Martin Guitar D-X1E

Eco-Conscious Dreadnought with Martin Heritage

The Martin D-X1E is a sustainable dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar from the X Series, designed for players seeking authentic Martin tone in an affordable, durable package. Handcrafted with high-pressure laminate (HPL) for weather resistance and eco-friendliness, it’s ideal for beginners, travelers, and gigging musicians across Australia. Featuring a mahogany-pattern HPL body and Fishman MX-T electronics, it delivers bold projection and balanced tone for folk, blues, and strumming. Available in Koa or Mahogany patterns with a Natural finish, it’s praised for its playability and value, offering 80% of a D-18’s performance at half the price.

High-Quality Performance

The D-X1E offers impressive tone and versatility:

• Body: Dreadnought shape with HPL top, back, and sides (koa or mahogany pattern) for loud, projective sound with strong bass and balanced response. The FSC-certified Richlite bridge and fingerboard mimic rosewood’s warmth while being sustainable and humidity-resistant.
• Tone: Bright, warm, and resonant with a focus on midrange punch, suitable for strumming or fingerpicking. The HPL construction provides surprising volume and clarity, rivaling solid-wood models in controlled environments.
• Neck: Mahogany-pattern HPL with a Performing Artist profile for comfortable play. The Richlite fingerboard has a 25.4″ scale, 20 frets, and a 1 3/4″ nut width for smooth fretting.
• Bridge: Modern belly style with drop-in Richlite saddle for easy setup and intonation.
• Electronics: Fishman MX-T preamp with under-saddle pickup, featuring volume, tone, and phase controls plus a built-in chromatic tuner for natural amplified sound with minimal feedback.
• Tuners: Satin-finished enclosed for stable tuning.
• Strings: Light-gauge phosphor bronze for balanced tone and ease of play.

A 2020 MusicRadar review calls the D-X1E “a great-sounding guitar at a great value,” praising its “loud, projective tone” and “upgraded playability” like a thinner fingerboard and refined string spacing. Guitar World (2020) notes it’s “sturdy and scratch-resistant” thanks to HPL, with “superior tone” for its price. zZounds users (4.5/5 from 14 reviews) highlight its “warm, rich sound” and “excellent pickup system,” though some prefer solid wood for nuanced overtones. Reddit’s r/AcousticGuitar (2022) consensus views it as a “fantastic second guitar” for travel, with “80% D-18 tone” but better humidity resistance.

Durable and Stylish Design

• Finish: Satin for a natural, broken-in feel that enhances resonance.
• Aesthetics: Koa or mahogany HPL patterns with a simple rosette and dot inlays for understated elegance.
• Build Quality: HPL for weather resistance and sustainability, dovetail neck joint for vibration transfer, and a premium gig bag for protection. Weighing approximately 4.5–5 lbs, it’s lightweight and road-ready.

Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, the D-X1E is built for the road. Prices range from $449–$549 USD (AUD 675–825) as of September 2025, available at AudioShop Australia with fast delivery.

Key Performance Features

• Body: Dreadnought, HPL top/back/sides (koa or mahogany pattern)
• Neck: HPL, Performing Artist profile
• Fingerboard: Richlite, 25.4″ scale, 20 frets
• Electronics: Fishman MX-T (volume, tone, phase, tuner)
• Bridge: Modern belly with drop-in Richlite saddle
• Tuners: Satin enclosed
• Bracing: Standard X
• Nut/Saddle: Synthetic bone
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Notes

• Setup Tip: Adjust truss rod and saddle for lower action; professional setup recommended for optimal intonation. Use medium-gauge strings (e.g., 12–53) for fuller tone. Pair with Rode PodMic and RØDECaster Pro II for recording demos.
• Care Instructions: Store in the included gig bag to protect the satin finish; maintain humidity (45–55% RH).
• Compatibility: Fishman MX-T pairs well with acoustic amps or PA systems; use with RØDECaster for direct recording.
• Warranty: Register at martinguitar.com for support; verify purchase from authorized retailers like AudioShop Australia.
• Community Feedback: MusicRadar (2020) praises its “upgraded playability” and “superior tone” for the price. Guitar World (2020) calls it “eco-conscious” with HPL’s “sturdy, scratch-resistant” build. Reddit’s r/AcousticGuitar (2022) views it as a “great travel guitar” with “80% D-18 tone.”

Why Choose AudioShop Australia

• 100% genuine Martin products with manufacturer warranty
• Fast, reliable delivery across AudioShop Australia with secure checkout
• Free shipping on orders over $100 (under 20kg) at AudioShop Australia
• Expert advice from our team of music professionals
• Trusted by guitarists and performers at AudioShop Australia