GEAR REVIEW
AN AFFORDABLE 12-STRING ? THE C . F . MARTIN X-SERIES D-X2E BRAZILIAN 12-STRING | Eric Dahl
Playing praise and worship music you frequently find yourself performing with several guitarists . The challenge is to play with those guitars and add something different to the mix that also fills out the songs . A 12-string guitar does a great job of accomplishing this . As Martin has reimagined and updated their X-Series Acoustic / Electric guitars they have also added two models of 12-string guitars . For review Worship Musician Magazine tested out the D-X2E non-cutaway 12-string priced at only $ 699 .
Martin built this 12-string on a D-14 body shape which is a comfortable dreadnought that isn ’ t too thick like some 12 ’ s are . What catches your eye on this beautiful guitar are the Brazilian rosewood pattern HPL ( high pressure laminate ) back and sides . They obviously help hold the cost of the instrument down but are also stunning visually .
The top is made of Spruce , which is hand rubbed and Satin finished , but instead of standard binding Martin has rounded the edges into the body . Which makes it nicer for your forearm while playing and has a clean look as well .
Another attention getter on the new D-X2E is the Satin finished Chrome closed tuners on the headstock . They are functional but also fit the Satin finished top aesthetic . The neck , fretboard and bridge are made of an unidentified wood , but they are solid wood and that is a big positive for tone and longevity of the instrument . The high-performance tapered neck is welcomed on a 12-string acoustic which requires more hand and forearm strength to chord with .
For electronics the D-X2E features the Martin E-1 which provides inside sound hole volume , tone , phase switch and tuner . Just be aware that the off and on switches for the tuner and phase are at the top of the sound hole and not at the bottom next to the tuner . The sound is full and chimey unplugged or plugged in .
Playing with my church ’ s Praise Team the Martin filled in a lot of space between the other two other acoustic guitars and piano on stage . The Martin E-1 electronics are hot , volume wise , so I dialed back the sound and increased the treble with the tone . After church everyone came over to see and play the D-X2E and couldn ’ t believe how great the Brazilian rosewood HPL back and sides looked , and the price point wowed them also .
The updated string spacing made it easier to pick through chords , which sounds great with a Praise team , while not striking strings that you don ’ t want to . The only complaint I would have is that the action could be set up a little lower . But it is definitely worth taking the D-X2E 12-string to your favorite luthier and having it
62 July 2024 Subscribe for Free ...