Compact Road Warrior with Martin Heritage
The Martin LX1E Little Martin is a travel-sized 3/4 acoustic-electric guitar from the Little Martin series, handcrafted to deliver authentic Martin tone in a portable package. Ideal for beginners, travelers, and gigging musicians across Australia, it features a solid Sitka spruce top and HPL back and sides for a bright, balanced sound that’s surprisingly full for its size. Available in Natural finish, it’s praised for its playability, durability, and value, making it a perfect companion for on-the-go inspiration.
High-Quality Performance
The LX1E offers a warm, articulate tone in a backpack-friendly body:
- Body: Little Martin shape (3/4 size) with a solid Sitka spruce top for crisp highs and dynamic response, paired with HPL back and sides (mahogany pattern) for warmth and humidity resistance. The smaller body provides a focused, intimate sound ideal for fingerpicking or light strumming.
- Tone: Bright and balanced with a surprising volume for its size, offering a vintage Martin vibe with clear mids and tight bass. The Fishman Sonitone electronics with soundhole-mounted controls deliver natural amplified tone with volume and tone adjustment.
- Neck: Select hardwood with a Performing Artist profile and satin finish for comfortable play. The Richlite fingerboard has a 23.9″ scale, 20 frets, and a 1 11/16″ nut width for smooth fretting.
- Bridge: Richlite with drop-in synthetic bone saddle for easy setup and intonation.
- Electronics: Fishman Sonitone with volume and tone controls for reliable amplified performance.
- Tuners: Chrome enclosed for stable tuning.
- Strings: Light-gauge phosphor bronze for balanced tone and ease of play.
Users love its portability and sound, with a Sweetwater review stating, “The LX1E is a little beast—full Martin tone in a travel size, perfect for camping trips.” Some note the shorter scale may feel loose for heavy strumming, but it’s ideal for fingerstyle.
Durable and Stylish Design
- Finish: Satin for a natural, broken-in feel that enhances resonance.
- Aesthetics: Natural with a simple rosette and dot inlays for understated elegance.
- Build Quality: Solid spruce top with HPL back/sides for weather resistance, dovetail neck joint for vibration transfer, and a premium softshell case for protection. Weighing approximately 3.5–4 lbs, it’s ultra-portable.
Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, the LX1E is built for the road. Prices range from $549–$649 USD (AUD 825–975), available at AudioShop Australia with fast delivery.
Key Performance Features
- Body: Little Martin (3/4 size), solid Sitka spruce top, HPL mahogany-pattern back/sides
- Neck: Select hardwood, Performing Artist profile
- Fingerboard: Richlite, 23.9″ scale, 20 frets
- Electronics: Fishman Sonitone (volume, tone)
- Bridge: Richlite with drop-in synthetic bone saddle
- Tuners: Chrome 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 light-gauge strings (e.g., 11–52) for easier play. Pair with Rode PodMic and RØDECaster Pro II for recording demos.
- Care Instructions: Store in the included softshell case to protect the satin finish; maintain humidity (45–55% RH).
- Compatibility: Fishman Sonitone 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: Sweetwater users (4.5/5) call it a “little beast” with “full Martin tone,” perfect for travel. Guitar World (2020) praises its “surprising volume” and “easy playability” for beginners.
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
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