Introduction
Martin Guitars has been crafting high-quality acoustic instruments since 1833, cementing their reputation as one of the most iconic American guitar brands. Their instruments have been played by legendary artists across all genres, from Elvis Presley to Eric Clapton.
In the 1990s, Martin introduced the X Series line as a more affordable range while still maintaining their unwavering standards of quality. The X Series incorporates solid tonewoods and hand-oriented craftsmanship at an entry-level price point.
The Martin DX2E is one of the most popular models within the X Series acoustic-electric lineup. It’s an excellent example of Martin’s ability to balance playability, rich sound, and accessible pricing. This dreadnought guitar combines traditional construction methods and premium tonewoods with modern enhancements like Fishman electronics.
In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the specs, sound, playability, and overall value of the versatile Martin DX2E. Discover why it’s become a go-to acoustic-electric model for gigging musicians and intermediate players alike.
Body Style and Construction
The Martin DX2E features the classic dreadnought body shape, known for its full, projecting tone and balanced bass and treble response. This makes it an excellent choice for both rhythm and lead playing.
The top is made from solid Sitka spruce, which provides clarity, articulation and dynamic range to the tone. Spruce is a popular top wood choice due to its lightweight strength and balanced tonal properties. Many believe it helps bring out the best qualities of the other tonewoods.
For the back and sides, you can choose either solid mahogany or solid East Indian rosewood. The mahogany version provides a slightly more balanced tone, with clear mids and tight lows. The rosewood offers more complexity, warmth and bass response. Both are quality tonewoods that complement the spruce top nicely.
The X-bracing pattern inside is scalloped for optimal resonance and sustain. This helps the guitar project while still having enough flexibility for balanced tone across the tonal spectrum. The all-solid wood construction gives the DX2E excellent tone for its class.
Neck and Fretboard
The Martin DX2E features a slim taper neck with a performing artist profile that is comfortable and easy to play. It has a nut width of 1 11/16 inches, which provides enough room for fingerstyle playing while still being manageable for smaller hands. The 25.4 inch scale length facilitates clean fretting all the way up the neck.
The neck is crafted from Stratabond laminate for stability and rigidity. The fingerboard is made from richlite, an eco-friendly composite material that has a smooth feel reminiscent of ebony. The neck sports 20 frets and a modern belly bridge for excellent intonation.
The DX2E’s neck profile and dimensions make it suitable for a variety of playing styles. The slim taper neck allows easy access to the upper frets for lead playing. The comfortable 1 11/16 inch nut width provides room for fingerstyle techniques. The smooth richlite fingerboard facilitates both melodic lead lines as well as intricate fingerpicking patterns. Overall, the DX2E’s neck is designed for optimal playability whether you prefer to strum chords or play intricate solos.
Hardware
The DX2E features quality hardware that enhances its tone, playability, and functionality. It utilizes chrome enclosed gear tuners that provide smooth and accurate tuning stability. Many acoustic guitars in this price range use cheaper open-gear tuners that can slip and detune easily. The enclosed chrome tuners are not only more reliable, but also complement the guitar’s aesthetics.
The nut and saddle are both made from Tusq, a synthetic bone material known for its resonant tone and ability to keep the strings in tune. The compensated saddle helps maintain proper intonation across the fretboard.
For amplification and live performance, the DX2E comes equipped with Fishman MX electronics featuring an undersaddle pickup and soundhole-mounted preamp with volume and tone controls. The Fishman system captures the guitar’s natural acoustic tone and projects it faithfully through an amp or PA system. It also includes a built-in tuner for quick and convenient tuning on stage. The preamp runs on a 9V battery and features a phase switch to prevent feedback at higher volumes. Overall, the Fishman electronics provide quality amplified tone in a discreet and non-invasive setup.
Sound & Tone
The DX2E produces a balanced, articulate acoustic tone that showcases the crispness of the solid Sitka spruce top and the warmth of the mahogany or rosewood back and sides. When strummed, the guitar has excellent projection and dynamic range.
The combination of spruce and mahogany creates a balanced tone that excels at many playing styles and genres. The spruce provides clarity in the high end while the mahogany offers a pleasing low-mid warmth. Fingerpickers will appreciate the note separation and articulation.
Plugging in the DX2E through the Fishman MX electronics gives a very natural amplified tone. The undersaddle pickup and soundhole-mounted mic blend together seamlessly, maintaining the guitar’s acoustic character. There’s enough volume and dynamics to handle both small and large venues.
Opting for the rosewood back and sides version provides more complexity, overtones, and a strong low-end punch when amplified. The rosewood adds vintage-like warmth and refinement to the overall tonal palette.
The solid wood construction allows the DX2E to improve over time, opening up and maturing sonically. And the different tonewood options give players the flexibility to choose their preferred tonal flavor. Mahogany focuses on balance and clarity while rosewood brings more low-end blossom.
Finish Options
The Martin DX2E comes in a variety of attractive finish options that let you customize the look while maintaining the same great sound and playability.
The most popular finish is likely the natural gloss top that really allows the wood grain to pop on the spruce top. It contrasts nicely with the dark back and sides. Martin also offers a number of burst finishes like tobacco burst and black burst. These add striking visual elements, blending a light burst pattern around the soundhole with a darker back and sides.
While not as ornate as some higher-end Martins, the DX2E finishes offer enough variety for most players. Those wanting more elaborate decorative elements like intricate inlays may need to upgrade to a higher model. The DX2E focuses more on optimal sound quality and playability over aesthetics.
If you want a great sounding acoustic-electric but aren’t as concerned with flashy visuals, the DX2E has plenty of finish options to choose from. The use of high-quality tonewoods takes precedence over extra decorative appointments that would increase the cost. The available finishes strike a nice balance between showing off the tonewoods and offering choices beyond a plain natural look.
Accessories
The Martin DX2E typically comes with a padded gig bag, providing basic protection for transportation and storage. For musicians doing frequent gigging or travel, investing in a hardshell case offers more robust protection against bumps, dings, and weather.
Popular hardshell case options include:
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Martin M540 Hardshell Case: An affordable case designed specifically for Martin dreadnought models like the DX2E. Features a plush grey interior lining and TSA-approved locking latches.
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Mono Vertigo Guitar Case: A premium lightweight hardshell case made of carbon fiber. Offers excellent protection and stylish aesthetics. Fits the DX2E nicely.
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Gator Deluxe Wood Case: A traditional wood case with plush interior padding. Sturdy construction with locking clasps. An excellent value option.
Some other useful accessories for the DX2E include:
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Extra strings like Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 to keep a fresh set on hand. Opt for light or custom gauge strings to tailor the feel.
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Clip-on tuner like the Snark SN5 for quick on-stage tuning.
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Capo for changing keys and new voicings. Consider the Kyser Quick-Change capo.
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Guitar strap for standing up with the DX2E. The Martin 2-inch Core Guitar Strap is a good match.
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Pick variety pack to explore different pick materials and thicknesses.
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Humidifier for maintaining optimal humidity levels inside the guitar. The Planet Waves Guitar Humidifier is a popular choice.
Pairing the DX2E with quality accessories enhances playability and protection for years of musical enjoyment. Consider options that fit your budget and playing needs.
Alternatives to the Martin DX2E
The DX2E occupies an interesting space in Martin’s lineup, providing a high-quality solid wood acoustic-electric guitar at an accessible price point. This makes it tempting to compare the DX2E to both more affordable and more expensive Martin models.
Martin DX1AE
The DX1AE is the most affordable model in Martin’s X Series. It shares a similar dreadnought body shape with the DX2E, but utilizes laminate wood construction instead of solid wood. The DX1AE has a layered sapele back and sides, along with a solid spruce top. Overall, the materials are a step down from the DX2E, though still respectable for the lower price. The DX1AE also lacks the Fishman MX electronics of the DX2E, instead including a simpler Fishman Sonitone system.
In terms of sound, the DX2E’s all-solid wood construction gives it an edge over the DX1AE in volume, richness, and dynamic range. However, the DX1AE still produces Martin’s characteristic balanced tone at a more budget-friendly price point. Ultimately, the DX2E represents a worthwhile step up for players who can stretch their budget.
Higher-End Martin Models
It’s also interesting to compare the DX2E to Martin’s more expensive models that utilize fancy tonewoods and ornate appointments. Take the iconic D-28 dreadnought, which has been a staple of bluegrass and country music for decades. The D-28 swaps the DX2E’s mahogany back and sides for higher grade rosewood, and adds decorative pearl inlays and binding. Tonally, the D-28 boasts more complexity and refinement. The playability is similarly enhanced on the D-28 with its Plek’d fretwork and hand-fitted neck.
That said, these differences certainly don’t make the DX2E sound bad by any means. Unless you’re a seasoned professional, the DX2E provides an experience that’s extremely close to pricier Martins at a fraction of the cost. The money saved could be put towards other gear, recording equipment, or lessons. Ultimately, the DX2E manages to capture the heart of the Martin tone and experience while making smart compromises to meet an affordable price point.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
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The DX2E offers solid all-wood construction at an affordable price point. The solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany or rosewood back and sides provide excellent tone and projection.
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The slim taper neck profile is comfortable and easy to play. The low action facilitates smooth playability across a wide range of styles.
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It delivers impressive articulation and balanced tone acoustically. The Fishman MX electronics also produce a clear and natural amplified tone.
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As expected from a Martin guitar, the build quality and attention to detail is superb. Even at this price point, their craftsmanship shines through.
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Overall, the DX2E represents excellent value, making it highly appealing for beginners, students, and working musicians. The quality stands up to more expensive Martins but at a budget-friendly price.
Cons:
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The finish options are more limited compared to Martin’s more expensive guitar lines. Most models just come in natural, sunburst, or burst finishes.
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There is no cutaway option for easier upper fret access.
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It only includes a gig bag, so players wanting maximum protection will need to invest in a hardshell case.
Conclusion
The Martin DX2E is an outstanding acoustic-electric guitar that punches well above its weight class in terms of features, tone, and playability. Its solid wood construction delivers rich, vibrant acoustic tone that projects beautifully. The slim neck and comfortable body shape make it a joy to play for long periods. When plugged in, the Fishman electronics accurately convey its natural acoustic dynamics and resonance.
Overall, the DX2E represents one of the best values you can find in an acoustic-electric guitar. While the aesthetic options are somewhat limited compared to pricier Martins, you simply can’t find another all-solid wood acoustic-electric of this caliber at this price point. It’s the ideal choice for beginners, students, gigging musicians, or anyone seeking an affordable workhorse acoustic that sounds and plays like an instrument twice its price.
If you’re looking for your first serious acoustic-electric or want a high-quality guitar option without breaking the bank, the Martin DX2E is easy to recommend. Its combination of solid tonewoods, comfortable playability, and Fishman electronics make it a versatile guitar suited for almost any style. It’s an instrument that you can rely on and grow with for many years to come.