Martin DX1AE Macassar Burst

The X Factor?

- Rob Laing

There are certain acoustic brands players aspire to own because of their lofty reputations, and if they can own them for less, all the better. Clearly Martin and Taylor are sensitive to this and have made moves to woo potential customers perusing the midpriced £500 market and convince them to scrape together some more cash for their entry-level offerings. No, they’re not going to give you the same thrill as a full-fat ‘genuine’ D-28 or 814CE but that doesn’t always mean they’re paler imitations either. In the case of Martin’s X-Series, a distinct experience is offered along with the expectation of the Nazareth brand’s attention to QC and playability. This time with a head-turning finish.