Both Martin LXM vs LX1 is popular in the range of Little Martin guitars. They have some similar features. Therefore, you may be confused about these two models. Today, we will give you detailed info about them.
It will help you see which one is the right choice for you. We will make a comparison between them to help you get to which one of them is better for you. Keep reading this article to discover!
Martin LX1 review
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Martin LX1 – Little Martin
The Martin LX1 is built entirely with wood. Therefore, it is the right option for learning, practicing, and traveling.
Its style comes with high pressured laminate mahogany back and sides.
Also, it includes a Sitka Spruce top. Despite its size, this guitar is still pretty tough. It is a great companion for traveling.
Moreover, you can also easily carry it to take guitar lessons. This model is perfect for beginners buying a guitar. Also, it is suitable for players with small hands.
Martin LX1 – Little Martin
Moreover, it is the right choice for left-handed individuals, thanks to its design. It also allows you to play with comfort.
The model offers a rich and surprisingly deep sound. However, it cannot give you the tone of a full-sized acoustic guitar.
Its style is not perfect. However, it can withstand rough treatment. Just like the LXM, this one uses use certified FSC wood.
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Additional Features
- A free gig bag
- Lightweight design
- 23″ long and 20 frets
- Modern low oval Nut neck
Technical Specifications
- Body Shape: Modified 0-14 Fret
- Top Wood: Solid Sitka Spruce
- Back & Sides Wood: High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) Mahogany
- Neck Material: Rust Birch Laminate
- Fingerboard Material: FSC Certified Richlite
- Scale Length: 23 inches
- Nut Width: 1-11/16 inches
- Finish: Hand-Rubbed
Pros
- Portability: The compact size makes it a perfect travel companion or a great option for players with smaller hands.
- Solid Top: The solid Sitka spruce top provides a clear and resonant sound that improves over time.
- Durability: The HPL back and sides offer resistance to changes in temperature and humidity, making it a sturdy option for various environments.
- Easy Playability: The shorter scale length and lower string tension make it comfortable for beginners and those transitioning to acoustic guitars.
- Quality Materials: Despite its smaller size, the Little Martin is constructed with quality materials, delivering a surprisingly rich tone.
Cons
- Limited Bass Projection: Due to its smaller body size, it may not project the same depth of bass tones as larger acoustic guitars.
- Less Resonance: While the solid top enhances resonance, the HPL back and sides might not resonate as richly as all-solid wood guitars.
- Less Versatile Sound: Its compact size and tonewoods can limit the tonal versatility compared to larger guitars, particularly for certain playing styles.
- Lower Volume: It might not have the same volume and projection as larger guitars, which could be a consideration for performance in larger settings.
- Unique Feel: The smaller neck and body might take some adjustment for players accustomed to standard-sized guitars.
Keep in mind that these pros and cons are based on general considerations and individual preferences. It’s always recommended to try out the guitar if possible and research user reviews to make an informed decision.
Martin LXM
Now, it is time to discuss the Martin LXM. Despite a small size, it compensates in terms of quality, tone, and versatility.
Many players choose it because of its unique features. Just like the previous model, this one is the perfect product for travelers.
It will give you great bass and wonderful tones. Moreover, it is one of the best-selling models out there. Although this product is mostly plastic, it offers you a satin finish for a smooth style.
This model is cheaper than the Martin LX1. It comes with a mahogany back and sides. Also, it brings a Spruce top. Since the unit is made in HPL, it can withstand knocks, as well as bumps better.
By the way, while you’re here you might be interested in checking out our articles on the Martin DX1.
Also, you do not have to worry about any damage because of temperature and humidity variations.
It is the right choice for camping in the wild and traveling.
Just like Martin LX1, this model is not compatible with electronic sound systems. It also does not come with electronics included.
Therefore, it is only an acoustic guitar. In comparison to the Martin LX1, it has a Gotoh nickel tuning machine.
Moreover, there are also six steel strings. It is perfect for left-handed players.
This model is famous for its tone. It also offers you a lot of versatility. It has a higher volume compared to the LX1. At the same time, this unit retains intonation better.
It is sure to meet your needs.
Additional Features
- HPL pattern
- A gig bag
- Sitka Spruce bracing
Technical Specifications
- Body Shape: Modified 0-14 Fret
- Top Wood: High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) Sitka Spruce
- Back & Sides Wood: High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) Mahogany
- Neck Material: Rust Birch Laminate
- Fingerboard Material: FSC Certified Richlite
- Scale Length: 23 inches
- Nut Width: 1-11/16 inches
- Finish: Hand-Rubbed
Pros
- Portability: The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry and play on the go.
- Durable Build: The high-pressure laminate construction ensures resistance to changes in temperature and humidity, enhancing its durability.
- Affordability: The LXM offers an affordable entry point into the Martin line of guitars.
- Comfortable Playability: The shorter scale length and comfortable neck profile are suitable for players of all skill levels.
- Decent Sound: Despite its smaller size and laminate construction, it produces a surprisingly good sound with balanced tones.
Cons
- Limited Tonal Depth: The laminate construction can result in less complexity and depth in the overall tonal quality compared to all-solid wood guitars.
- Less Resonance: While the HPL materials are durable, they might not resonate as richly as solid wood counterparts.
- Narrow Nut Width: Some players might find the narrower nut width a bit challenging, especially if they have larger fingers.
- Volume Limitation: Due to its smaller size, the LXM might not have the same volume and projection as larger guitars.
- Not Suitable for All Genres: Its tonal characteristics might not be as versatile across different musical genres compared to higher-end models.
Performance
To compare the Martin LXM and LX1, you need to start with the performance of each product. In terms of performance, the main factor to consider is the material used in each construction.
The LX1 guitar has a real Sitka Spruce-based top surface. It is to add to the overall performance of this unit.
It will also be excellent for the sound quality of the model.
Both of these models come with steel as the base material for the strings. Therefore, the performance of their strings is similar between them.
You might also be interested in our guide to Fender Squier Strat Reivew
Both of them also use high-pressure Laminate in the construction. Thus, they are all durable.
While the Martin LX1 can make a slightly better sound because of the Sitka Spruce top, the LXM model is more durable in some cases because of its full laminate construction.
The top surface of the Martin LX1 is more prone to face damage because of a bump in comparison to the full HPL body of the LXM model.
Price
Another factor in comparing these two models is the price because of the slight differences between them.
The Martin LXM is the cheaper model between the two since the LX1 uses real Sitka Spruce wooden material for the top. Moreover, the utilization of the chrome material of the tuning knobs also affects the price of the LX1 product.
If you need one a little more affordable, you should go for the Martin LXM. If you want to get the benefits of the Sitka Spruce Wood, you can buy the Martin LX1. On the contrary, the LXM is suitable for traveling purposes because of the HPL material. It is a more durable choice for you.
Play Martin LMX series
Are These Models Acoustic Electric?
No. Both of them are pure acoustic models.
It means they do not allow you to connect to the speakers or amps for amplification. You need to use a microphone if you want to play the guitar through speakers or amps.
Conclusion
These two models are tough. Therefore, all of them can withstand rough treatment. They are the right choices for long camping trips. Also, they have the same sizes.
However, the LXM can against temperature, as well as humidity changes compared to the LX1. It may be hard to compare these two models because of the similarities between them.
Overall, however, if you are going for a cheaper model, the Martin LX1 is just for you. If you want to get a guitar for more authentic sounds, you should choose the Martin LXM.
Also, it can allow you to connect to an external amplifier.
