Your Martin Sound, Ready to Go Anywhere
Some guitars just fit into your life. The Martin LX1E proves you don't need a full-size dreadnought to get that unmistakable Martin tone — this compact 6-string delivers clear, balanced sound whether you're picking by the campfire, practicing on the couch, or recording in your bedroom. At just 34 inches long with a 23-inch scale length, it's small enough to tuck into an overhead bin or stash in a closet, but it's built with the same attention to detail Martin's been known for since 1833.
The LX1E features a solid Sitka spruce top paired with mahogany-pattern high-pressure laminate back and sides. That solid spruce top gives you crisp articulation and warmth, while the HPL construction laughs off temperature swings and humidity changes that would make a solid-wood guitar nervous. Martin designed this guitar for real life — it's equally comfortable on a road trip through changing climates or as your everyday grab-and-play instrument at home.
With onboard Fishman Sonitone electronics built right into the soundhole, you've got volume and tone controls within easy reach. Plug into an amp or PA and you'll hear your acoustic voice faithfully reproduced, making the LX1E just as ready for open mics and small gigs as it is for solo practice sessions.
Built Tough for the Road
Martin built the LX1E with materials chosen as much for durability as tone. The high-pressure laminate back and sides resist warping and cracking, so you can take this guitar camping, traveling, or anywhere life takes you without worry. The hand-rubbed satin finish on the solid spruce top protects the wood while keeping the look natural and understated — no high-gloss maintenance required.
The fingerboard and bridge are made from FSC-certified Richlite, a composite material that's completely unaffected by temperature and humidity changes. It looks and feels like ebony, offers a smooth playing surface, and delivers consistent performance whether you're in a dry desert or a humid coastal town. The rust-colored birch laminate neck uses a mortise-and-tenon joint for a sturdy connection that'll last for years.
Players often find the Modified Low Oval neck profile comfortable for extended playing sessions. The 1-11/16" nut width and shorter 23" scale length make fretting easier and reduce string tension, which many beginners and players with smaller hands appreciate. With 20 frets (14 clear of the body), chrome enclosed-gear tuners, and a compensated white Tusq saddle, this guitar has everything you need and nothing you don't.
Plug In and Play
The Fishman Sonitone pickup system mounts discreetly in the soundhole, keeping the guitar's clean aesthetic while giving you amplified sound when you need it. Volume and tone controls sit right inside the soundhole for quick adjustments. The under-saddle transducer captures the guitar's full tonal range accurately, so your plugged-in sound stays true to your acoustic voice.
The compact body delivers a focused, present tone with clear midrange character. You won't get the booming bass of a full-size dreadnought, but you'll get articulate, immediate response that cuts through in a mix. Fingerstyle players appreciate the clarity, while strummers find the guitar responds well whether you're playing lightly or digging in hard.
Who This Guitar Suits
The LX1E works for anyone who needs a quality acoustic-electric that doesn't take up much space. Students get a legitimate Martin they can learn on. Travelers get a guitar that fits in small spaces and handles climate changes. Players with full-size guitars often grab an LX1E as a couch guitar or practice instrument. Its comfortable size makes it approachable for younger players or anyone who finds larger guitars cumbersome.
The modified 0-14 fret body size strikes a balance between portability and playability. It's small enough to be genuinely portable but large enough to feel like a real guitar in your hands, not a toy. Whether this becomes your main instrument, your travel companion, or your around-the-house guitar, the LX1E delivers honest Martin quality in a package that just works.
Product Features:
- Solid Sitka spruce top provides crisp articulation, warmth, and dynamic range
- Mahogany-pattern high-pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides resist temperature and humidity changes
- Modified 0-14 fret body size offers comfort and portability at 34 inches overall length
- 23-inch scale length with Modified Low Oval neck profile for comfortable playability
- FSC-certified Richlite fingerboard and bridge remain stable across varying climates
- Fishman Sonitone pickup system with soundhole-mounted volume and tone controls
- Hand-rubbed satin finish protects the top while maintaining a natural look
- Mortise-and-tenon neck joint with rust birch laminate neck for durability
- 1-11/16" nut width and 20 frets (14 clear) with compensated white Tusq saddle
- Chrome enclosed-gear tuners and multi-stripe rosette detailing
Brand: Martin
Model: LX1E Little Martin
SKU: 11LX1E
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.
