Excellent acoustic

After going to a local guitar store and playing a countless number of acoustic electric guitars, the Martin DCX1KE out performed each one of the guitars I tried; including high end models. This guitar has a great tone and sound without an amplifier, plug it in and it is even better. For the price you cannot go wrong with this one.

Quite Baffled

Unbelievable sound and playability without it plugged in. Then once in an acoustic amp it is hard to match. Impossible to find another guitar in its price range with the features that it comes with.
The baffling aspect is that most if this guitar is recycled materials. I have played high end Breedlove, Parker, and Larrivee guitars as well as many others and they pale in comparison.

Martin DCX1KE is a gem!

This Martin Dreadnaught shaped Guitar is what some are calling an Òenvironmentally-friendlyÓ model. At first glance the body looks like Koa but in fact itÕs not wood at all but rather a formica like material made from a compressed wood fiber composite called HPL (high pressure laminate). The neck is made from ÒStratabondÓ a laminated wood product used for decades in gun stocks and hunting bows - basically itÕs a VERY thick plywood. The fingerboard and bridge are made of something called ÒRichliteÓ (See Wikipedia) another composite material that looks and feels like ebony. The saddle is TUSQ. The Nut, Corian (Again Wikipedia). Lots of modern ways to avoid Wood and Ivory - but what really makes this guitar sing is wood where it counts - the Solid Sitka Spruce top also braced with Sitka Spruce.
The DCX1KE is also equipped with a Fishman pick up system including a pretty quiet onboard ÒPresys PlusÓ Preamp with built in Tuner.
Despite itÕs unfinished and easily sweat stained top and neck, this Guitar is the best I have ever owned - stable as a rock in weather changes (average humidity where I live) and a slightly wider neck making more room for bigger fingers. The tone is very balanced, with fantastic harmonic nuance and sustain - some would say itÕs ÒdarkÓ. but there is defiantly a great sparkle. I chose it over a more expensive and brighter Taylor among others. If this Guitar was a wine, it would taste fantastic.
I would rate it higher except for the unsealed neck & and top.

Inexpensive alternative to the more expensive models

This is a gem, I have played this model guitar for two years in a working band and it`s been a joy to work with, I was that impressed i now own a DC-28E but i will always keep the dcx for around the house and stage back up.