Comments about Martin X Series D12X1AE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

The Martin design drew me in. Assembled in Mexico is not a problem at this price range and I feel like I can play this Martin anywhere, on the beach, by the fire (not too close)and other places I would not break out my HD-28. Musician's Friend always comes through with a quality product at a competitive price. I bought this one as a good condition used guitar. It was absolutely pristine. I only lack the warrenty and that is not an issue with this guitar.

Comments about Martin X Series D12X1AE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

This guitar plays great and sounds wonderful.

Don't worry about letting it live in standard tuning
Jim from customer service at C.F.Martin says they are built to be played in standard tuning.They are shipped with Martin lights which are fine for me but some folks will like extra lights.Stay away from mediums absolutly no heavy guage.The mahogany pattern hpl looks much better than pictured and the stratabond neck is particularly suited to a 12 string guitar.The string spacing is perfect for fingerpicking.I've owned a high end Guild (pulled itself apart)and medium price yamaha(sounds like a box).This blows them away,buy it.

Comments about Martin X Series D12X1AE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

I have owned this instrument for six mos. I play out at least one night a week. this is a great gig instrument for a solo act. Big sound if you want however, treble on finger style bridges are crisp and full.

Comments about Martin X Series D12X1AE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

I bought my D12X1AE almost two years ago. A great all around 12 string with outstanding tone. Easy to play, even barre chords up the neck. Capos well, too. If you want pretty bindings and rosettes, look elsewhere. Even a high end D-18 or D-28 doesn't have a fancy rosette. If you really need an electric tuner installed, quit guitar and take up harmonica. Although I have also bought a Guild F412 (with lots of fancy binding and bling), this Martin is worth every penny. Many other manufacturers (Taylor and Fender to name a couple) also have Mexico plants and they also put out quality products. Also, because it's a laminate back and sides, the low humidity here doesn't affect it much.

Comments about Martin X Series D12X1AE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

I tried this guitar for about an hour both unplugged and plugged. The tone is very good unplugged and acceptable plugged. I originally thought to trade in my Ibanez accoustic electric 12 string for this Martin but changed my mind.

My biggest gripe is that the Martin looks like a cheap piece of junk. The top looks like it is corrugated cardboard and the sides and back are not much better. Martin did not even put a binding on the area where the top joins the sides which makes the guitar look like it was slapped together by an amature. Come now Martin---not even a single binding,fret markers or rosette? The electronics are nothing to talk about either as they consist of a volume pot and a single tone pot with nothing else.

In comparison, my Ibanez is over $200.00 less in price, has binding on the sides and neck, a nice looking abalone type rosette,fret markers and gold hardware. The electronics are exceptional as they are made by Fishman. The Fishman electronics include 4 slide switches for tone and depth control and a built in tuner (VERY handy especially on a 12 string.)There is a jack for midi application besides the standard phone type jack.

The bottom line is,if you just want a Martin to say you own a Martin, then buy it. Overall, it's a decent guitar if you don't care what it looks like and don't mind cheap "do nothing" electronics. All this being said, I wouldn't pay more than $275.00 for it.

Sorry, but I would not be proud to go on stage with this Martin as it presents itself as a cheap beginner's guitar.

Comments about Martin X Series D12X1AE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

I purchased this guitar not sure if a lower priced Martin would sound or play as well as the more expensive guitars. I have to admit I am very pleased with this guitar. If your looking for a fancy looking guitar, this guitar might not be for you. It's got a basic satin finish, nothing fancy. But everything else about it in my opinion is great. It has a deep, mellow martin tone. The action is as low as it could be for easy playing. And the quality of it is great also. The one I received had no flaws, built very well. It is a joy to play and that sound can only be from Martin. It's foreign made, but it has the Martin name on the headstock and definitely has a good Martin tone. I'm glad I bought it. I will never let it go.

Comments about Martin X Series D12X1AE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

What was I thinking... Did I really expect a low price Martin to look and sound as good as a much more expensive guitar? Truth is, you can find nicer looking and better sounding guitars for even less. The wood in the neck is such an odd color compared to the rest of the instrument that it almost looks like it was made of some kind of plastic composite material. Sound quality is a little better than average, but far less than I expected from Martin.

Comments about Martin X Series D12X1AE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

only thing i don't understand is where does it say assembled in MEXICO ?? martin it's like you are trying to hide the fact,?? people should know before purchasing from an american guitar co. before they look inside and see assembled in MEXICO.if you buy it through the mail you will be surprised to see that,i actually cancelled ordering one ,until i researched it well,and actually heard them .so i did change my mind but musicians friend and martin we don't like surprises tell up front WHERE IT IS MADE AND YES, I KNOW IT GETS MARTINS QUALITY INSPECTION THATS A GOOD THING,

Comments about Martin X Series D12X1AE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

This is an impressive guitar that nearly anyone would be proud to own and love to play. The sound is the most important thing and it sounds warm, beautiful and holds it's tune. It is easy to play and it looks beautiful too.
This is a great guitar that I have been playing at local music stores for a while now. The other day I noticed the output for the first time and that this had electronics in it. I usually stay away from acoustic-electrics not liking the sound. This is an exception. The only downside is no onboard equalizer, etc. I didn't get to plug it in yet though.
Outstanding. Outstanding. Outstanding. This is a beautiful guitar, and if I hadn't read it I would have had no idea about the laminates used in manufacturing. The sound is warm and stunning... just increddible sound. The volume is not as loud as some that I have played. I have a Martin from 1979 that has a fuller, louder sound but this is just as warm and for the money I probably would have bought this one which is a lot cheaper than the vintage one I bought. My cat dropped the vintage one. I thought she totaled it. But a repair guy brought it back 100%. I wonder what would happen if you dropped one of these?

btw I am an animal lover so the cat still got a kiss after I screamed in horror.
The price for this thing will make you do a doubletake after you play it and then look at the price!

Comments about Martin X Series D12X1AE Acoustic-Electric Guitar:

A really great guitar for the price.
Received this guitar as a Christmas gift, and was really excited. Had been wanting another 12 string (had owned an Alvarez 12 string several years back. I love the tone and playability of this instrument. it's much easier to fret bar chords on this instrument than my previous 12 string. Own a Martin OMC1E 6 string that I really love and am excited to add this guitar to my instruments.
I really like the flat satin finish of the top. The StrataBond neck has a really good feel, and the HPL sides and back look great. It projects a really nice 12 string sound, and is fun to play.
For the price, this a very well made, very playable guitar. It's a really great value.