Martin DRS1 Reviews

from Nashville, TN
February 28, 2013Music Background:
Hobbyist

Great instrument

I love this guitar and use it everyday. It has such a full bodied sound. I am sure there are better sounding guitars, but for the price you can't beat the DRS1.

winston
from new brunswick canada
October 29, 2012Music Background:
Hobbyist

Best in the market

Just bought this guitar one month ago. Play it every day. The sound is like a dream come true. Wouldn't trade it for anything.

Brent R.
from St. Paul, Minnesota USA
August 27, 2012Music Background:
Hobbyist

Solid Performer!!!

Love this guitar! I don't think there is a equivalent quality guitar for the price. The sound is rich and deep. I think the Sapele body is beautiful, with a lusterous grain that looks better than most Mahogany.

James Bracht
from Crescent City, CA
August 21, 2012Music Background:
Hobbyist, struggling musician, dreamer

An OUTSTANDING bargain at this price!

This guitar just rings like a bell! I am very happy with the beautiful look of the sapele wood, and I really like the satin finish on the Martin, rather than the gloss finish of other brands. The neck is so easy to play, and I like the look of the Stratabond, as opposed to just a solid piece of wood.
I'm extremely pleased with my instrument, and I am so glad that I took the chance on Sweetwater!

David Emswiler
from Bellville, TX
February 23, 2012Music Background:
Recording; live bands (reggae, rock, jazz, contemporary Christian, yo momma's music, too)

Incredible Martin

I am a 35+ year player; now 51. This guitar is one of the best acoustics I have ever played. It is the traditional 14th fret - meets - body style. What the buyer needs to know is for the player, this is the guitar to buy unless money is not an issue. If money is no issue, of course, buy a $2,500 to $4,500 Adirondack Mahogany from the hills of my home state. Otherwise, if your intention is to satisfy the player, (your not a collector, right), then this Sapele wood (from Africa, a species commonly associated with the trees in Pennsylvania) Martin with the play neck and (I believe) man-made material top of neck, is a great, great option. By the way, I did not know the top of the neck was man made material (or maybe it is a processed type of wood based material) until I read that somewhere. When I played this guitar I was not in the market , but I simply HAD to buy one, with extended pay option, thank you, and I only have three words for it: FAB U LOUS! Incredible feel, nice looker (esp. the body). I am unable to fine a flaw for the price and the deal they gave me. Recording this guitar with microphone is fabulous. As good as any CD. Using a Behringer acoustic mic processing through some very light affects in my Tascam 2400 (very little compression) and I just can't describe how pristine it is. I also play it at church, using the on board electric pickup. Great sound. I will probably lower the action during my first string change, by trimming the saddle, a little. My first high end acoustic was not a high end price and it sounds BIG and crystal clear, like a John Denver sound or something. DID I saw that, too?

Brad Darby
from St Augustine, Florida
February 19, 2012Music Background:
intermediate player

An Outstanding Value

The Martin DRS1 is by anyone's definition an outstanding value. For $699.00 & a free Martin hardshell case, you simply can't go wrong. I don't know of a guitar in this price range that uses all solid woods. The DRS1 has a beautiful voice; deep bass, ample midrange & clear, bright treble. The warm, sweet & slightly dark tone is no doubt due to the gorgeous solid sapele top. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone who is looking for a high quality instrument. It also has excellent playability.

Keith
from Tulsa, OK
March 29, 2013Music Background:
Worship Leader

Best value around

The DRS-1 represents possibly the best value available in a solid wood guitar. The sound is terrific; very nicely balanced. I personally love the very simple, unadorned looks of this guitar. The included hard case is also very nice quality. Ordering and shipping from Sweetwater was very quick. I am extremely pleased with this purchase.

dave selbo
from kerrville,texas
March 18, 2013Music Background:
Long time amatuer

finger picking

Great value and the sound is amazing. Looks great , plays easily enough. Humidity this winter in Texas was almost non existant which adversly affected the playability. After a couple days in case with a little humidity, guitar came back great. House is full of Ovations, Taylors and a couple of Martins, and this DRS1 is the one I grab almost every day. Even smells great.

Marlon
from Chicago, IL
February 9, 2012Music Background:
Performance, Recording, Live Sound

Warm Tone at a great price.

Nice dark rich sound. Neck feels great and the hidden look of the Sonitone controls is a really nice feature. Overall very happy with this Martin. Looking forward to my next Martin.

Thanks Bob Mondok and Sam Rogers for your help.

Paul
from Colorado Springs, USA
March 17, 2013Music Background:
Experienced Hobbyist

Great Tone, with the Right Strings.

Solid wood guitar for under $1G, wow. Some reviews complain about the guitar sounding muted unplugged. I suggest breaking it in and changing the strings. The more I play my DRS1 the better it sounds. All guitars need regular sting changes, I found that going with the Martin SP Custom Light 80/20 Bronze Strings, 11-52, really liven up the sound, and I have tried alot of strings. Another biggie, use the right pick for the situation. Try different strings and picks until you find the right sound for you. Get the right combo down and you cannot beat this instrument for the money.

Kenny Parham
from Eatonton, Ga.
October 24, 2012Music Background:
Hobby....songwriter....

Martin DRS 1 Guitar

Love my new Martin DRS1.....Has a great sound whether plugged to the amp or sitting out on the deck with friends.....Has that expensive sound for a fraction of the money....Beautiful finish on the body......

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