The Little Martin Series of Martin Guitars are three-quarter size, perfect to bring on vacation because they fit in the overhead bin on an airplane. They are ideal for smaller hands and fingers. They are durable for new musicians who want a guitar to take to lessons. There are only a few differences between the LXM and LX1 models. Let’s look at them both to see which will be the best one for you.
Martin LXM Little Martin Acoustic Guitar
What do Elvis, Eric Clapton, and Ed Sheeran all have in common? They all play Martin guitars. The Martin Guitar Company started in America in 1833 and has since become a world-famous brand. While the Little Martin series doesn’t have the complete rich sound of a full-size Martin, they are amazingly powerful for their size. Many musicians prefer them over the Baby Taylor.
The Little Martin guitars are small and tough, so they’re great for anyone who wants a musical travel companion or a learner guitar with bright tones and good bass. In this review we’ll look at two of the best-selling acoustic models in this lineup.
We’ll start with the LXM. It tends to be lower in price than the LX1 because it has a High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) body. That’s not actually wood, it’s plastic that looks like wood. For example, the top resembles spruce while the bottom looks like mahogany. Everything has a smooth satin finish.
Being made of HPL instead of wood does affect the sound a little bit, but it increases the guitar’s ability to withstand rough treatment. While other guitars suffer more with changes in humidity and temperature, the LXM doesn’t mind a camping trip or air travel nearly as much.
There are no electronics included in this model. It doesn’t have the capability to plug into a sound system. It’s an acoustic guitar only. It comes with six steel strings and Gotoh nickel tuning machines. (If you prefer chrome, check out the LX1 described below.)
One last note: left-handed players can rejoice. The LXM is “left-friendly” so they can play how they feel most comfortable.
More features of the Martin LXM guitar:
• Comes with gig bag (carrying case)
• No pick guard
• Overall length 34 inches long, body width 12 inches, body depth 3 inches
• Weighs 3 pounds 6 ounces
• Modified 0-14 fret
Martin LX1 Little Martin
If you prefer a wooden guitar for learning, practice, and travel, the LX1 has a real Sitka Spruce top with High-Pressure Laminate mahogany sides and back. It’s a tough little guitar perfect for taking on the road or to lessons.
It has a 3/4 scale body and a modified 0-14 fret so younger students are likely to find it more comfortable to play. Left-handers will find that they can enjoy the LX1 too.
Like the LXM, the LX1 isn’t compatible with electronics so you can’t plug it into a sound system. It comes with steel strings and chrome small-knob tuning machines. (If you prefer nickel tuners, check out the LXM described above.)
A note about the wood in the LXM and LX1 guitars: Martin & Co. uses FSC certified wood for the necks and headstocks and other parts of these two models. That means the wood comes from sources grown for harvesting and not from rain forests or other sensitive environments.
More features of the Martin LX1 guitar:
• Comes with padded gig bag (carrying case)
• Overall length 34 inches long, body width 12 inches, body depth 3 inches
• Weighs 3 pounds 3 ounces
• No pick guard
Recommendation
Since the Martin LXM and LX1 are small guitars made partially from high-pressure laminate (HPL) instead of wood, they are better suited to new guitarists and travelers more so than musicians looking for a high-performance instrument. Their smaller size makes them handy for taking on trips or carrying on public transport. The HPL is advantageous in that it withstands environmental changes better than an all-wooden guitar can.
With that said, you may find that the LXM with its HPL body has a lower price. If price is a consideration, get the LXM.
Also get the LXM if your guitar will be exposed to a lot of travel or harsh weather conditions.
Get the LX1 if you prefer the Sitka Spruce wooden top and a slightly different tone.
Click here to purchase Martin LX1 on Amazon.com!
Click here to purchase Martin LXM on Amazon.com!