Martin 00CXAE Acoustic-Electric Guitar 

Comments about Martin 00CXAE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

Okay, I was skeptical. No wood? Thin body? How could it sound good? Well, it does sound great plugged in (I play every weekend onstage), and is comfortable and easy to play all night long. What surprised me was the really cool sound it has unplugged. Not super-loud, but a very nice unique voice with the metallic sort of bass notes that I like from a Martin. I also have a DCPA1 and, while that is a much more impressive instrument, this 00 certainly has its place, and that place is on stage. I will not be gigging without this guitar ever again. I bought it to be a backup for my Parker Bronze Fly (which is my usual on-stage "acoustic"), but I find myself reaching for this Martin more and more for the most authentic acoustic sound without the inconvenience of a full-sized dreadnaught like the DCPA1. This guitar really shines through my Bose L1 Model 2, but has sounded great even on house systems that leave something to be desired. If you don't perform, perhaps consider a different choice, but if you do, give this guitar a try.

Comments about Martin 00CXAE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

This is a great guitar. I've had mine for about 7 years and it continues to sound great and play great. It is a solid guitar with a warm sound and a comfortable playability and hey...it's a Martin!

Comments about Martin 00CXAE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

Would give it all tens if not for the decals.
I bought this because I wanted an affordable Martin, and the thin body appealed to me because I'm a guitar teacher, so I wanted something comfortable to play. The sound is great, plugged or not, and it records well. The big drawback is the decal rosette. I was cleaning the top, which is prone to pickup fingerprints and smudges, and part of the rosette rub off. I cant believe Martin would skimp like this on trim. The other thing is, the picture I saw online said made in USA , but its made in Mexico. Still, its a fine guitar, and I'll get over the decals, as long as the headstock decal doesnt starting coming off. Be sure and register the gutiar for warranty purposes. The action was a bit low out of the box, my little E string buzzes at the first fret if I strum to hard. .
Interior bracing and wood seem well built.
Great for the money!

Comments about Martin 00CXAE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

The 00CXAE and all X series guitars HAVE an adjustable truss rod. It is a two-way rod that is recessed further into the neck. It takes the same 5mm Allen wrench to adjust it, just needs to be longer (4 1/2") Unfortunate that the previous reviewer is giving false information.

Comments about Martin 00CXAE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

Absolutely AWFUL - save your money. Martin should be ashamed of themselves for producing this guitar, and here's why:Laminate neck has no truss rod and cannot be adjusted.Was good out of the box, but within 2 weeks I needed to see the local luthier and have a new bridge made to alleviate high-E and B-string buzz starting at the 5th fret. Action became higher due to this, but no way to compensate.It did sound good when amplified through a good PA system at live gigs. However, the higher action reduced the playability quite a bit. After about 6 months, the body started separating at the back down the bottom end near the switchjack. Had to use black electrical tape to hold it together at the last gig I used it for. I have subsequently relegated this guitar to the parts bin.

Comments about Martin 00CXAE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

Pros:Small, light weight with a good center of gravity where the neck meets the body. Very durable outer shell due to the high pressure laminate. If you're used to playing electric, this will suit you well without much adjustment.Tone is acceptable when unplugged, but really shines when run through an amplifier. The brilliance control lets you shape your tone from bright to warm.Good, low action. Easy to play.Cons:Cheap decals for the rosette and Martin logo on the neck. Do not place your capo on the headstock or you could possible rub the decal off.I opted to purchase a wood rosette from eBay to place over the decal. Franklin 5062 Titebond Glue and a standard lacquer held it down perfectly. The Titebond was designed to adhere wood to laminate, and it let me get the glue out past the edge of the rosette where I was able to wipe excess off the laminate without any staining, etc. Came out looking great.

Comments about Martin 00CXAE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

Bought this from MF without trying it out based on the fact that it's a Martin, and the great reviews it got. I am really happy with the overall playability, sound, and quality of the instrument. For the price, this is a great value, and exactly what I wanted, A great sounding instrument - plugged in or not. Do yourself a favor if you buy this guitar - get the hardshell case. It's a great quality case and worth the investment.

Comments about Martin 00CXAE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

This is by far the best Acoustic guitar I have ever played, or even heard. For having it's thin body, it's amazing as to how much resonance it has. It rings and rings and rings. The action is superbe. Usually strings start to elevate from the fret board the closer you get to the body but with this guitar the action is almost the same all the way across.For the price I paid for this guitar, it's probably the buy of the century. Not only was it priced great, it feels great to hold, look, and especially Play!!!

Comments about Martin 00CXAE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

I bought this guitar years ago when I started playing guitar in my worship band at church. I have absolutely loved this guitar. I'm a skinny guy-- it's a skinny guitar. We've been perfect for each other. The Fishman pre-amp provides BREATHTAKING tonal quality, period. The ONLY problem I now have with this guitar that is leading me to buy another acoustic-electric is the size. I now find myself missing the deep, low sound of fuller bodied guitars. If you put new strings on this guitar, they'll sound crisp and deep. But it doesn't take many hours of playing before the guitar starts to sound "dead." Bottom line is, it's built to be played on stage. You WILL be drowned out in an acoustic jam. SO, my advice is carefully consider where you'll use this the most-- acoustically, or plugged in. Also remember, Martin action tends to be pretty high, so I've found myself using a capo ALOT just cause it helps lower the high-wire action :) Alvarez or Taylor acoustics have a lot lower action for easier picking. But THANKS MARTIN! This has been an excellent little guitar...

Comments about Martin 00CXAE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

I ordered this guitar because I know two other people who own this guitar and they both strongly recommended it. This guitar plays and sounds like a guitar costing two or three times as much. The action came set up perfectly but the strings needed changing. This guitar sounds amazing loud unplugged despite its small body. But plug this baby in and it sounds VERY STUDIO WORTHY! It sounds like the best guitar ive ever heard, in my head or on a recording. The only problem with this guitar is that the gold ring around the sound hole is cheap and is already cracking although ive only had it for a week. And the gold emblem on the headstock looks like it will come off soon. Overall, very very sweet guitar, just a few minor quality issues.