Martin LX1 Vs LXM | Which One Is Better?

Both the Martin LX1 and the LXM models are popular in the Little Martin range of guitars. The two have many similar features, which can make it difficult to choose between them.

This post will put the Martin LX1 vs LXM head to head to see which is right for you.

The Martin Guitar brand was initially founded in 1833 and has since produced some of the world’s top-rated guitars.

Instruments from this brand are not only popular among the general population.

They’ve been used by plenty of famous faces including Elvis, Ed Sheeran, and Eric Clapton.

The Little Martin range of guitars from the brand as becoming popular due to the small size, making them a great option for anyone with small hands.

Even though these guitars are compact enough to be more travel-friendly; they still pack the power and features you need to get the most out of your instrument.

Martin LX1 vs LXM

It’s important to know how each of these guitars is constructed.

Along with the quality of materials and the power that you can get from each guitar is something you need to consider.

Especially if you are not sure how to choose between the two.

We compare the Martin LX1 vs LXM head to head to help you get a better view on which one of the two will better for you.

We consider performance, design, pricing, and more.


Martin LX1Martin LXM
Body MaterialHigh-Pressure Laminate MahoganyHigh-Pressure Laminate Plastic
ElectronicsNoneNone
StringsSteelSteel
Length34 inches34 inches
Left-handed friendly?YesYes

Martin LX1

We’ll start with the LX1. This model from the Little Martin series does take advantage of real wooden material for its construction compared to the LXM.

It’s durable and features a Sitka Spruce top; combined with High-Pressure Laminate mahogany at the sides of the guitar, as well as the back.

The Martin LX1 (Check Price On Amazon SP) is an ideal option for beginners buying a guitar, as well as those who have small hands.

The compact ¾ scale body of the LX1 guitar also makes this an excellent companion for people who travel a lot with their guitar.

The design of the Martin LX1 also makes the guitar an appropriate selection for left-handed individuals. There are no electronic components included with the Martin LX1.

This means the guitar cannot connect to an external amplifier or sound system. However, it does feature chrome-based tuning machines in the form of knobs on the upper end of the guitar’s neck.

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Martin LXM

The Martin LXM (SP) is a plastic-based guitar, with a material selection that provides a similar appearance as models made from real wood.

The entire body of the LXM guitar is constructed with High-Pressure Laminate material.

The plastic body has been found to have some effect on the overall sound of the product; but for many, this is not a noticeable drawback.

The guitar has a ¾ scale body, providing a more compact design that does make it great for traveling purposes.

It’s also great for people who find that a full-size guitar is too big for their hands.

Similarly to the LX1, there’s no electronic system installed in the Martin LXM.

For this reason, the guitar cannot connect to any external sound system.

The LXM has six strings made from steel material.

The tuning machines on the Martin LXM is made from Gotoh nickel material.

If you are left-handed, don’t worry as it works for people who are left-handed also.


Performance

A comparison between guitars like the Martin LX1 vs LXM should really start with a look at the performance of the products.

When it comes to performance, the material used in the construction of a guitar plays a key role.

The key difference in terms of material between the LX1 vs LXM would be the fact that the LX1 model features a real Sitka Spruce based top surface.

The use of Sitka Spruce instead of High-Pressure Laminate for the top of the guitar does add to the overall performance and sound quality of the device.

Both of these guitars use steel as the base material for the strings. This means the performance in terms of the strings is similar among the two guitars.

The High-Pressure Laminate used in the construction of the two guitars adds to the overall durability of these products.

While the Martin LX1 Little Martin guitar might be able to produce slightly better sound due to the Sitka Spruce top, the full laminate construction of the LXM model could make it more durable in some situations.

The use of real wooden material makes a guitar more vulnerable to damage in certain conditions, particularly during traveling.

The HPL material also provides improved protection against the average bump and knock that a guitar might suffer.

The LX1 model’s top surface is more likely to suffer damage due to a bump compared to the full HPL body featured by the LXM guitar.

When comparing the performance of the Martin LX1 vs LXM, please note again that neither of the two features built-in electronics.

Unfortunately, both guitar models only serve as acoustic guitars and cannot be connected to a sound system.


Design

A comparison between guitars like the Martin LX1 vs LXM should start with a look at the performance of the products.

When it comes to performance, the material used in the construction of a guitar plays a key role.

Each guitar features a body that is primarily made with High-Pressure Laminate material.

The key difference in terms of material between the Martin LX1 vs LXM would be the fact that the LX1 model features a real Sitka Spruce based top surface.

The use of Sitka Spruce instead of High-Pressure Laminate for the top of the guitar does add to the overall performance and sound quality of the device.

Both of these guitars use steel as the base material for the strings. This means the performance in terms of the strings is similar among the two guitars.

The High-Pressure Laminate used in the construction of the two guitars adds to the overall durability of these products.

While the LX1 Little Martin guitar might be able to produce slightly better sound due to the Sitka Spruce top, the full laminate construction of the LXM model could make it more durable in some situations.

The use of real wooden material makes a guitar more vulnerable to damage in certain conditions, particularly during traveling.

The HPL material also provides improved protection against the average bump and knock that a guitar might suffer.

The LX1 model’s top surface is more likely to suffer damage due to a bump compared to the full HPL body featured by the Martin LXM guitar.


Price

Comparing the price between the Martin LX1 vs LXM is another factor to consider, due to the fact that there are only slight differences between the two models.

The Martin LX1 is the more expensive model between the two.

This is primarily due to the use of real Sitka Spruce wooden material for the top of the guitar.

The utilization of chrome material for the tuning machine knobs is another factor that affects the price of the Martin LX1 guitar model.

The Martin LX1 Little Martin Guitar can be got up on Amazon for a reasonable price.

If you are looking for something a little more affordable, then the Martin LXM is available at a slightly lower price point, also on Amazon.

However, these prices can vary from time to time, so I would check out the current pricing on available online.

The slight difference in price could make Martin LX1 a better investment for those who want the benefits that come with the Sitka Spruce wood.

On the other hand, for traveling purposes, the LXM could be a more durable option due to the HPL material.

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Final Verdict

Martin LX1 vs LXM

A comparison between Martin LX1 vs LXM can be difficult, due to the similarities seen between the two guitars.

Overall, however, those who are looking for a cheaper option should consider the Martin LX1.

On the other hand, for a more authentic sound and the ability to connect the guitar to an external amplifier.

Digging deeper into your wallet for the Martin LXM might be a worthy investment.


Disclaimer

Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases to fund this website so we can continue to create amazing reviews for our readers. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.

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