Introduction
The Martin Guitar Company has been crafting high-quality acoustic guitars since 1833. Based in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, Martin is an iconic American guitar brand with a rich history spanning nearly 200 years. In recent years, Martin has responded to the needs of traveling musicians and beginners with the introduction of their Little Martin series. These 3/4-size guitars offer big Martin tone in a compact, portable package.
The Martin LXK2 Little Martin stands out for its Koa pattern high-pressure laminate (HPL) top and smaller 23” scale length. It produces impressive volume and projection for a travel-sized acoustic. The LXK2 is an ideal choice for guitarists who prioritize portability, comfort, and classic Martin tone. It’s well-suited for younger students, smaller-framed players, frequent travelers, and those looking for an affordable Martin acoustic. The reduced scale length and string tension make forming chords and fretting notes easier for small hands. While the LXK2 may lack some low-end compared to a full-size dreadnought, it excels as a couch, camping or travel companion.
Physical Specs
The Martin LXK2 Little Martin has a compact 3/4 size body shape, measuring just 35 5/8" long by 15" wide by 4 3/4" deep. This makes it extremely portable and easy to travel with or store in tight spaces. The total weight of the guitar is around 5 lbs, which is very light compared to a full size dreadnought.
The scale length on the LXK2 is 23", compared to 25.4" on a standard acoustic guitar. This shorter scale length reduces the string tension, making the guitar easier to fret and ideal for players with smaller hands.
The top of the LXK2 Little Martin is made of koa pattern high-pressure laminate (HPL), while the back and sides are rust birch laminate. The neck is also constructed from rust birch laminate, and the fingerboard is Richlite. These materials make the guitar very durable and resistant to changes in temperature and humidity.
Martin LXK2 Design and Build Quality
The Martin LXK2 Little Martin is designed and constructed with the same care and attention to detail that Martin is known for in their full-size guitars. Despite its compact 3/4 size body, no corners have been cut when it comes to build quality.
The all-laminate construction of the LXK2 makes it extremely durable and resistant to cracks, warping, and other damage that can occur in solid wood instruments. The Koa pattern HPL top and Rust Birch laminate back and sides can withstand the rigors of travel and varying weather conditions.
The fit and finish is impeccable, with tight seams between the top/back/sides and a flawless high-gloss finish. The Richlite bridge and fingerboard are securely attached and all hardware is solid.
While the LXK2 may not have the open-grained solid woods and intricate rosette designs of more expensive Martin guitars, it maintains the same attention to detail in its construction. The craftsmanship and quality control from Martin’s US-based production ensures each LXK2 meets their strict standards.
For a travel-friendly instrument, the LXK2 is remarkably sturdy and well-made. Martin did not compromise on build quality simply because of its reduced size and price point compared to their full-size guitars. It’s built to last years of enjoyment on the road or at home.
Sound and Tone of the LXK2 Little Martin
The LXK2 Little Martin punches above its weight when it comes to sound and tone, especially considering its compact 3/4-size body.
The Koa HPL top produces a bright and punchy acoustic tone, with impressive projection and volume that belies the small body size. There’s a crispness and clarity to the notes across the fretboard.
Even when played softly, the notes ring out with sustain. When strummed harder, the LXK2 can easily keep up with a jam session thanks to its volume and cutting tone. The focused low end allows rhythm parts to still provide a solid foundation.
The LXK2 excels at fingerstyle playing, with warm low end coupled with bright and clear highs. It’s also well-suited to folk, pop, rock and other genres that utilize strumming. The crispness really shines through on single note runs.
Here’s a short sample clip highlighting the impressive projection:
And here’s another clip showing off the warm lows and bright crisp highs when fingerpicking:
It’s amazing just how loud and full the LXK2 sounds despite its smaller body size. The Koa HPL top helps it produce a big sound that can easily fill a room.
Playability and Comfort
The Martin LXK2 Little Martin is designed with playability and comfort in mind. The short 23" scale length means the strings have less tension, making them easier to press down and form chords. This is ideal for beginners, younger players, or those with smaller hands who may struggle with higher string tension on full-size guitars.
The neck has a comfortable, slim taper profile that fits nicely in the hand. It’s neither too chunky nor too thin. The satin finish on the back of the neck allows for smooth, fast playing up and down the frets.
Out of the box, the LXK2 Little Martin comes with a quality factory setup. The action is set fairly low for comfortable fretting, yet still allows room for vibration and resonance. The intonation is accurately set, meaning the guitar stays in tune as you move up the neck. No buzzing notes or adjustment needed before you can start playing.
Overall, the reduced scale length and string tension coupled with the comfortable neck size and quality factory setup makes the LXK2 Little Martin enjoyable and easy to play right away, especially for beginner and younger players. The smooth and comfortable feel inspires you to pick it up and practice for hours.
Accessories and Upgrades
The Martin LXK2 comes with Martin’s standard soft gig bag. While it offers basic protection, it’s relatively thin and may not provide adequate padding when traveling. For maximum protection, upgrading to a hardshell case is recommended. Options like the Gator Cases Transit Series offer increased padding and storage for under $100.
For improved tone and playability, consider upgrading the factory strings. The included strings are Martin’s standard LifeSpan Phosphor Bronze Medium Gauge. Switching to a fresh set of lights or extra lights, like Elixir 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Strings, will reduce tension on the shorter 23" scale length and make chords easier to fret.
To amplify the Little Martin LXK2, the Fishman Neo-D01 is an excellent onboard preamp system that installs without permanently modifying the guitar. It features volume, tone, and tuner controls right on the guitar. For plugging into a PA system, the Fishman Loudbox Mini is a fantastic portable amp option.
Alternatives to the Martin LXK2 Little Martin
The Martin LXK2 occupies a competitive space in the world of travel and small-bodied acoustic guitars. Let’s look at how it compares to some of the other top options:
Taylor GS Mini
The Taylor GS Mini is one of the most popular portable acoustic guitars. It has a layered sapele top with mahogany back and sides. The tone is very balanced and clear. The GS Mini excels at fingerstyle playing. It has a slightly wider nut width than the LXK2 which some players prefer. The GS Mini is comparable in price to the LXK2.
Pros of LXK2 vs GS Mini:
- Unique sound of Koa HPL top
- Slightly more affordable
Taylor Baby Taylor
- The Baby Taylor has an all-solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides. As the name suggests, it’s even more compact than the GS Mini. The tone is bright and focused.
- The Baby Taylor is great for travel but doesn’t have the same bass response as the LXK2. It is also more expensive than the Martin model.
Pros of LXK2 vs Baby Taylor:
- Better projection and bass response
- Lower cost
Little Martin LX1
- The LX1 is Martin’s most affordable travel guitar option. It has a spruce top with mahogany back and sides.
- The LX1 is very lightweight and portable but can’t match the LXK2’s tone and volume. It also lacks the unique aesthetic of the Koa top.
Pros of LXK2 vs LX1:
- Superior tone and projection
- Unique Koa HPL top
The LXK2 stands out from other travel acoustics with its resonant Koa top and impressive volume. For those seeking an affordable, great-sounding portable guitar, the LXK2 is hard to beat.
Ideal Player Profile
The Martin LXK2 Little Martin is ideal for a few key types of players:
Travelers and Campers
With its compact size and durable construction, the LXK2 is perfect for traveling, camping, and outdoor playing. It’s easy to pack in a backpack or suitcase and comfortable to play around a campfire. The laminate build can stand up to changes in humidity and temperature better than an all-solid wood guitar.
Beginners and Students
The short 23" scale length and reduced string tension make the LXK2 very beginner-friendly. It’s easy to form chords and fret notes without excessive finger pressure. The small body size is great for kids and younger students too. Many music teachers recommend the Little Martin for new players.
Smaller Hands and Frames
Players with smaller hands or petite frames will find the LXK2 comfortable and playable. The compact size and neck profile accommodate shorter reaches and lighter string tension.
Backup or Couch Guitar
While designed as a travel companion, the impressive tone and playability of the LXK2 make it suitable as a secondary guitar for pros. It’s an affordable option to keep around the couch or take to the beach without worrying about damaging your expensive primary acoustic.
The versatility and quality of the Little Martin make it appealing across many playing styles and skill levels. But its portability and ease of play are what really make it stand out for travel, practice, and casual enjoyment.
Pricing
The Martin LXK2 Little Martin has an MSRP of $549, though the real-world street price is typically around $399. This puts it on the more affordable end of Martin’s lineup, while still retaining their reputation for quality and craftsmanship.
At this street price of around $399, the LXK2 represents excellent value for money. It goes toe-to-toe with other popular travel guitars like the Taylor GS Mini and Baby Taylor, often undercutting them in price. Given its all-solid wood construction using real tonewoods like Koa, the LXK2 punches above its class in terms of materials and tone. The laminate back and sides also make it extremely durable and resistant to cracks and warping.
While not exactly cheap, the sub-$400 street price puts the LXK2 within reach of beginners, students, and intermediate players looking for a high-quality travel companion. Considering its Made in USA origins and Martin’s reputation, it’s hard to find this level of craftsmanship and musicality at this price point. The LXK2 manages to balance portability, tone, and affordability in a compelling package.
Conclusion
The Martin LXK2 Little Martin is an excellent choice for a portable travel acoustic guitar that doesn’t sacrifice much in tone or playability compared to a full size instrument. Its compact 3/4 size body and short 23" scale length make it easy to pack up and take anywhere, while still retaining impressive volume and projection thanks to the solid Koa HPL top.
The Little Martin’s materials like laminate back/sides and Richlite bridge/fingerboard make it highly durable and resistant to changes in temperature and humidity, perfect for the traveling musician. While the laminate woods may not age and open up like solid wood over decades, the LXK2 produces a bright and balanced tone out of the box. Fingerstyle playing really shines on this guitar, with enough warmth and nuance to handle lighter strumming and genres like folk, pop, and indie music.
Considering its quality construction in the USA, versatile musicality, and portability, the Martin LXK2 Little Martin provides fantastic value at around $500 street price. For beginners, younger students, or experienced players wanting a reliable travel companion, the LXK2 gets a strong recommendation. While the compact size may be too small for some, it hits a sweet spot for portability versus playability.
Pros:
- Extremely portable size and weight
- Impressive volume and tone projection
- High quality materials and construction
- Easy playability for travel and smaller hands
- Great value at around $500 street price
Cons:
- Laminate back/sides don’t age like solid wood
- May be too small for some players
- Can’t match full dreadnought tone
For a well-built, great sounding travel acoustic, the Martin LXK2 Little Martin is easy to recommend. It excels at being a portable companion without feeling like you’re playing a toy. While it won’t replace a premium full-size guitar, it hits the mark for traveling light without sacrificing too much in musical enjoyment.