Introduction
The Martin LX1E Little Martin is the ultimate travel-sized acoustic-electric guitar for players on the go. Part of Martin’s popular X Series line of affordable guitars, the LX1E combines the acclaimed Martin tone and craftsmanship with a compact, road-ready build perfect for life in motion.
Weighing in at just over 3 pounds, the LX1E features a 3/4-size modified 0-14 fret parlor-style body that’s notably smaller and more portable than a full-size dreadnought or concert acoustic. But despite its petite dimensions, this little Martin still packs a tonal punch way above its size class. The combination of a solid Sitka spruce top and high-pressure laminate (HPL) mahogany-patterned back and sides produces the balanced, nuanced Martin voice that punches through the mix.
The LX1E builds on the portability and durability of the original acoustic LX1 model by adding a Fishman Isys T preamp system with volume and tone controls. This gives players the ability to plug in and amplify the LX1E’s impressive unplugged tone in live and studio settings. It’s an invaluable feature for buskers, coffee shop performers, and recording artists.
In this in-depth review, we’ll cover everything about this travel-ready acoustic-electric – from its materials and construction, to its playability and amplified performance. We’ll help you decide if the Martin LX1E Little Martin is the right portable pick for your musical journey.
Martin LX1E Specs & Features
The Martin LX1E Little Martin has a 3/4 size body with a modified 0-14 fret parlor guitar shape, making it much more compact and portable than a full-size acoustic. It has a solid Sitka spruce top, which gives it a nice balanced and articulate tone. The back and sides are made from mahogany high-pressure laminate (HPL), which provides durability while keeping the guitar lightweight.
The neck is made from rust birch laminate with a 23" scale length and a 1 11/16" nut width. This shorter scale length allows for easier fretting and chord changes. The fingerboard and bridge are made from Richlite, an eco-friendly and durable material.
For amplified performance, the LX1E comes equipped with Fishman Isys T electronics featuring a built-in tuner. Controls are mounted discreetly just inside the soundhole for easy access while playing.
The guitar uses sealed chrome tuners to keep it in tune through changes in humidity and temperature. Other hardware includes a compensated Richlite saddle and Micarta nut.
The construction, materials, and electronics make the LX1E an ideal portable acoustic-electric for travel, practice, and performance. The smaller size doesn’t sacrifice Martin’s signature tone and playability.
Acoustic Tone
The Martin LX1E produces a warm yet punchy unplugged acoustic tone, thanks to its solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany high pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides. The combination of spruce and mahogany creates an articulate, balanced sound with pleasing overtones.
Despite its small size, the LX1E projects very well acoustically. The focused midrange helps the guitar cut through in ensemble playing situations. While it doesn’t have the same volume ceiling as a dreadnought, the LX1E’s voice carries impressively for a travel-sized instrument.
The versatile tonal palette suits a wide variety of musical genres. Fingerstyle players will appreciate the LX1E’s touch sensitivity, allowing dynamic control across the register. Strummers will find the punchy mids and controlled low end great for propulsive rhythms. Overall, the LX1E works very well for styles like folk, pop, indie rock, country, blues and more. The compact body lends itself to more intimate musical settings.
Amplified Sound
When plugged in, the LX1E produces a balanced and articulate amplified tone thanks to its Fishman Isys T preamp system. The preamp features volume, bass, and treble controls, allowing you to shape the EQ to suit your needs. There’s also an onboard chromatic tuner, making it easy to tune up on the go.
The undersaddle transducer does a good job of capturing the LX1E’s natural acoustic sound. Many reviewers praise the amplified tone for being very accurate to the unplugged voice. There’s a nice blend across the frequency spectrum, with clear and present highs and tight, focused lows.
Feedback is well controlled thanks to the smaller body size. You can play at reasonable volumes without getting too much unwanted noise. The Isys T preamp also has a phase switch to help combat feedback at higher volumes if needed. Overall, the LX1E’s electronics allow it to work well for amplified coffee shop gigs or busking.
Playability & Feel
The Martin LX1E Little Martin has a modified low oval neck shape that feels slim and easy to grip in your hand, making it very comfortable to play. The neck has a satin finish which allows for smooth sliding up and down the neck.
The string spacing at the nut is 1 11/16", which is narrower than a standard full size dreadnought but provides enough room between strings for clean fingering and chord changes. The action is set medium-low from the factory, making it easy to press the strings down without undue finger effort.
Overall, the playability of the Little Martin LX1E is fantastic for a travel-sized guitar. The slim neck profile and narrower nut width make it ideal for players with smaller hands who want the Martin acoustic experience in a more compact size. The light string action allows beginners to learn without fighting the strings, while still providing a responsive and enjoyable playing feel for more advanced guitarists.
Build Quality
The Martin LX1E Little Martin is built to the same high standards that Martin is known for in their full-size models. It features an all-solid wood construction, with a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany high pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides.
The solid spruce top allows the guitar to open up and resonate freely. Solid wood tops are preferred by most players for their superior tone over laminate tops. The HPL back and sides are very durable and resistant to climate changes and dings. HPL is a great choice for travel guitars.
Even with its small size, the LX1E has tight and precise fittings thanks to Martin’s exacting craftsmanship. The dovetail neck joint and mortise/tenon bracing system provide stability and allow the guitar to vibrate efficiently. The fretwork and nut slots are cleanly cut for comfortable playability.
Overall, the materials and construction allow the LX1E to produce a full, rich tone that belies its compact size. It’s built to handle the rigors of travel while retaining the exceptional tone and playability that Martin is known for. The lifetime limited warranty provides peace of mind that this guitar is built to last.
Alternatives to the Martin LX1E
The Martin LX1E certainly isn’t the only option when it comes to travel-sized acoustic-electric guitars. Let’s look at how it stacks up against some of the other top contenders in this category:
Baby Taylor BT1/BT2
The Baby Taylor series from Taylor Guitars has long been a popular choice for portable acoustic guitars. The all-solid wood BT2 features a similar scale length and body size to the LX1E, while the laminate-top BT1 is more affordable. The Taylor offers a slightly wider nut width and alternative tonewoods like mahogany or koa backs and sides. However, it lacks the LX1E’s onboard electronics.
Yamaha TransAcoustic
Yamaha’s innovative TransAcoustic guitars apply reverb/chorus effects without needing an amp or pedals. The compact FG-TA is comparable in size to the LX1E but with laminate back and sides. It provides a different acoustic experience through its TransAcoustic technology. However, the Martin offers an all-solid wood body and arguably more traditional acoustic tone.
Fender PM-3 Triple 0
Fender’s PM-3 Triple 0 is another similar parlor-style travel guitar with an all-mahogany construction. It has a wider nut width than the LX1E and an affordable price tag. However, it lacks the LX1E’s solid spruce top and Fishman electronics.
The Martin LX1E stands apart from other travel acoustics with its professional all-solid tonewoods, quality Fishman electronics, and the trusted Martin brand name. For players wanting the best possible materials and acoustic sound in a small-bodied guitar, the LX1E is hard to beat. However, those with tighter budgets or wanting slightly wider nut widths do have quality alternatives.
Who Is the Martin LX1E Best For?
The Martin LX1E Little Martin is a versatile acoustic-electric that can work well for many playing styles and musical genres. Its compact size makes it ideal for travel and portability, while still retaining impressive volume and projection.
Fingerstyle Players
The LX1E’s balanced tone and comfortable neck profile make it a great choice for intricate fingerstyle playing. The focused mids and warm bass complement fingerpicking techniques. The small body is easy to hold in classical position too.
Strummers
While the LX1E may not be as booming as a dreadnought, it still offers a full-sounding strumming experience. The crisp trebles cut through, while the mahogany back/sides provide resonance. Playability is comfortable whether seated or standing.
Folk & Pop Players
The LX1E’s versatility suits mellow folk chords and upbeat pop strumming. The spruce top offers shimmery highs, while the mahogany body adds midrange punch. The Fishman electronics faithfully amplify its organic tones.
Traveling Musicians
The durability, compact size, and included gig bag make the LX1E ideal for travel and portability. It withstands environmental changes well. The neck is slim and fast for impromptu jam sessions. Stage volume is sufficient for small gigs.
Cons for Larger Players
The 3/4 size may feel too small for taller/larger players. The narrow 1 11/16" nut and reduced body size could seem cramped. The lightweight build may lack the resonance some players want. Consider the full-size LX1 instead.
Not Ideal for Hard Strummers
While durable, the LX1E lacks the booming projection that aggressive strummers may want. The smaller body focuses and tightens the tone rather than offering wide dynamic range. Hard strummers may prefer a jumbo or dreadnought shape.
Pricing & Value
The Martin LX1E Little Martin has a MAP (minimum advertised price) of $559, though street prices are typically around $499. This positions it as a fairly premium instrument given its smaller size and simplified specs compared to Martin’s full size guitars. However, it’s important to keep in mind the exceptional build quality, tonewoods, and attention to detail that go into the Little Martin.
Compared to other travel-sized acoustic-electrics, the LX1E commands a higher price than basic options like the Yamaha JR1, but remains competitive with more premium rivals like the Taylor BT2 Baby Taylor. The all-solid wood construction and Fishman electronics justify the extra cost over cheaper models in our opinion.
When weighing the price, it’s also useful to consider what a basic full-size acoustic-electric from Martin would cost – likely $800+ for their lowest-end X series. Given the impressive performance packed into the 3/4 size LX1E, the price feels appropriate.
In terms of finding the best deals, authorized Martin dealers like Guitar Center and Sweetwater often run sales bringing the price down to the $450-500 range. Buying directly from Martin’s website can also score you a nice discount. Checking for occasional used models is another way to potentially get this guitar below $500, but great deals don’t turn up often due to the LX1E’s popularity.
Overall the Martin LX1E represents a substantial investment for a travel guitar, but delivers lasting value through its impressive tone and lifetime warranty backing. Discerning players who prioritize quality over cost will appreciate what this instrument offers.
Conclusion
The Martin LX1E Little Martin acoustic-electric guitar proves why Martin has been one of the most revered acoustic guitar makers for over 180 years. This travel-sized instrument delivers the exemplary build quality, rich tonewoods, and superb playability that Martin is known for – all in a compact, portable package ideal for travel and practice.
While the 3/4-size body may be too small for some players, the Little Martin punches above its weight in terms of volume and projection thanks to the solid spruce top. The tight, focused midrange and controlled overtones from the smaller body make this an excellent fingerstyle and recording guitar. Players who value portability, vintage Martin DNA, and versatility will find this model hard to beat.
The Little Martin’s premium appointments like solid woods, Fishman electronics, and Plek-set up result in a refined instrument that carries a higher price tag than some other travel acoustics. However, it outperforms cheaper laminate rivals in tone and longevity, making it a smart long-term investment.
Overall, the LX1E earns top marks for its blend of vintage Martin character and modern reliability. While not the cheapest option, it remains the best all-around travel acoustic-electric guitar for those seeking professional-grade performance in a compact form factor.