MARTIN DC-X2E | REVIEW

Martin DC-X2E Rosewood

MSRP: (UK) £739 / (US) $699

Another eye-catching and resonant model within Martin's X series line focused on maximising performance and tone for every player's budget. Billy Campbell takes a closer look at the features of the Martin DC-X2E Rosewood in the Gi review.

The Martin DC-X2E is the Dreadnought sized model within the X series. The classic and comfortable cutaway body design with X-bracing as standard has a Sitka spruce top, with figured Rosewood patterned, high-pressure laminate back and sides. The whole guitar has been done in a Hand-Rubbed finish that not only looks and feels fantastic but makes this a very rugged and stable build. A real standout in the X series line. The level of durability, playabilityand consistency, all at a very accessible price point. That combination of features addresses many of the concerns of travelling with a guitar that may be more delicate, or sensitive to environmental changes, or have a huge custom shop price tag without losing the quality or tone!

Thanks to the cutaway, even with the neck joining the body at fret 14, the extra access lets you easily get right up to fret 20. A welcomed feature that appears on many of Martin's models is the Performing Artist neck profile, which is a very comfortable, slender neck shape, that feels good in a variety of hand positions, whether in the lower or higher register.

The DC-X2E Rosewood has a 25.4" Scale length, 1 3/4" nut width, and 20 vintage sized frets. The DC-X2E has a two-way adjustable truss rod and has been set up using a Plek machine, which uses the most modern technology to provide measurements and real-world playing conditions for very precise and consistent fret dressing. The process scans and dresses the guitar under actual playing conditions, strung and tuned to pitch. The result is every guitar coming out of the factory being well intonated, with no dead or buzzing frets.

The DC-X2E houses Fishman's MX electronics with fine-tunable volume and tone knobs concealed on the inside of the soundhole. These are very clear and balanced pickups. Delivering a natural acoustic sound, and very useable adjustment ranges. Very convenient for adding variety to multi-tracked acoustic parts or tweaking your sound to the room or house PA.

The DC-X2E Rosewood Ships with Martin's Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 strings, featuring their anti-corrosion treatment, keeping the strings feeling smooth and maintaining the high-end chime of fresh strings for longer. This guitar will also come with Martin's soft gig bag, with the added headstock, bridge, and endpin protection, a water-repellent exterior, and foam padding.

The DC-X2E retails for $699, so go check one out at your local Martin dealer.

For more information, please visit:

martinguitar.com

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