Introduction
Johnny Cash was an American singer-songwriter and one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Known for his deep, baritone voice, Cash was a pioneer of country, rockabilly, and folk music. His stripped-down sound and dark lyrical content earned him the nickname "The Man in Black."
Over the course of his nearly 50 year career, Cash amassed millions of records sold, over a dozen Grammy awards, and induction into the Country Music, Rock and Roll, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame. His most popular songs include "I Walk the Line," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Ring of Fire," and his renowned cover of "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails.
After Cash’s passing in 2003, his estate collaborated with C.F. Martin & Co. guitars to create a special tribute model – the Martin DX Johnny Cash signature acoustic-electric guitar. This guitar aims to capture the rebellious spirit of the legendary "Man in Black" in an affordable, accessible package for musicians and fans.
Martin DX Johnny Cash Guitar Specs
The Martin DX Johnny Cash is a dreadnought style acoustic-electric guitar with a single-cutaway for easy upper fret access. It has a solid Sitka spruce top paired with High Pressure Laminate (HPL) mahogany patterned back and sides.
The neck is constructed from Rust Stratabond and has a Performing Artist profile that is slightly slimmer for comfortable playability. The fingerboard is made from Richlite, an eco-friendly and durable material.
For electronics, the DX Johnny Cash is equipped with a Fishman MX-T undersaddle pickup and preamp system to amplify its acoustic tone. It has a 25.4" scale length, 1.75" nut width, 20 frets, and a compensated Tusq saddle.
Other hardware includes chrome enclosed tuning machines, a Corian nut, and an ebony bridge. The headstock has a scripted Johnny Cash signature logo inlaid in mother-of-pearl.
Aesthetics and Visual Details
The most striking aesthetic feature of the Martin DX Johnny Cash is its sleek all-black "Jett Black" finish. This high-gloss black lacquer covers the entire body and neck for a bold, minimalist look.
The color palette is a clear homage to Johnny Cash’s iconic "Man in Black" persona and stage presence. Cash famously wore all black clothing starting in the late 1950s, which contributed to his rebellious outlaw image. The monochromatic black visual design on the Martin DX Johnny Cash seeks to capture that spirit.
Beyond the color, Martin included several other visual details inspired by Cash. The guitar has black binding along the body, black bridge pins, and a black pickguard featuring Cash’s signature. The headstock showcases an understated mother-of-pearl Johnny Cash logo inlay as well.
Overall, the guitar’s stark appearance and lack of brightwork gives it a sleek, timeless look. For Johnny Cash fans, the visual connection will be instantaneous. The all-black finish makes this an eye-catching guitar for the stage or studio.
Build Quality
The Martin DX Johnny Cash guitar features high-quality construction and materials that are comparable to other guitars in Martin’s X Series line.
The all-black finish is smooth and glossy, with attention to fine details like binding around the body and neck. The solid spruce top is cleanly bookmatched and has an attractive grain pattern. The mahogany back and sides, while made from HPL rather than solid wood, have an attractive look and feel reminiscent of vintage Martin guitars.
The craftsmanship lives up to Martin’s reputation, with precise fretwork, clean joins, and quality hardware including enclosed chrome tuners and a Corian nut and compensated saddle. The neck has Martin’s comfortable Performing Artist profile that makes the guitar easy to play.
Overall the guitar is very well made, especially considering the affordable price point. The materials and build quality match what you would expect from a USA-made Martin acoustic-electric guitar. While not completely solid wood, it doesn’t cut big corners and retains the look, feel, and tone of a premium instrument.
Sound and Performance
The Martin DX Johnny Cash delivers impressive acoustic tone with a rich, warm, and balanced sound profile. The solid spruce top provides excellent projection and headroom, allowing the dreadnought body to produce full low-end, balanced mids, and clear treble notes.
When strummed or picked, the guitar has a very resonant and sustain-y tone. Notes ring out with clarity across the fretboard. There’s a pleasing warmth to the acoustic voice that flatters various playing styles from fingerpicking to full strumming. The mahogany-patterned back and sides offer some midrange punch to balance the top end sparkle.
Plugging in the DX Johnny Cash reveals the quality of the Fishman MX electronics. The amplified tone remains very natural and organic sounding through an amp or PA. The guitar’s acoustic nuances come across beautifully, with the MX system capturing the wood resonance and dynamic playing response. From soft fingerstyle passages to aggressive flatpicking, the plugged-in sound is articulate and balanced.
The slim Performing Artist neck profile provides excellent comfort and playability. It’s a fast, modern feeling neck that makes it easy to fly around the fretboard. Combined with the smooth Richlite fingerboard and medium jumbo frets, the DX Johnny Cash feels great for chord work, leads, and anything in between. The guitar stays comfortable even during long practice or gigging sessions thanks to the ergonomic neck design.
Value for Money
The Martin DX Johnny Cash has an MSRP of $1,299, which puts it in the upper range of Martin’s non-solid wood X Series models. However, it’s quite affordable compared to many of Martin’s all-solid wood guitars which can run $2,000+.
Considering this is a special edition USA-made signature model, the price point offers good value. Martin has cut costs by using an HPL mahogany-patterned back and sides rather than solid wood, but you still get their excellent craftsmanship and tonewoods like solid spruce on top.
The guitar comes packaged with a Martin 300 Series hardshell case, which is a welcome inclusion at this price point. Many competitors only include a basic gig bag at best. Having a high-quality included case adds to the overall value proposition.
Overall, the Martin DX Johnny Cash hits a sweet spot between affordability and premium appointments. It costs significantly less than the all-solid wood D-35 Johnny Cash model, yet still delivers impressive tone and playability with some special aesthetic flourishes honoring the Man in Black. Considering the limited edition status and desirable tribute theme, it’s a competitive value compared to other Martin X Series models.
Who is this Guitar For?
The Martin DX Johnny Cash Signature Acoustic-Electric Guitar will appeal to a few key groups of guitarists:
Johnny Cash Fans and Collectors
This is an obvious one. Die-hard fans of the Man in Black will appreciate the tribute to their musical hero. The all-black design and Johnny Cash name on the headstock make this a great guitar for collectors looking to showcase their fandom. It can be displayed right alongside Johnny Cash albums and memorabilia.
Guitarists Seeking a Bold Visual Statement
With its glossy black finish from head to toe, the DX Johnny Cash makes a bold visual statement on stage. The stark, minimalist color scheme helps a guitarist stand out in a powerful way. For any player looking to cultivate a rebellious rock image, this guitar will do the trick.
Players Wanting a Quality Guitar at an Affordable Price
While not dirt cheap, the Martin DX Johnny Cash provides a lot of bang for the buck. With its solid spruce top and Martin craftsmanship, it delivers impressive dreadnought tones and playability at a price that’s accessible to many working musicians. The included hardshell case further adds value. So for guitarists seeking great Martin sound on a budget, the DX Johnny Cash fits the bill.
Alternatives to Consider
When shopping for an acoustic guitar similar to the Martin DX Johnny Cash Signature model, here are some alternatives worth checking out:
Other Martin X Series Guitars
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Martin D-X1E – Another dreadnought in Martin’s affordable X series line with spruce top and mahogany back/sides. Features a slim taper neck and Fishman Sonitone electronics.
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Martin 000X1AE – A Grand Auditorium body shape with a solid spruce top and mahogany HPL back/sides. Great balance of volume, articulation, and comfort.
Comparable Signature Models
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Taylor 214ce-KDL – A Grand Auditorium model created in collaboration with country artist Kris Kristofferson. All koa wood construction with a vintage-inspired vibe.
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Gibson J-45 True Vintage – This J-45 recreates the look and feel of Gibson’s original 1930s sloped shoulder dreadnought with an authentic build and sound.
Other Dreadnoughts in this Price Range
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Seagull Original S6 – An all solid wood dreadnought known for its affordability, playability, and balanced tone. Handmade in Canada.
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Yamaha FG-TA – Yamaha’s iconic folk guitar with a solid spruce top and mahogany back/sides. Time-tested workhorse acoustic.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Iconic and striking visual design pays tribute to Johnny Cash’s "Man in Black" persona
- Features a solid Sitka spruce top for rich, balanced tone
- Slim Performing Artist neck profile is comfortable and fast
- Quality Fishman electronics accurately capture the acoustic tone
- Good value for a USA-made Martin signature model
Cons
- Not constructed with all solid tonewoods
- The gloss black finish may show fingerprints easily
- As a limited edition, it could be difficult to find in stores
Conclusion
Overall, the Martin DX Johnny Cash Signature Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a fantastic tribute to the legendary Man in Black that also stands on its own as a quality instrument. The all-black aesthetic beautifully captures Cash’s rebellious spirit, while the solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides produce the warm, balanced tone Martin is known for.
The slim neck and Fishman electronics make it very playable both acoustically and plugged in. While not an all-solid wood guitar, it’s still built to Martin’s high standards and sounds better than its price tag would suggest. For Johnny Cash fans or those seeking an affordable way to get classic Martin tone and reliability, this guitar comes highly recommended. The unique look and great feel help it deliver an inspiring musical experience.
In closing, if you’re looking for a guitar that celebrates Cash’s legacy while also being stage- and studio-ready right out of the case, the DX Johnny Cash model is a winner. It’s a fitting tribute to one of music’s most iconic artists that also stands on its own merits as a quality acoustic-electric worthy of bearing the Martin name.