Martin LX1 Little Martin review

The LX1 is Martin's smallest regular guitar, and its US site listed it from $449.99 when we checked. It pairs a solid spruce top with back and sides made of mahogany-pattern high-pressure laminate (HPL). Martin says the HPL construction resists temperature and humidity changes, which helps a guitar that lives in a dorm, a car or a cabin keep its shape and setup. The 23 inch scale is the shortest on this list, and with a Modified Low Oval neck and a 1-11/16 inch nut it is comfortable for kids and adults with small hands. A soft gig bag with backpack straps is included. The small modified 0 body gives up volume and low end compared with the Yamahas and Taylors, and it comes strung with Martin's medium Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 strings. Fishman electronics are available on other LX versions at a higher price.

Who it is for

kids, travelers and players in changing climates

Price

From $449.99 on Martin's US site when checked; includes a soft gig bag.

Little Martin, Modified 0-14 Fret, Acoustic $449.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Solid spruce top with spruce X-bracing
• Mahogany-pattern HPL back and sides
• 23 inch scale and Modified Low Oval neck
• 1-11/16 inch nut and Richlite fingerboard
• Soft gig bag with backpack straps included

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Shortest scale on this list at 23 inches
• Strength: HPL body resists temperature and humidity changes, per Martin
• Strength: Gig bag included
• Weakness: Small modified 0 body has limited volume and bass
• Weakness: Ships with medium strings
• Weakness: Pickup only on pricier versions

Key facts

• Body: Modified 0-14 fret
• Top: Solid spruce
• Back and sides: Mahogany-pattern HPL
• Scale length: 23 inches
• Nut width: 1-11/16 inches
• Case: Soft gig bag

Where it ranks

Martin LX1 Little Martin is No. 5 in our Best Beginner Acoustic Guitars verdict.