Get the Martin LX1E Little Martin here: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LX1E
*NOTE: Since this video was released, the electronics have been updated and improved. The controls have been moved from a shoulder panel to the sound hole. The onboard tuner has been removed from this model*
In this video, I’m playing the Martin LX1E, part of the Little Martin Travel Series. Even though it’s a smaller guitar, it’s got full-sized tone and features. The smaller body dimensions make it easier to travel with, and the slightly shorter scale length makes it easier to play. Not only are the frets closer together but there’s less tension on the strings, making it perfect for smaller hands. By comparison, most Martin guitars have a 25.4″ scale length, so the LX1E’s 23″ scale will let you make some guitar-hero-like stretches!
Much of the LX1E’s great tone can be attributed to the solid Sitka spruce top that’s been hand-rubbed, like you’d find on higher-end Martins. Thanks to the Modified 1 Style top bracing pattern, the Little Martin is surprisingly full-sounding and loud, especially considering its size. It’s also tonally balanced across all six strings and up and down the neck. The comfortable size and great tone made it really fun for me to play.
Travel guitars need to be durable as well as portable and the materials used on the rest of the guitar not only aid toward that end, but sound and feel good as well. The back and sides are made of a textured finish, mahogany pattern HPL. The rigidity makes it durable and helps with the projection of the guitar, making it louder. The neck is made from Stratabond and the fretboard is Richlite, which are laminate wood materials that feel and respond like wood, but stay solid, making them great for the hazards of travel. The Compensated Tusq saddle keeps the intonation true while adding sonic depth and the bridge is either solid rosewood or morado, another key component of tone.
The plush interior, padded gig bag has a tough, ballistic cloth exterior and truly makes the LX1E travel-ready. The onboard Fishman Isys T electronics make great-sounding amplification easy for the LX1E and there’s even an integrated tuner. Living room to hotel room, campfire to coffeehouse, the Martin LX1E is ready to go and give you great performance wherever. Thanks for watching the video!
— Don Carr
