Are they Better?! Martin Revamps the Popular X Series Acoustic Guitars

Martin Guitars is known the world over for producing world class acoustic guitars but for many the opportunity to own a Martin guitar is out of reach. Thankfully Martin started producing additional lower priced instruments to meet consumer demand at a budget price. The Martin X Series, produced in their Mexico factory has long been a popular option with varying features that have slowly been changing and improving over the years. For 2024 Martin has revamped the X Series with new wood finishes and ergonomic player improvements. Are they that much better than before?

0:00 Intro
0:38 What is the X Series?
2:35 What's new
11:42 000-X2E Demo
13:03 GPC-X2E Demo
14:33 Final Thoughts

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[DJ-li]

I bought a GPCX2 E from Alamo two years ago and love it. I’m a beginner and am enjoying my learning journey with this model. It’s a Martin I could afford.

[davidmiles]

I’m the early 70s I bought a Japanese Sigma. People who owned D-18s and up to D-45s were amazed at the sound and build for the dollar. Playability was top too. I just played a 12 string version of the new X series and I got on the phone and ordered one for myself. It’s as good as my old Sigma. No. It’s not my HD-35 but I don’t expect that for less than 1, 000.00. The improvements are top notch. Bag is a plus too.

[WildernessBuilderness]

The pattern on the back of the cutout version will match my brown and tan tuxedo t-shirt perfectly!

[BaktaBak]

I must be an odd ball. I liked the strata bond neck on the X series. Solid neck . Never needed an adjustment. I'm also fond of solid neck. Just saying Strata bond wasn't bad. Great review guys. I always watch & refer back to your Vid's. 🎸🎸🎸 These guitars are awesome for a spare backup gig guitar also. 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[jshu]

Of these two ...I preferred the sound of the GPC-X2E the best!! sounded fuller to me!!!

[michaelcoy]

I have the Macassar Ebony and enjoy it very much for being my first Martin. Enjoyed your videos from LV. Also I'm good friends with your brother Mark

[romysan]

well Cooper, you make em sing. I think I like the non cutaway. thanks PLs reply...what model is the non cutaway?

[lhvent]

The Martin Factory in Navajo is making some great guitars.

[BaktaBak]

You two make the videos interesting, fun and informative.🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸 and you play well.

[texhaines]

HIGH Pressure Laminate: saw dust, resin, Pressure and heat produces a plastic-like polymer (like some counter tops). Thanks Chris and Cooper!

[paulmathews-gu]

Very well done. One positive suggestion would be to indicate on all the showcase comparative guitar videos, exactly what strings and string gauges that you are using.
Thank you

[jcrgtattoo]

I got a Martin “custom x series” dread back in 2016, spruce top, Hpl back and sides, stratabond neck, richlite fretboard and bridge., I took the saddle down about 0.5mm, and that guitar just slams!, it’s bullet proof, I’ve never had to make any adjustments to it at all, I string it up with dadarrio ej16 phosphor bronze, 12-53, and I’ve been nothing but impressed with it since I got it!, these new ones look nice too

[dalecoffing]

Have had a D10e for about 18 months. Use in church, with a gospel group and the pit for musicals. A real working man's guitar. IMO. Musicians I play with really like it. I was not a big fan of Martins. After trying many acoustic electrics this is the one that my wife liked (sound wise) of anything I played. It plays really easy. It's a plane jane guitar but I'm not the front man.
You two are a great team, keep the vids coming!

[jfj]

These guitars sound fantastic plugged in. This is where they shine. I bought one off a guy at a yard sell for $250 all black HPL back, top and sides X series around 2012. Played it in church for years plugged in and got many compliments. My son has it now, but this new X series is in a better class with the solid top. Buy without fear is all I can say.

[careyolson]

This is the "bullet proof" guitar that you take everywhere. For me, It's a camping guitar. I throw it in the truck with my camping gear and never think twice about it. There's value in that... I have guitars that are far better. They stay home, I don't, so define "better".

[Dare_To_Imagine]

How do they compare with similar priced Taylor, regarding sound and playability?

[bongocuba]

Tried it but like the FG3 instead. I believe you get much more value with the Yamaha.

[barthrvatin]

San An-tone is closer to Navojoa than it is to Nazareth or Nashville… 🎶 There’s a lyric for
your next album Coop. 🤘🏻❤️

[falcongunner]

These used to punch way above their weight class at the $499 price point. I paid $250 for my 2003 000-x1 and it’s still one of my favorites even with various solid wood models in the stable now. The higher price is a bummer but I would definitely recommend shopping used for anyone interested.

[asdfjklol]

How are the all HPL martins? I'm looking for a guitar that will be stable in extremely low humidity environments (Colorado mountains).