I'm 60 years old and have been playing for 47 years . On New Years Day I was finally able to go and buy my very first Martin at Guitar Center ,which is a X Series X1-DE and I absolutely love it. The X Series are a great alternative to those of us who can't afford to dish out 2-3 grand for a American made Martin.
Ive had a OMx1RAE (which was only available in the UK i believe, but basically similar to all X series martins, and i have had it for 12 years and it is solid as a rock and just getting better. It is a lifetime guitar. I will get another Martin just because of the good experience ive had with this guitar.
In my opinion, the more expensive Martin guitars are not better. Just different. I own more expensive Martin guitars and I do not find these models to be inferior despite the lower price.
I bought one of these a few days ago. I have only been playing for a few months and knew (still don't) anything about the different brands of guitars. I went to GC and into their room with acoustics that are "affordable" - meaning the room with the guitars less than $1K and picked up and strummed more than a dozen. I finally sat down with a used Taylor and a Martin DX1AE. I just could not believe the sound difference and less humming and buzzing on the strings of this DX1AE compared to what I am used to. I left with the Martin because it sounded... just better than the Taylor. I haven't put it down. I love this guitar. I am no expert or professional player but I have ears and fingers and this guitar is awesome.
Peter Jolles from one member of the Martin guitar family to another. You made the Right Choice. In the end, you have to Love the sound it makes and the feeling it gives you Playing it.
@@russellnewton6660 I'll bet you're loving it! I have a 12-string X-Series as well as much more expensive guitars...and the X-Series Martins are truly phenomenal instruments, especially considering their reasonable price. Enjoy!
Nice sounding. She is a good salesperson...passion, intelligent and believable...and a wonderful player. Lee is a great interviewer and this was a very informative review. A great company trying to find a ecological and economical way to bring a real instrument into the hand of those that cannot afford an expensive one. Kudos!
Was thinking of picking up a Martin guitar, this wonderful lady has just sold me on one, will be picking it up this week. Her passion for guitars and Martin really is on another level.
“You’ll want to play it” is absolutely right. I just bought my first Martin, the D-X2E model and I’ve been making time to play it since I first picked it up in the store. I didn’t know anything about the X series, the woods or anything else. It just sounded and felt great in my hands. The price point is what made it possible for me. I don’t buy high end anything. Even my clothes are cheap so this was a big deal for me.
I love love love the videos with Lee when he talks with someone besides Chapper. I like the learning and understanding videos more than the slap stick style. Please keep this coming.
I got the DX1ae a year ago, AMAZING guitar! Best $800 ever spent, I promise you, even if you don't like the idea of not having a book-matched back and sides, and hate the word "laminate", you will Love the "X" series. In fact, I have enjoyed my DX more than the $4,000.00 Taylor 814ce I owned years ago. These X series can take weather and humidity better than anything out there and the sound...Beautiful, classic Martin tones. Compare it with any high-dollar guitar out there and see for yourself. Thank you Martin!
Just ordered one of these. Living in CO at almost 6000 ft, I can attest to what dryness does to wood/ebony. The composites i trust are going to be more well suited for this area. Not many guitar makers I'd trust to make something quality from laminate, but Martin has earned benefit of doubt
A few years ago I bought one of these and I am so happy with it, that I don't think I'll ever buy another acoustic. Its so durable, sound is incredible and plays sooo great.
I ended up buying a Road Series Martin. I never would have picked it up in the store if it weren't for Diane. I love her for it. It's my favorite guitar.
I've had an OMCX1KE for 10+ years and it's still great sounding and playing. It got one crack in the top when I moved but a quick repair and no problems since. Paid just over $400 Canadian for it. Great deal.
My Martin OM1 chose me 20 years ago. It is still awesome to me today. It has a solid sitka spruce top, soild mahogany back & laminate mahogany sides. Also a one piece solid Spanish Cedar neck. Made in Pensilvania U S A. Cheers from John In Brisbane Australia
I just got the Dx1 Kae It is such a satisfying guitar and feels like it is in the "real" guitar bracket. When you hear people like Diane talk about them with such passion and understanding of the journey/ history that led to their creation it makes me feel like I have something a bit special.
Gotta thank you for this video. Helped me immensely with a recent purchase. I just got a Martin DX1EA Madagascar Burst and HOLY CRAP... big, booming, confident voicing and incredible playability. Simply amazing. It was a step up for me - and yup you were right - this is a gigging / songwriting dream. Thx!!!!
After researching a number of guitars in the $400 to $1,000 range, I opted for the Martin D-X2E this past April. I've had the guitar 5 months now and I'm so happy with it. It sounds fantastic both played acoustically and when you plug it in to an amp. If I need an amplified guitar, I use this more than my Yamaha Pacifica now days. I've also become a major fan of the satin finish. It looks fantastic, easy to keep clean, and feels more durable than more gloss finishes. You won't regret purchasing one of these. Such a wonderful guitar and comes with a really nice padded gig bag too.
And she could bring her collection of Martins over ANY time!! She is such an asset to Martin, I hope they take good care of her. **idea** - the Martin Diane model, with all of her favorite features, wood selection, size,etc. I think Martin fans would appreciate a model like that, because she's seen, held, and played everything that factory is capable of producing.
Met her a couple of years ago when she came to Singapore for the Martin Experience presentation. She was not only knowledgable but at the same time humorous. Can never forget her acronym G.L.O. Guitar Looking Objects.
Martin is still ahead of time and tone. Seen this lady few times and she really knows her stuff and have enormous pride in it.. just love her love for the product...
She did a fantastic job. I had a Martin D-16RGT a number of years ago and due to financial issues I ended up having to sell it. I'm really missing a nice acoustic and I'm feeling the desire for another Martin in my life.
My series x cutaway is sounds so good. After 30 years of playing I have had a chance to play many. This guitar is my go to. I just want to add Dian is fabulous. She is so alive and sweet. Has a great job to boot! Pashinet about what she does. I would love ❤ to have a moment to play with her. The guitar chooses you. So true 😊
My favourite guitar evangelist! So good to see her in a less active setting than NAMM. I have actually been inspired by her to always consider Martin in any acoustic purchase that I make. The one thing about the X Series that I will pick at just a little is that a tighter bass response would put this guitar in a much sweeter spot. However, the guitar is surprisingly well voiced overall, and a contender at that price. Thanks
+gortagnan OK, but I'll say up front that I find sound difficult to describe sometimes because the words we use to describe it are usually as subjective as the sound itself is.. I'll give it a try and I'll use the frequency spectrum rather than adjectives. We know that generally speaking the human hearing range is 20hz to 20khz. So when we play any instrument, the notes will fall somewhere into the range of that audible spectrum. (like the 220hz we use for tuning) When playing a guitar, the notes we usually create (unless you're Hendrix or Cobain), will fall within 3 primary ranges.. Low, Mid, and High. So let's say I play that 220hz note. It's a pretty low frequency but well within our hearing range and falls in the low section of our spectrum. When I play that single note, several other things will happen at the same time. Probably the most important thing is that harmonics will also sound. So I pluck 220hz and will also get notes at 440hz 880hz. There are other harmonics as well, but those will be the loudest ones and have the most affect on the sound. Some other primary factors are the variance in the actual pitch which is very slight but causes additional complex harmonics..and also the sympathetic tones that sound as a result of sounding that original note. When we play/strum chords it becomes even more complex because we now have more notes sounding and all of those factor together and have some very slight affect on one another. There is more... but thats the most important stuff. Whether or not a guitar sounds good can be determined within all of those details. For example, most sound engineers agree that there is some unpleasant bass flubbiness or mushiness in the 300hz range, and they will normally go find it and EQ it out of the mix. So its the same with playing guitar. Some frequencies are simply more pleasant to the ear than others (and that sometimes depends on their context or relationship to other notes). But for my point here, I'm talking about a "tight" response..and what I mean by that is that when I sound a note at say 220hz... how loud is that specific note compared to all the complex ones that are also sounded? When I play the 220hz note, are there also a bunch of notes flying around at 212hz and 410hz and 830hz that are "messing" with my original 220hz note?? Also, what is the total range of all audible sound when I play that note? Do I have audible sounds between the 80hz and 340hz range?... or the 200-and 240 range? ... the 200-240 range would obviously be much tighter and ideally 220hz should be by far the loudest sound audible. Keep in mind these are just example sound ranges. I dont want the guitar police beating my ass down with an old Strat neck. All that stuff... and much more (including design, woods, construction, and strings) is what determines how a guitar will perform in the real world. It's also why the best builders in the world are true artists (especially when considering acoustics), because they take all of the factors that I just mentioned and build a high quality instrument around them. I've never built an acoustic before, but that cannot be easy. I know this was an overly long response. Sorry bout that. Hope it answers your question.
+IPushHard: Not overlong at all ! And I really appreciate your efforts to explain some difficult and subtle thoughts on sound and related construction artistry....You are talking to a rather late starter ref playing essentially acoustic guitar and so much to learn-let alone play, but I have begun the fascinating and frustrating journey into what makes a guitar tick, (for me that is) and I realised soon enough that this is a multitude of interwoven complex set of skills/experience intuition and chance, all building up to (apart from the physical feel and playability) the 'Sound'. (Pretty obvious I suppose) so to stop me from waffling away I can only be honest and say that your info above will need time for me to digest and fully comprehend but I get the 'gist' of your meanings, will print out and add to my file of 'To learn' ! I have recently noticed that how and where you strum the strings on a set of chords can sound so different that the same chords can sound very different to the sound of a song you are trying to get under your belt (thats me being obvious again !) I have also been experimenting with different string makers and guages etc to compensate for 'weakness' in aspects of favoured guitars of my own.Last night at a local session a friend had treated himself (and he is not well off) to a genuinely hand- built guitar (the luthier been building 57 yrs !) It was a lot lot less to buy than top named 'commercial' makers. Too much noise to have a proper play BUT just picking up felt so good. Cant wait for a proper go ! So I carry on but no more guitars for me First I have to get good enough to make the ones I do have (with their strengths and weaknesses) sound better. I have a friend who makes my £350 Tanglewood , sound like £700's worth ! I have probably wandered off my point -probably cos I don't have one ! But many thanks again I will at least be now 'listening' (as I delve further into what you describe) in a more informed way, as I continue the search for my perfect guitar (My soul mate). Sorry not to be more precise but as I say, really appreciate your efforts on my behalf, and will keep coming back to it I am sure-especially with a pal who makes lovely mandolins and bouzoukis, (In time I am hoping to spend more time with him -watching/chatting on the whole subtleties of making...) etc..etc.Cheers for now...
Purchased a DX1AE for $359 brand new last month. I can't believe the sound and tone from this guitar. I'm not real worried about the HPL back and sides and large temp and humidity changes aren't a concern where I live. I can't imagine a better guitar for the price I paid. It sounds even better plugged in. Proud to finally be Martin owner.
Just bought a Breedlove pursuit exotic 3 days ago and was at GC today and played one of these and walked out with it and now have to send back the Breedlove with the same price tag. It’s just more enjoyable to play.
I have a Martin DXK2AE (paid 520 quid).. It plays really well and has pretty good tone unplugged, but oh my god does it come into its own plugged it.. It is simply amazing played through a decent acoustic amp. Plugged in the Martin gives my Larrivee OM-03 (which cost me 2 thousand) a run for its money.. If you're looking for a decent electro-acoustic, and have 500 or so quid to splash, you won't be dissapointed with an X series.
Hey man, just thought i'd see how you still feel about the X series? I'm thinking to get the 00 version, i have played it and like it, but just doing my due diligence first. I'm also looking at the Larrivee, but for right now, until im settled living wise, Martin X seems more suitable
Yes I have a Custom X series and it sounds just as good as my D16-GT. When I sold my D16-GT I missed it and wanted another one. I tried one of these and was blown away. I saved a ton of cash. This sounds amazing and stays in tune! Feels just like my D16-GT. I am very happy. It is so easy to play it.
I so much agree with the Captain, even though being a piano player by heart. It's a unique feeling having that guitar resonating in your lap. Just brilliant.
She is Fascinating! Martin is my favorite tone! That being said, I can’t play most of their necks and I make my living playing and teaching guitar. Last week I bought a road series and sent it back same day. I picked up an Eastman and it plays like a dream They copy everyone but you get 3 times the guitar for the same price. Martin needs to up their game and in a hurry.
Pretty sure Martin didn't "invent" x bracing, but they were the first company to really make it well known and popular - especially to their brand. There were a handful of German born luthiers living in Pennsylvania that shared ideas (including x bracing) and more than likely it was an idea that came about by a number of these guys - not Martin exclusively. There isn't any proof that Martin truly invented this style of bracing before anybody else did. And that's not a bash against Martin by the way - I own one and I think it's incredible. The Martin factory is just 45 minutes away from me - it's a pretty cool place - you can feel the history as soon as you get your first glance of the building in person. Well worth a visit (the tours are free too).
I just spent some time at a local music store trying out 12 string guitars, all of them in the sub-$1000 price range. I was blown away by how good the Martin D12X1AE sounded in comparison to the others. I was struggling with the same choice the captain mentioned . . . get a beautiful looking and beautiful on paper guitar from a "lesser" brand, or a dead plain Martin with frankly pretty mediocre specs (laminate body, laminate neck, composite fretboard). Boy, after playing them it was an *easy* decision . . . just get the Martin.
Also; sidenote, I went into the guitar shop thinking I wouldn't spend more than $200 (laughably enough) and then I picked up the X series. Don't tell my wife. lol
I don't recall ever watching this vid, but I had a 000 X series ad pop up in my feed (of Course), and it got me interested. They sound fantastic in this vid IMHO and what an enjoyable vid this is.
Diane is an amazing ambassador for Martin. She's great (and hilarious too)! :D Update: It's four months later and I bought a Martin 000X1AE Custom. ;) Love it.
Loved this video, So great the communication between you two, and found great the stories about the guitars, and the pricing etc. One of the best videos of all of yours. (Sorry if i fucked up with my english, I'm chilean, so, no native english, lol).
I've owned one for several years. Non electric, pure acoustic, and it's actually one ofthe 3 best guitars I've owned. The sound is not loud, but very rich, good sustain and nice attack. I 'd say it's more in the expensive Gibson league: guitars for studio use- any microphone will make this guitar sound good... I find the size more comfortable that Dreadnaughts, always these are no problem to me. I have been a serious folk/ folk rock guitarist in my younger years, and I ended up as a demonstrator in a strictly acoustic music shop. And this is my guitar of choice when tone matters more than power.
I was not fan of Martin X series until i tested 000X1 in the acoustic room side by side with 000-28, collings 000-2H ... I bought it on spot. Sound is fantastic and you can set the action very low. You can not get wrong with this guitar.
love my DXME, mine has a rosewood bridge and fretboard. humidity barely effects these laminated guitars. First one i saw was at a bluegrass festival in Iowa. most of the guys were having humidity issues. Bob Everhearts 12 string dx was like a rock. i decided to get one.. no regrets love the sound. Dad gave me his Texan and es 150. these guitars don' t leave the house. the Dxme can take a little abuse. it goes with me.
The X series guitars are fantastic value. I firmly believe that you can't get anything new that is as good until you hit the 900 pound mark. I would suggest that anyone who is a beginner should seriously consider getting one and not only beginners but anyone with less than 900 not look anywhere else. They really are that good.
I just picked up one of these Martin Special GPC X Series Rosewood Top Grand Performance guitars from my local Guitar Center today on sale for $500 down from $600 listed retail..I was looking for my first acoustic-electric guitar and really was not impressed overall with the selection Guitar Center had, but they were running Black Friday deals and I figured I would stop and see what looked good. My regular guitar is a Simon Patrick Luthier Woodland 6 Cedar which I have played for fifteen years, something I picked up second hand from a guitar shop. My other one is a Seagull S6 Folk Cedar. As soon as I started playing the Martin, I knew it was going home with me. I am more of a folksie alt-blues player getting into the more contemporary percussive fingerstyle. For a brand new guitar, the price was perfect for me. Compared to my cedar top's , the older guitars sounds a lot warmer and richer , but this Martin playing unplugged felt good in my hands, and was overall comfortable to play. It feels very solid and durable - the body construction is composite laminated wood, rather than solid wood, but it does not feel cheap to me. I am not going to say that you are going to find that rich, deep, or warm tones you would expect from a solid wood guitar here, but I feel like this would be a great guitar "all rounder" to take on the road or around a campfire, and more than satisfactory as a practice session workhorse. This guitar mostly appealed to me for the price, feel, and the ability to play electric. I really don't like the stock strings, my preferance is to string up with Ernie Ball Earthwood medium-light phosphor bronze. Now, after getting this home and playing this guitar plugged into a Fender Mustang LT50 in my living room, I was pretty happy. I have no experience with playing electric, so I had no real expectations. For me, this was a great purchase, fit's my needs perfectly.
Greetings and thank's for this presentation. I just got one new and in my view it' sounds and plays much better than I paid :). . I have also nice hammer action piano and other guitar too but since buying it my Martin X is still my first choice . Thanks once more for this.
I bought an x series 5 years ago I only had it 12 months and got rid of it and instantly missed it, I'm off tonight to buy another series dreadnaught for £380 secondhand I cant wait!!
Love Diane’s product knowledge, and Martin history knowledge… I love people that love guitars! Also love the Rolex vs. guitar analogy! I buy cheap watches and higher end guitars,(Japanese Takamines, RainSong, etc),… looking at the X series for a 12 string, which after 55 years of playing, I have never owned… not sure how much I will play a 12 string, so not going to spend $2,000+ … so the X series looks great! Also have been a PGA golf professional since 1976, and certainly spend more on guitars than golf clubs, the tools of my trade!
Diane is a delightful lady...and the X-Series is VERY impressive; I have a 12-string that competes favorably with guitars costing MANY times its price.
Fabulous video! I have the Ed Sheeran LX1 and, now, know so much more about its construction. Thank you, Diane! These X series are the way to go for the budget guitarist like me. Can't wait to purchase the Martin X series 12 string.
I understand she is a demostrater but she did my head in. I do still want to try one out of curiousity. I'm sure I'll be in the market for another acoustic guitar in a few years, nice to see what's out there.
+Ross Mc but that's just the thing. She works for Martin. You aren't just buying a guitar. You're buying a legacy. Which is exactly what she's selling.
+Matt Snyder Sadly, absolute bullshit like "buying a legacy" is what brings you 10k guitars which are only worth 2k at the very most. And people keep falling for it hook, line and sinker.
For the record - Diane has that direct warm Italian American vibe...east coast...of course the USA like the U.K. has a plethora of diverse subcultures/dialects etc etc 😀
She's such a lovely person Martin guitars for life.
I'm 60 years old and have been playing for 47 years . On New Years Day I was finally able to go and buy my very first Martin at Guitar Center ,which is a X Series X1-DE and I absolutely love it. The X Series are a great alternative to those of us who can't afford to dish out 2-3 grand for a American made Martin.
That is the model I played at GC in the "High End" room . Loved it.. How is yours holding up ??
Ive had a OMx1RAE (which was only available in the UK i believe, but basically similar to all X series martins, and i have had it for 12 years and it is solid as a rock and just getting better. It is a lifetime guitar. I will get another Martin just because of the good experience ive had with this guitar.
In my opinion, the more expensive Martin guitars are not better. Just different. I own more expensive Martin guitars and I do not find these models to be inferior despite the lower price.
I bought one of these a few days ago. I have only been playing for a few months and knew (still don't) anything about the different brands of guitars. I went to GC and into their room with acoustics that are "affordable" - meaning the room with the guitars less than $1K and picked up and strummed more than a dozen. I finally sat down with a used Taylor and a Martin DX1AE. I just could not believe the sound difference and less humming and buzzing on the strings of this DX1AE compared to what I am used to. I left with the Martin because it sounded... just better than the Taylor. I haven't put it down. I love this guitar. I am no expert or professional player but I have ears and fingers and this guitar is awesome.
You made the right choice. I bought one myself and I can stop playing it. The intonation and playability are off the charts. Taylor sucks.
Peter Jolles from one member of the Martin guitar family to another. You made the Right Choice.
In the end, you have to Love the sound it makes and the feeling it gives you Playing it.
I have to agree. I think the Martin X series is a great product. I own 2 of them.
I’ve got one coming tomorrow, can’t wait, I feel like a kid at Christmas.
@@russellnewton6660 I'll bet you're loving it! I have a 12-string X-Series as well as much more expensive guitars...and the X-Series Martins are truly phenomenal instruments, especially considering their reasonable price. Enjoy!
she is the female equivalent of Paul Reed Smith
haha Hell yea!
paul reed smith is the male equivalent of her*
Yes🤣
Totally disagree. In selling a product..yes. Attitude ...hes off the wall.
Nice sounding. She is a good salesperson...passion, intelligent and believable...and a wonderful player. Lee is a great interviewer and this was a very informative review. A great company trying to find a ecological and economical way to bring a real instrument into the hand of those that cannot afford an expensive one. Kudos!
I would marry her
Ok I love Andertons more now. The reviews are great and Diane is so passionate about Martin guitars Get a Martin.
Love hearing people talk so passionately about things like this.
Was thinking of picking up a Martin guitar, this wonderful lady has just sold me on one, will be picking it up this week. Her passion for guitars and Martin really is on another level.
Superlative.
Haha yes
It's the word of the day!
+Sean Patrick Burgess ,,,, yep. never heard that before today....."superlative",,,haha
Impeccable..
Sound that is Supercalifragalisticexpialidocious or maybe... aurally sublime.
So incredibly impressed by Diane Ponzio. The passion, the history, and the insight she provides. What a great ambassador for the Martin brand..
Diane Ponzio is the finest ambassador for Martin Guitars that I've ever heard. What a gal. I'm now sold on buying a Martin X-series guitar ASAP.
“You’ll want to play it” is absolutely right. I just bought my first Martin, the D-X2E model and I’ve been making time to play it since I first picked it up in the store. I didn’t know anything about the X series, the woods or anything else. It just sounded and felt great in my hands. The price point is what made it possible for me. I don’t buy high end anything. Even my clothes are cheap so this was a big deal for me.
I love love love the videos with Lee when he talks with someone besides Chapper. I like the learning and understanding videos more than the slap stick style. Please keep this coming.
It’s Phil !
AMEN!!!
I got the DX1ae a year ago, AMAZING guitar! Best $800 ever spent, I promise you, even if you don't like the idea of not having a book-matched back and sides, and hate the word "laminate", you will Love the "X" series. In fact, I have enjoyed my DX more than the $4,000.00 Taylor 814ce I owned years ago. These X series can take weather and humidity better than anything out there and the sound...Beautiful, classic Martin tones. Compare it with any high-dollar guitar out there and see for yourself. Thank you Martin!
One of the best conversations on guitar anywhere. Diane and Lee have a guitar passion most folks can't understand....but I certainly do.
Just ordered one of these. Living in CO at almost 6000 ft, I can attest to what dryness does to wood/ebony. The composites i trust are going to be more well suited for this area. Not many guitar makers I'd trust to make something quality from laminate, but Martin has earned benefit of doubt
A few years ago I bought one of these and I am so happy with it, that I don't think I'll ever buy another acoustic. Its so durable, sound is incredible and plays sooo great.
I ended up buying a Road Series Martin. I never would have picked it up in the store if it weren't for Diane. I love her for it. It's my favorite guitar.
I have a DCX1RE and absolutely love it. Martin acoustics are simply stunning
I've had an OMCX1KE for 10+ years and it's still great sounding and playing. It got one crack in the top when I moved but a quick repair and no problems since. Paid just over $400 Canadian for it. Great deal.
My Martin OM1 chose me 20 years ago. It is still awesome to me today. It has a solid sitka spruce top, soild mahogany back & laminate mahogany sides. Also a one piece solid Spanish Cedar neck. Made in Pensilvania U S A. Cheers from John In Brisbane Australia
Please do more videos with Diane!!!! I must have watched the Martin video from Winter NAMM about 20 times and love her passion for all things Martin
I just got the Dx1 Kae It is such a satisfying guitar and feels like it is in the "real" guitar bracket. When you hear people like Diane talk about them with such passion and understanding of the journey/ history that led to their creation it makes me feel like I have something a bit special.
So much learned from this video. She’s phenomenal.
I love watching videos featuring this lady. She is awesome!
I have played an X series, and they are surprisingly good. The sound, and projection is amazing.
I bought one of the x series about 4 years ago. It was definitely the best sounding guitar in that price point
Hi! Is it still holding up well?
I own 2. Love the playability, and Sound! ✌😎 And you get the same Qualities as they're expensive counterparts!
The sound! If you close your eyes, you just might not know it's the lower priced Martin.
Gotta thank you for this video. Helped me immensely with a recent purchase. I just got a Martin DX1EA Madagascar Burst and HOLY CRAP... big, booming, confident voicing and incredible playability. Simply amazing. It was a step up for me - and yup you were right - this is a gigging / songwriting dream. Thx!!!!
Oh man, I only see Diane on this channel, so very sporadically, but she's just the best. So knowledgable and equally enthusiastic!
After researching a number of guitars in the $400 to $1,000 range, I opted for the Martin D-X2E this past April. I've had the guitar 5 months now and I'm so happy with it. It sounds fantastic both played acoustically and when you plug it in to an amp. If I need an amplified guitar, I use this more than my Yamaha Pacifica now days. I've also become a major fan of the satin finish. It looks fantastic, easy to keep clean, and feels more durable than more gloss finishes. You won't regret purchasing one of these. Such a wonderful guitar and comes with a really nice padded gig bag too.
I wish Diane was my best friend she seems like someone you could easily talk to
And she could bring her collection of Martins over ANY time!! She is such an asset to Martin, I hope they take good care of her. **idea** - the Martin Diane model, with all of her favorite features, wood selection, size,etc. I think Martin fans would appreciate a model like that, because she's seen, held, and played everything that factory is capable of producing.
Met her a couple of years ago when she came to Singapore for the Martin Experience presentation. She was not only knowledgable but at the same time humorous. Can never forget her acronym G.L.O. Guitar Looking Objects.
Martin is still ahead of time and tone. Seen this lady few times and she really knows her stuff and have enormous pride in it.. just love her love for the product...
its fantastic to see how this women enjoy playing the guitar
She did a fantastic job. I had a Martin D-16RGT a number of years ago and due to financial issues I ended up having to sell it. I'm really missing a nice acoustic and I'm feeling the desire for another Martin in my life.
My series x cutaway is sounds so good. After 30 years of playing I have had a chance to play many. This guitar is my go to.
I just want to add Dian is fabulous. She is so alive and sweet. Has a great job to boot! Pashinet about what she does. I would love ❤ to have a moment to play with her. The guitar chooses you. So true 😊
My favourite guitar evangelist! So good to see her in a less active setting than NAMM. I have actually been inspired by her to always consider Martin in any acoustic purchase that I make.
The one thing about the X Series that I will pick at just a little is that a tighter bass response would put this guitar in a much sweeter spot. However, the guitar is surprisingly well voiced overall, and a contender at that price.
Thanks
+IPushHard Thanks for yr comment but as a relative beginner (longer than i care to admit) what do you mean by 'tighter bass response' please ?
+gortagnan
OK, but I'll say up front that I find sound difficult to describe sometimes because the words we use to describe it are usually as subjective as the sound itself is..
I'll give it a try and I'll use the frequency spectrum rather than adjectives.
We know that generally speaking the human hearing range is 20hz to 20khz.
So when we play any instrument, the notes will fall somewhere into the range of that audible spectrum. (like the 220hz we use for tuning)
When playing a guitar, the notes we usually create (unless you're Hendrix or Cobain), will fall within 3 primary ranges.. Low, Mid, and High.
So let's say I play that 220hz note. It's a pretty low frequency but well within our hearing range and falls in the low section of our spectrum.
When I play that single note, several other things will happen at the same time. Probably the most important thing is that harmonics will also sound. So I pluck 220hz and will also get notes at 440hz 880hz. There are other harmonics as well, but those will be the loudest ones and have the most affect on the sound.
Some other primary factors are the variance in the actual pitch which is very slight but causes additional complex harmonics..and also the sympathetic tones that sound as a result of sounding that original note.
When we play/strum chords it becomes even more complex because we now have more notes sounding and all of those factor together and have some very slight affect on one another.
There is more... but thats the most important stuff.
Whether or not a guitar sounds good can be determined within all of those details. For example, most sound engineers agree that there is some unpleasant bass flubbiness or mushiness in the 300hz range, and they will normally go find it and EQ it out of the mix. So its the same with playing guitar. Some frequencies are simply more pleasant to the ear than others (and that sometimes depends on their context or relationship to other notes).
But for my point here, I'm talking about a "tight" response..and what I mean by that is that when I sound a note at say 220hz... how loud is that specific note compared to all the complex ones that are also sounded?
When I play the 220hz note, are there also a bunch of notes flying around at 212hz and 410hz and 830hz that are "messing" with my original 220hz note??
Also, what is the total range of all audible sound when I play that note? Do I have audible sounds between the 80hz and 340hz range?... or the 200-and 240 range? ... the 200-240 range would obviously be much tighter and ideally 220hz should be by far the loudest sound audible. Keep in mind these are just example sound ranges. I dont want the guitar police beating my ass down with an old Strat neck.
All that stuff... and much more (including design, woods, construction, and strings) is what determines how a guitar will perform in the real world. It's also why the best builders in the world are true artists (especially when considering acoustics), because they take all of the factors that I just mentioned and build a high quality instrument around them.
I've never built an acoustic before, but that cannot be easy.
I know this was an overly long response. Sorry bout that.
Hope it answers your question.
+IPushHard: Not overlong at all ! And I really appreciate your efforts to explain some difficult and subtle thoughts on sound and related construction artistry....You are talking to a rather late starter ref playing essentially acoustic guitar and so much to learn-let alone play, but I have begun the fascinating and frustrating journey into what makes a guitar tick, (for me that is) and I realised soon enough that this is a multitude of interwoven complex set of skills/experience intuition and chance, all building up to (apart from the physical feel and playability) the 'Sound'. (Pretty obvious I suppose) so to stop me from waffling away I can only be honest and say that your info above will need time for me to digest and fully comprehend but I get the 'gist' of your meanings, will print out and add to my file of 'To learn' ! I have recently noticed that how and where you strum the strings on a set of chords can sound so different that the same chords can sound very different to the sound of a song you are trying to get under your belt (thats me being obvious again !) I have also been experimenting with different string makers and guages etc to compensate for 'weakness' in aspects of favoured guitars of my own.Last night at a local session a friend had treated himself (and he is not well off) to a genuinely hand- built guitar (the luthier been building 57 yrs !) It was a lot lot less to buy than top named 'commercial' makers. Too much noise to have a proper play BUT just picking up felt so good. Cant wait for a proper go ! So I carry on but no more guitars for me First I have to get good enough to make the ones I do have (with their strengths and weaknesses) sound better. I have a friend who makes my £350 Tanglewood , sound like £700's worth !
I have probably wandered off my point -probably cos I don't have one ! But many thanks again I will at least be now 'listening' (as I delve further into what you describe) in a more informed way, as I continue the search for my perfect guitar (My soul mate). Sorry not to be more precise but as I say, really appreciate your efforts on my behalf, and will keep coming back to it I am sure-especially with a pal who makes lovely mandolins and bouzoukis, (In time I am hoping to spend more time with him -watching/chatting on the whole subtleties of making...) etc..etc.Cheers for now...
Purchased a DX1AE for $359 brand new last month. I can't believe the sound and tone from this guitar. I'm not real worried about the HPL back and sides and large temp and humidity changes aren't a concern where I live. I can't imagine a better guitar for the price I paid. It sounds even better plugged in. Proud to finally be Martin owner.
the top is not even wood
What you hear is what matters.
@@ComicKish the top is solid spruce. The fretboard and bridge are richlite.
I just bought this and can't believe it. Killed the Taylor and dare I say, my dear Breedlove
Just bought a Breedlove pursuit exotic 3 days ago and was at GC today and played one of these and walked out with it and now have to send back the Breedlove with the same price tag. It’s just more enjoyable to play.
I have a Martin DXK2AE (paid 520 quid).. It plays really well and has pretty good tone unplugged, but oh my god does it come into its own plugged it.. It is simply amazing played through a decent acoustic amp. Plugged in the Martin gives my Larrivee OM-03 (which cost me 2 thousand) a run for its money.. If you're looking for a decent electro-acoustic, and have 500 or so quid to splash, you won't be dissapointed with an X series.
Hey man, just thought i'd see how you still feel about the X series? I'm thinking to get the 00 version, i have played it and like it, but just doing my due diligence first. I'm also looking at the Larrivee, but for right now, until im settled living wise, Martin X seems more suitable
Yes I have a Custom X series and it sounds just as good as my D16-GT. When I sold my D16-GT I missed it and wanted another one. I tried one of these and was blown away. I saved a ton of cash. This sounds amazing and stays in tune! Feels just like my D16-GT. I am very happy. It is so easy to play it.
I just bought a second-hand Martin X series as a first guitar and am happy with the purchase.
First cut of Pete - smile on his face says everything! :-D
I absolutely adore Diane. The guitars are pretty awesome too. ;)
I so much agree with the Captain, even though being a piano player by heart. It's a unique feeling having that guitar resonating in your lap. Just brilliant.
Love Diane, shes a rock star!!!
She is Fascinating! Martin is my favorite tone! That being said, I can’t play most of their necks and I make my living playing and teaching guitar. Last week I bought a road series and sent it back same day. I picked up an Eastman and it plays like a dream They copy everyone but you get 3 times the guitar for the same price. Martin needs to up their game and in a hurry.
It is great to see Diane when she is not swamped at a trade show.
This woman rocks my boat! Truly sincere and passionate;)
I love her passion and playing, Martin do make beautiful guitars, one ☝️ day, one will be mine. 🙏👍😊
Pretty sure Martin didn't "invent" x bracing, but they were the first company to really make it well known and popular - especially to their brand. There were a handful of German born luthiers living in Pennsylvania that shared ideas (including x bracing) and more than likely it was an idea that came about by a number of these guys - not Martin exclusively. There isn't any proof that Martin truly invented this style of bracing before anybody else did.
And that's not a bash against Martin by the way - I own one and I think it's incredible.
The Martin factory is just 45 minutes away from me - it's a pretty cool place - you can feel the history as soon as you get your first glance of the building in person. Well worth a visit (the tours are free too).
I just spent some time at a local music store trying out 12 string guitars, all of them in the sub-$1000 price range. I was blown away by how good the Martin D12X1AE sounded in comparison to the others. I was struggling with the same choice the captain mentioned . . . get a beautiful looking and beautiful on paper guitar from a "lesser" brand, or a dead plain Martin with frankly pretty mediocre specs (laminate body, laminate neck, composite fretboard). Boy, after playing them it was an *easy* decision . . . just get the Martin.
I just bought a Custom X Series. I Love it and I have fallen in love with Martin.
Also; sidenote, I went into the guitar shop thinking I wouldn't spend more than $200 (laughably enough) and then I picked up the X series. Don't tell my wife. lol
Love my x series. The laminated neck is ugly as sin but I must say humidity cant touch it. Stays in tune with no complaints.
I don't recall ever watching this vid, but I had a 000 X series ad pop up in my feed (of Course), and it got me interested. They sound fantastic in this vid IMHO and what an enjoyable vid this is.
Diane is an amazing ambassador for Martin. She's great (and hilarious too)! :D
Update: It's four months later and I bought a Martin 000X1AE Custom. ;) Love it.
Loved this video, So great the communication between you two, and found great the stories about the guitars, and the pricing etc. One of the best videos of all of yours. (Sorry if i fucked up with my english, I'm chilean, so, no native english, lol).
I've owned one for several years. Non electric, pure acoustic, and it's actually one ofthe 3 best guitars I've owned. The sound is not loud, but very rich, good sustain and nice attack. I 'd say it's more in the expensive Gibson league: guitars for studio use- any microphone will make this guitar sound good... I find the size more comfortable that Dreadnaughts, always these are no problem to me. I have been a serious folk/ folk rock guitarist in my younger years, and I ended up as a demonstrator in a strictly acoustic music shop. And this is my guitar of choice when tone matters more than power.
I've got the 000 and I love it.
I must have played at least 50 different acoustic guitars and it was my favorite!
All three are lovely. So is the guitar.
I was not fan of Martin X series until i tested 000X1 in the acoustic room side by side with 000-28, collings 000-2H ... I bought it on spot. Sound is fantastic and you can set the action very low. You can not get wrong with this guitar.
Seeing this video is how I ended up with a DX1RAE. A fantastic guitar.
Still plays like a dream
Well done! Great history bits about Martin. Thanks Diane and Andertons!
Thanks Capt'n that was an excellent video.
I love this Lady. She is East Coast I believe. She knows Martin. She is the reason I am saving up for a Martin.
Long live Diane. For real.
Very cool Rep from Martin...
love my DXME, mine has a rosewood bridge and fretboard. humidity barely effects these laminated guitars. First one i saw was at a bluegrass festival in Iowa. most of the guys were having humidity issues. Bob Everhearts 12 string dx was like a rock. i decided to get one.. no regrets love the sound. Dad gave me his Texan and es 150. these guitars don' t leave the house. the Dxme can take a little abuse. it goes with me.
Her voice reminds me so much of the voice from The Wall saying "This place is bigger than our apartment"
oh my god you're correct
I have an 000 X series and I love it.. the tone is brilliant.
very nice Captain Lee! good video as usual. Andertons does such a good job of putting out informative, entertaining, and genuine reviews. Thanks
The X series guitars are fantastic value. I firmly believe that you can't get anything new that is as good until you hit the 900 pound mark. I would suggest that anyone who is a beginner should seriously consider getting one and not only beginners but anyone with less than 900 not look anywhere else. They really are that good.
Great video love Martins and Diane!
I just picked up one of these Martin Special GPC X Series Rosewood Top Grand Performance guitars from my local Guitar Center today on sale for $500 down from $600 listed retail..I was looking for my first acoustic-electric guitar and really was not impressed overall with the selection Guitar Center had, but they were running Black Friday deals and I figured I would stop and see what looked good. My regular guitar is a Simon Patrick Luthier Woodland 6 Cedar which I have played for fifteen years, something I picked up second hand from a guitar shop. My other one is a Seagull S6 Folk Cedar.
As soon as I started playing the Martin, I knew it was going home with me. I am more of a folksie alt-blues player getting into the more contemporary percussive fingerstyle. For a brand new guitar, the price was perfect for me. Compared to my cedar top's , the older guitars sounds a lot warmer and richer , but this Martin playing unplugged felt good in my hands, and was overall comfortable to play. It feels very solid and durable - the body construction is composite laminated wood, rather than solid wood, but it does not feel cheap to me. I am not going to say that you are going to find that rich, deep, or warm tones you would expect from a solid wood guitar here, but I feel like this would be a great guitar "all rounder" to take on the road or around a campfire, and more than satisfactory as a practice session workhorse. This guitar mostly appealed to me for the price, feel, and the ability to play electric. I really don't like the stock strings, my preferance is to string up with Ernie Ball Earthwood medium-light phosphor bronze. Now, after getting this home and playing this guitar plugged into a Fender Mustang LT50 in my living room, I was pretty happy. I have no experience with playing electric, so I had no real expectations. For me, this was a great purchase, fit's my needs perfectly.
Greetings and thank's for this presentation. I just got one new and in my view it' sounds and plays much better than I paid :). . I have also nice hammer action piano and other guitar too but since buying it my Martin X is still my first choice . Thanks once more for this.
I bought an x series 5 years ago I only had it 12 months and got rid of it and instantly missed it, I'm off tonight to buy another series dreadnaught for £380 secondhand I cant wait!!
I got a Martin DCX1E. Awesome guitar. Only problem I ever had were the electronics coming loose and creating buzz, but that was easily fixed.
Thank you RUclips for giving me this 5 year old suggestion. I now know what my next guitar will be
Love Diane’s product knowledge, and Martin history knowledge… I love people that love guitars! Also love the Rolex vs. guitar analogy! I buy cheap watches and higher end guitars,(Japanese Takamines, RainSong, etc),… looking at the X series for a 12 string, which after 55 years of playing, I have never owned… not sure how much I will play a 12 string, so not going to spend $2,000+ … so the X series looks great! Also have been a PGA golf professional since 1976, and certainly spend more on guitars than golf clubs, the tools of my trade!
14:26 this moment it's just magic !!!
I have an X series, and it sounds awesome!
Sold! Buying one tomorrow! LOVEly ❤️
I bought a Martin, OMC X1E
It has a great tone
I have one, it is amazing, it really is.
Diane is a delightful lady...and the X-Series is VERY impressive; I have a 12-string that competes favorably with guitars costing MANY times its price.
Fabulous video! I have the Ed Sheeran LX1 and, now, know so much more about its construction. Thank you, Diane! These X series are the way to go for the budget guitarist like me. Can't wait to purchase the Martin X series 12 string.
A great review and a great discussion
I understand she is a demostrater but she did my head in. I do still want to try one out of curiousity. I'm sure I'll be in the market for another acoustic guitar in a few years, nice to see what's out there.
+Ross Mc I thought her demonstrating skills were simply superlative
True but I just thought she went overboard. If the guitar is enough it'll sell itself.
+Ross Mc but that's just the thing. She works for Martin. You aren't just buying a guitar. You're buying a legacy. Which is exactly what she's selling.
+Matt Snyder Sadly, absolute bullshit like "buying a legacy" is what brings you 10k guitars which are only worth 2k at the very most.
And people keep falling for it hook, line and sinker.
+Ross Mc It's called 'being American'
my guitars like beer too :-) I have one of these x series and I love it. It really is a wonderful affordable Martin.
Go to guitar center right now to get it on sale for 499! I like it better than some of the guitars priced over 2k!
my favorite andertons videos are diane videos
Great review with two well informed people sharing their knowledge. Perfect.
Cool video. Loved learning the history of dreadnaught. Thanks for sharing.
Lee's go-to word: "Yeah"
Every Brit's go-to-word*
And James Hetfield along with "GO!"
The way she tuned that dreadnaught! 🤯
Aparte de saber mucho de guitarras , de tocarlas de manera excelente , Diane es muy agradable y amena .
For the record - Diane has that direct warm Italian American vibe...east coast...of course the USA like the U.K. has a plethora of diverse subcultures/dialects etc etc 😀
I love ❤️ Martin guitars.
Its nice that David Cameron popped in to have a play on the guitar too :)