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Pros:
- Great Sound
- Lightweight
- Comfortable to play
Cons:
- Limited Colouring options
There is a great range of travel guitars out there, all of them claiming to have the best qualities, but there is only one that truly embodies what a travel guitar needs to be. When I say only one, I mean only one series of guitars, the Little Martin guitars by Martin guitar manufacturers. The cheapest of them is the Martin LX1 Little Martin, yet it is not inferior to its brothers and sisters. Let us take a closer look at this best kids guitar and see what makes it so great.
Body Quality
The body of the Martin LX1 is a modified 0-14 fret. This means a combination of some of the greatest qualities other shapes have to offer, in order to maximize the guitar’s ability to project sound and emphasize midtones, which the little Martin does very well. The body is small as a result of the shape, making it very comfortable and easy to play with, transport or store anywhere. The shape is quite easy on the eyes and feels very stylish when held.
The top of the LX1 is solid Sitka spruce. This wood is almost a traditional choice of hardwood for most guitars, and yet it makes sense on all guitars. The expressive high and mid-tones are definitely something every guitar can use. The back and sides of the guitar are mahogany, a sturdy, lightweight wood that adds structural integrity, resistance to damage, as well as a tinge of more bass response that the guitar that balances out the sound.
The neck of the guitar is mahogany as well. This keeps the guitar lightweight and comfortable for carrying around on your shoulder or playing with the strap over your neck. The neck is slender and easy to hold. It is topped with a smooth and handsome rosewood that is easy and pleasant to play.
Hardware
The bridge of the guitar is richlite. This material is made with resin-infused paper, though most people and even me when I first encountered the material, don’t realize that it is not wood. This is to the benefit of the guitar, as the material is incredibly sturdy and lightweight, providing all the same benefits as a rosewood bridge would. Traditionalists may cry, but we all benefit from this material.
The nut and saddle of the guitar are synthetic materials known as white Corian. This is a very adequate material for most guitars, as it does not interfere with the harmonics of the guitar and kills the buzzing of the strings.
The tuning machine fo the guitar is exceptional, especially when compared to so many other travel guitars. It can keep its tuning for long periods of time, even when traveling for a long time.
Martin LX1 Sound
The Little Martin LX1 is one of the richest sounds among travel guitars you will ever encounter. The bass is very strong and warm, the tremolo is extremely expressive and vibrant, and the mid-tones are powerful and lively. This guitar is very versatile in its sound and can play so many genres. It is a little surprising coming from a travel guitar this affordable and might even catch those unaware of the martin stamp’s excellent track record off guard. Definitely one of the best travel guitars out there.
Conclusion
Overall, this is an excellent guitar for any situation. While most people will be considering it as a travel guitar, there really is no shame in looking at it and seeing that it can be your main guitar. Whether playing at home, in front of a crowd or giving to a child trying to learn the guitar, this is one good option. Definitely recommended to anyone and everyone looking to expand their guitar collection.
