Martin's Modern Take on the Dreadnought
Martin's remastered X Series has always been about making real Martin tone accessible without compromise—and this D-X2E Ziricote Burst might be the sweet spot. It's a full-size dreadnought with the projection and low-end presence you expect from that body shape, but built with modern materials that laugh at humidity changes and the occasional knock. The solid spruce top gives you authentic Martin voice, while the ziricote-patterned HPL back and sides bring visual drama and practical durability. With onboard E-1 electronics, scalloped X-bracing, and a thinner, more comfortable neck profile, this guitar is designed to go wherever you do—stage, studio, or campfire. If you've been eyeing a Martin but need something road-ready and budget-friendly, this is worth a close look.
The Ziricote Burst finish is eye-catching in person. The sunburst top has just enough warmth to offset the bold grain pattern printed on the HPL back and sides, and the faux abalone rosette adds a touch of traditional Martin elegance. It's not trying to fool anyone—the HPL back and sides are exactly what they say they are—but the overall effect is polished, distinctive, and stage-ready. You get the look of exotic tonewood without the fragility or the four-figure price tag.
Solid Spruce Top with Scalloped X-Bracing
The top is where tone starts, and Martin didn't cut corners here. This D-X2E features a solid spruce top—not laminate—treated with a thin satin finish that lets the wood breathe and resonate. Spruce is prized for its balanced response: bright enough for clarity in the highs, articulate in the mids, and open enough to let the dreadnought body's natural bass come through. Underneath, Martin uses scalloped X-bracing, a hallmark of their acoustic design. Scalloped braces are carefully shaved down to allow the top more freedom to vibrate, which translates to increased volume, sustain, and harmonic complexity. It's a small detail that makes a big difference when you're strumming hard or fingerpicking softly.
The dreadnought body itself is Martin's most iconic shape—big, bold, and projective. It's the shape that defined American acoustic guitar tone, with strong bass response and the kind of volume that cuts through a mix. Whether you're playing rhythm in a full band or leading a song solo, the D-X2E holds its ground. The HPL back and sides don't resonate quite like solid rosewood or mahogany, but they're stable, consistent, and surprisingly musical. More importantly, they won't crack in dry air or swell in humidity, so you can take this guitar anywhere without worry.
Martin E-1 Electronics and Stage-Ready Features
Plug this in and you'll find Martin's E-1 electronics system tucked inside the soundhole. It's a straightforward, effective setup: an undersaddle pickup with onboard controls for volume, tone, and phase. The phase switch is particularly handy for eliminating feedback when you're playing loud or standing close to a monitor. There's also a built-in chromatic tuner, so you're never hunting for a clip-on between songs. The E-1 system is designed to capture the guitar's natural acoustic character without coloring the tone too much—what you hear unplugged is what you'll get through the PA, just louder. It's not flashy, but it works reliably, and that's what matters on stage.
Martin also upgraded the playability on the remastered X Series. The neck has a Performing Artist profile with a high-performance taper—basically, it's slimmer and more comfortable than traditional Martin necks, especially in the lower positions. The fingerboard is made from select hardwood and features a gently beveled edge that feels smoother against your palm. String spacing has been refined, and the bridge has a modernized contour borrowed from Martin's higher-end SC series. All these tweaks add up to a guitar that feels more approachable and less fatiguing during long playing sessions. The 25.4-inch scale length and 1 3/4-inch nut width are standard dreadnought dimensions—roomy enough for clear chord voicings, but not so wide that barre chords become a chore.
Product Features:
- Solid spruce top with satin burst finish delivers balanced, articulate tone
- Ziricote-patterned HPL back and sides for durability and striking visual appeal
- Scalloped X-bracing enhances resonance, projection, and sustain
- Dreadnought body shape provides powerful bass response and stage-filling volume
- Martin E-1 electronics with built-in tuner, volume, tone, and phase controls
- Performing Artist neck profile with high-performance taper for enhanced comfort
- Select hardwood neck, fingerboard, and bridge with beveled fingerboard edges
- 25.4-inch scale length and 1 3/4-inch nut width for versatile playability
- Satin chrome closed-gear tuners provide reliable tuning stability
- Includes softshell gig bag with headstock, bridge, and endpin protection
Brand: Martin
Model: D-X2E Ziricote Burst
SKU: 11DX2EZIRBURST
Condition: New
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
