• Incredible sound

  
  As reviewed by Mark Simmons on 7/9/2012

  I already have a Martin X series which I am very happy with. I had been thinking about getting a second steel string. I have two classicals also. I would occaisionally stop in Guitar Center and see what was available. I would play some of the more expensive Martins but They just didn't have the sound I was looking for. I stopped in about two months ago and saw this guitar hanging on the wall. I took it off of the wall and played only two chords with it, that was all it took. I went and got the sales rep. and put that guitar on lay away. I have since brought it home. It has the fullest and richest sound of any guitar I have ever played, including the more expensive ones. I could not be happier. Once again I am reminded why I am a Martin guitar guy.

  5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
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• A standout guitar

  
  As reviewed by cj rossi on 12/18/2012

  I played and compared alot of guitars, both above, within and below this price point, over two days, and this guitar stood out. The sound is that of a more expensive guitar, but the HPL instead of real solid KOA brings the price down to bargain-land. I tried the next step up, the DCPA4K and didn't notice any difference worth another $600. This "Performing Artist series" guitar has two features that are handy for the gigging artist - an easy neck shape and action, and a pickup with a 'phase control' that helps suppress the sonic gremlins that amplified, higher volume acoustic electric can sometimes unleash. I preferred this over the comparable Taylors, and the Takamines and Fenders suffered under direct comparison - even though they came with solid woods and 'better' electronics... this guitar is a testament to how good WORKMANSHIP and CRAFT can trump wood and electronics.

  3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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• Great Martin Guitar

  
  As reviewed by Daniel Hurley on 2/22/2013

  After about 8 years of playing a $175 Ibanez acoustic guitar I finally decided to pull the trigger on this Martin. I spent several months doing research and lots of hours in guitar center playing anything and everything around the $1,000 range. I played the Martin DCPA4 and could not tell a difference in tone/playability versus this one....and it was priced at $450 more. The last two guitars I narrowed it down to were this Martin and the Taylor 214ce that was priced at $999. The Taylor had a very nice neck - almost felt like I was playing my strat - but the entire guitar was laminate (plus I don't particularly love the glossy laminate look). Also the tone of the taylor was not as full, it was more sparkly - almost too much for heavy strumming. I really enjoy the full bodied sound of this Martin - the harder you strum the better it sounds. It has great resonance and range when playing unplugged, and also sounds great plugged in. The F1 fishman analog system looks sleek, and includes the onboard tuner (which the Taylor did not have). The left knob on the F1 is very useful for achieving your desired acoustic tone while plugged in. This guitar is a very beautiful, simple design. I really love the look of the hpl koa and the stratabond. I got this guitar for $150 off purchase price at guitar center's valentines day sale. Also traded in an old 12 string acoustic and was pleased with the amount the gave me for the trade. My cost out of pocket was only about $500..a steal! I would recommend this guitar to anyone who is in the market for a high end acoustic guitar that isn't going to break the bank. I have played the $3k-$4k Taylors and Gibsons, and simply can't fathom paying that much money for a guitar, when there are others that rival the sound/quality....for a fraction of the cost.

  2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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