrast to the commonly used rosewood orgies in the sides and back, the Mexican is equipped with HPL construction elements, which in turn are covered with an imitation wood. HPL is a composite material in panel form, which is composed of several layers of paper and resin. Composite material? Imitation? I can already see the first protruding veins of anger blushing at the classic country picker. What's next? Harleys with 500 cc displacement?

To round out the design in terms of "unusual component selection", Martin also deviates from the safe path in terms of neck construction and gives the DX1AE a neck made of Stratabond, a wood laminate that is used in hunting bows and rifle stocks, among other things. Better to build instruments with it, then. Finally, the fair plastic collection is joined by a fingerboard and bridge made of black Richlite, a rather dense material made of recycled paper and phenol. One is inclined to say the guitar is made entirely of plastic except for the top. Even Ovation didn't dare to do that!

Be that as it may, the tropical rainforest will be pleased, because wood from sustainable cultivation still cuts the best figure in unbeaten condition as the green lungs of the earth. However, I can understand the skepticism that occurs everywhere, especially since Martin is THE traditional company in acoustic guitar manufacturing. In terms of pickups, the instrument has the Fishman Sonitone, which is located rather in the spartan corner in terms of control. However, it is nice that it is housed almost completely invisible in the sound hole and the sides do not have to be drilled out as usual. Otherwise, everything as usual, 20 frets, a 644 millimeter scale, all optical trademarks, a real Martin just.



Practice

- When you pick up the guitar for the first time, you immediately get that familiar "Martin feeling". Despite the unfamiliar construction materials, nothing feels strange or even unpleasant. And then, the first critical chord.... Well, to be quite honest, I had imagined it differently. The guitar sounds really good! It would have been a lie to say that one would not approach new materials with a certain skepticism, but it is always nice to be proven wrong.

Logically, the vibration behavior of the instrument is different. The acoustic sound is tighter, richer in treble and harder, but this will ensure better assertiveness in live operation. Only the pickup suffers a bit from the plastic buildup, it sounds relatively harsh, but knows how to convince in the overall context. Purely acoustically, however, the sound turns out much better than I would have expected, which is why the sound samples were also made with a Fame large-area microphone in various positions. Once you get used to the treble-rich sound and find the right pick, you may not believe that you are almost exclusively surrounded by imitation, recycled paper and plastic.

Vibration-wise, the spruce top serves its purpose and transmits a balanced sound. This shows that despite all the alternative materials, a wooden top cannot (yet) be replaced with composite materials, although I'm almost certain that Martin will have worked on this as well. In terms of workmanship, there are no deficiencies to be seen and in terms of handling, as I said, a real Martin. Already the factory setting is very neat, subsequent adjustment of string action or bridge insert was fortunately omitted.

Since the X-series is dedicated to the beginner and the sales price should be kept as low as possible, the manufacturer has dispensed with superfluous decorations. No binding, no fretboard inlays and only a spartan rosette as decoration around the soundhole, paired with a standard scratchboard.



Conclusion

Well who would have expected that. Let's be honest, plastics wherever you look and such nasty words like imitation and laminate, doesn't that make every guitarist dread and doesn't it build up horror visions of children's hands and mass-produced instruments of Chinese construction? Martin shows that there is another way with his entry-level product DX1AE.

Despite a more than unusual combination of various materials, US-Finest succeeds in bringing a well-balanced, sometimes very good sound with a comparatively low price to the customers. Once again, a traditional company shows that with the appropriate research and development, it is actually possible to generate a low price without sacrificing quality or completely relocating its production facility to Asia and only flirting with the once acquired name of yesterday.


Additional Informations:

Martin Guitars: A Legacy of Excellence and Craftsmanship
Introduction: Martin Guitars, formally known as C.F. Martin & Company, is a prestigious American guitar manufacturer that has been crafting exceptional instruments for over 185 years. Founded in 1833 by Christian Frederick Martin, the company has built a stellar reputation for producing guitars of unmatched quality, innovation, and timeless beauty. This comprehensive report explores the rich history, notable achievements, and enduring legacy of Martin Guitars.

Founding and Early Years: Christian Frederick Martin, a German immigrant, established Martin Guitars in New York City before relocating to Nazareth, Pennsylvania in 1839. Martin's commitment to superior craftsmanship and innovation laid the foundation for the company's success. The early years were marked by the introduction of groundbreaking design features, including X-bracing and the "fan" internal bracing system, which significantly improved the tonal qualities and structural integrity of the guitars.
The Dreadnought Revolution: In the early 20th century, Martin Guitars introduced the Dreadnought, a larger-bodied acoustic guitar that would go on to revolutionize the instrument industry. The Dreadnought's powerful, balanced sound and increased volume made it a favorite among musicians, particularly in the realm of country, folk, and bluegrass music. This iconic design has become synonymous with Martin Guitars and remains highly sought after by guitarists worldwide.

Legendary Models and Innovations: Martin Guitars has an extensive lineup of models that cater to diverse musical styles and preferences. From the iconic D-28 and D-45 to the versatile OM and 000 series, each model is meticulously crafted with attention to detail and precision. Martin has also been at the forefront of guitar innovation, introducing features such as cutaways, acoustic-electric models, and alternative tonewoods, while staying true to the company's commitment to exceptional sound and craftsmanship.
Commitment to Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing: In recent years, Martin Guitars has taken significant steps towards sustainability and responsible sourcing of materials. The company has implemented initiatives to promote responsible forestry practices and has introduced alternative materials, such as responsibly harvested tonewoods and high-pressure laminate (HPL) options, without compromising the superior sound and playability for which Martin is known.

Endorsements and Influence: Martin Guitars has earned the respect and admiration of countless musicians across genres. Renowned artists like Eric Clapton, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Ed Sheeran, and John Mayer have turned to Martin Guitars for their exceptional tone, playability, and enduring craftsmanship. These endorsements and collaborations have further solidified Martin's reputation as a leading guitar manufacturer and contributed to the instrument's iconic status in popular music.

Custom Shop and Limited Editions: The Martin Custom Shop offers discerning musicians the opportunity to create bespoke instruments tailored to their specific requirements. From customized tonewoods and inlays to personalized bracing and finishes, the Custom Shop embodies Martin's commitment to individuality and craftsmanship. Additionally, Martin Guitars releases limited-edition models each year, featuring unique designs, rare tonewoods, and special collaborations, further captivating guitar enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Legacy and Cultural Impact: Martin Guitars' legacy extends far beyond the realm of instrument manufacturing. The company's guitars have been integral to the creation of countless iconic songs, spanning generations and genres. Martin's instruments have become symbols of artistry, craftsmanship, and musical expression, embodying the rich heritage of American acoustic guitar-making.

Conclusion: Martin Guitars' unwavering dedication to crafting exceptional instruments has solidified its position as one of the most respected and revered guitar manufacturers in the world. With a legacy spanning nearly two centuries, Martin continues to inspire musicians, set industry standards, and redefine the possibilities of acoustic guitar craftsmanship. Whether in the hands of professionals or aspiring musicians, Martin Guitars represents the epitome of excellence, innovation, and the pursuit of sonic perfection.

- Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars: The Powerhouse of Acoustic Music
Introduction: Dreadnought acoustic guitars hold a prominent place in the world of music, renowned for their powerful sound, versatility, and iconic design. The term "dreadnought" originally referred to a class of large battleships, and it perfectly captures the commanding presence and robustness of these guitars. This comprehensive report delves into the history, characteristics, influential models, and enduring impact of dreadnought acoustic guitars.

Origins and Evolution: The dreadnought guitar design was first introduced by the C.F. Martin & Company in the early 20th century. Martin's innovative dreadnought model, with its large body and square shoulders, revolutionized the acoustic guitar industry. The design was inspired by the desire to create a guitar that could produce a powerful, balanced sound capable of cutting through ensemble playing or providing a robust solo performance.

Iconic Features and Construction: Dreadnought guitars are characterized by their large, square-shouldered bodies, deep bodies, and wide bouts. These dimensions contribute to their deep, resonant tone and enhanced volume. The guitar's top is typically made of solid spruce, while the back and sides are often crafted from mahogany, rosewood, or other tonewoods. Dreadnoughts usually feature a 14-fret neck joint, providing easy access to higher frets.

Versatility and Musical Styles: One of the key strengths of dreadnought guitars is their versatility across different musical genres. Originally associated with country, folk, and bluegrass music, dreadnoughts have found their way into various styles, including rock, pop, blues, and even jazz. The powerful projection, strong bass response, and balanced tonal characteristics of dreadnoughts make them well-suited for both strumming and fingerpicking styles.

Influential Dreadnought Models: The Martin D-28, introduced in the 1930s, is widely regarded as the quintessential dreadnought guitar. With its spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and timeless design, the D-28 has been favored by countless musicians, including folk icon Woody Guthrie and country legend Hank Williams. Other iconic dreadnought models include the Gibson J-45, Guild D-40, and Taylor 810, each contributing their unique tonal qualities and playing experience.

Impact on Music and Artists: Dreadnought guitars have had a profound impact on the world of music. Their robust sound and projection have made them the instrument of choice for many legendary artists. From Johnny Cash's strumming on "Folsom Prison Blues" to Kurt Cobain's powerful chords on "About a Girl," dreadnoughts have shaped the sound of countless songs across genres. Their ability to deliver rich, resonant tones has made them a staple on stages and in recording studios worldwide.

Modern Variations and Innovations: While traditional dreadnoughts continue to be revered, guitar manufacturers have introduced variations and innovations to cater to evolving player preferences. This includes options such as cutaways for improved access to higher frets, built-in pickups for amplification, alternative tonewoods for environmental sustainability, and ergonomic design modifications to enhance playability.

Enduring Legacy: The legacy of dreadnought acoustic guitars is a testament to their enduring popularity and influence. Their distinct sound, versatility, and recognizable design have solidified their status as iconic instruments. Whether played by beginners, professionals, or collectors, dreadnoughts continue to inspire musicians and serve as an emblem of acoustic music's power and expression.

Conclusion: Dreadnought acoustic guitars have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Their powerful projection, balanced tone, and versatile nature have made them a preferred choice for musicians across genres. From their inception as a groundbreaking design by C.F. Martin & Company to their continued relevance in modern music, dreadnought guitars embody the essence of acoustic music's strength, versatility, and timeless appeal.