A Signature Martin Built for Players Who Move
Some guitars just feel right from the first chord—like they've been waiting for you. That's the idea behind the Martin D-X2E Molly Tuttle. Designed in collaboration with two-time IBMA Guitar Player of the Year Molly Tuttle, this dreadnought brings the soul of a vintage 1943 D-18 into a road-ready package that won't flinch at humidity swings or the chaos of tour life. Molly's known for her precision flatpicking, expressive crosspicking, and rapid-fire runs across the fretboard, and she needed a guitar that could keep up without demanding kid-glove treatment. Martin answered with a solid Sitka spruce top, scalloped X-bracing for clarity and headroom, and figured mahogany HPL back and sides that deliver warmth and punch while shrugging off temperature changes. Whether you're working out new arrangements in your bedroom, leading a bluegrass jam, or plugging in for a coffeehouse gig, this guitar is built to show up and perform.
The neck is where this model really shines. Martin brought Molly's preferred 1940s profile to the X Series for the first time—a slim, fast-playing V-shaped feel that suits intricate chord work and quick position shifts. The 1 11/16" nut width, narrower than most dreadnoughts, gives flatpickers tighter string spacing and the precision needed for clean, articulate lead lines. An ebony fingerboard adds clarity and snap, while custom moon phase inlays—Molly's personal touch—give the guitar a distinct visual identity. It's a guitar that invites you to play more, dig deeper, and see where the music takes you.
Vintage Tone, Modern Reliability
The D-X2E Molly Tuttle starts with a solid Sitka spruce top, the foundation of Martin's dreadnought voice for nearly a century. Paired with scalloped X-bracing, the top responds quickly to your attack, delivering clear note separation during fast runs and full, balanced chords when you lean into rhythm work. The bracing pattern allows the top to vibrate more freely, giving you dynamic range and articulation whether you're playing soft fingerstyle passages or driving the beat in a full band.
The back and sides are figured mahogany HPL—high-pressure laminate that mimics the tonal character of solid mahogany while offering serious durability. You get the warmth, midrange focus, and quick response mahogany is known for, with added resistance to cracks, warping, and the environmental stress that comes with gigging and travel. The vintage sunburst satin finish on the top adds a classic aesthetic, while the HPL construction means you can take this guitar anywhere without worrying about every bump and temperature shift. It's the best of both worlds: traditional Martin tone with a build designed for real-world use.
Stage-Ready Electronics and Signature Details
When it's time to plug in, the Martin E1 electronics system delivers natural amplified tone with straightforward controls. Mounted in the soundhole, you'll find volume, tone, and phase controls, plus a built-in chromatic tuner that works without a cable—perfect for quick adjustments between songs. The phase button is especially useful for eliminating feedback when you're standing close to your amp or monitor, a common challenge in smaller venues. The E1 system is known for capturing the guitar's acoustic voice faithfully, so what you hear unplugged translates well when you're plugged into a PA or acoustic amp.
The details matter here. Nickel open-gear tuners with custom oval buttons reflect Molly's vintage inspiration while staying stable and easy to adjust. A faux tortoise pickguard protects the top without overwhelming the sunburst finish. The ebony bridge and compensated white Tusq saddle contribute to sustain and intonation accuracy across the fretboard. And the guitar ships with a softshell case, giving you protection for transport without the bulk of a hardshell. This is a working musician's guitar—thoughtfully appointed, road-tested, and ready to go.
Product Features:
- Solid Sitka spruce top with scalloped X-bracing for clarity, projection, and dynamic response
- Figured mahogany HPL back and sides deliver warmth and durability in all climates
- 1940s neck profile with 1 11/16" nut width—first time offered in Martin X Series
- Ebony fingerboard with custom moon phase inlays and 25.4" scale length
- Martin E1 electronics with built-in tuner, volume, tone, and phase controls
- Dreadnought body provides powerful projection and balanced tone for flatpicking and strumming
- Vintage sunburst satin finish with faux tortoise pickguard and nickel open-gear tuners
- Select hardwood neck with hand-applied finish and standard taper for comfortable playability
- Ebony bridge with compensated white Tusq saddle for accurate intonation
- Includes softshell case for protection and portability
Brand: Martin
Model: D-X2E Molly Tuttle
SKU: 11DX2EMOLLYTUTTLE
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.
