For guitarists seeking a travel-friendly instrument without sacrificing playability or tone, the “Little Martin Guitar” often comes into the conversation. Having experience with smaller guitars, including the Baby Taylor, I was keen to explore the Martin LXMe. My experience with the Baby Taylor involved constant tuning adjustments and persistent intonation issues, even after professional setup. In fact, I eventually opted for a Yamaha beater for campfire and travel purposes until I encountered the LXMe. The comparison between the Baby Taylor and the Little Martin LXMe is quite revealing.
One of the most striking differences is tuning stability. The LXMe stays in tune remarkably well, almost rivaling my Rainsong, known for its resilience to environmental changes. This impressive stability is likely due to the combination of the High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) body and the laminated neck, making it highly resistant to temperature and humidity fluctuations. This is a significant advantage over the Baby Taylor, which I found needed frequent tuning.
Furthermore, the intonation on the LXMe is surprisingly accurate, especially considering its shorter scale length. The overall fit and finish are top-notch, reflecting Martin’s renowned quality. My model features a micarta fretboard and bridge, which contribute to a smooth playing experience and excellent fretwork. While Martin may have updated these materials in newer models, the micarta on mine offers a very comfortable feel.
The gig bag included with the LXMe is also a step up from the Baby Taylor’s, providing noticeably thicker padding and better protection. Although I haven’t used it extensively in performance settings yet, the built-in pickup system in the LXMe is surprisingly good. The sound projected through speakers belies the guitar’s compact size, delivering a much fuller tone than you might expect.
Sound Quality in Detail
When fingerpicked, both the Baby Taylor and the Little Martin LXMe produce pleasant tones. The Taylor exhibits a brighter, more characteristic “Taylor sound,” while the Martin, true to its brand heritage, leans towards a mellower, bassier response.
However, when flatpicked or strummed, the differences become more pronounced. While the LXMe clearly doesn’t replicate the deep resonance of a full-sized guitar like a D-28, it delivers a surprisingly robust sound with a respectable amount of bass for its size. It’s important to manage expectations – it’s not going to sound like a dreadnought – but for a small-bodied guitar, the LXMe punches above its weight. In contrast, the Baby Taylor can sound thin and almost “toyish” when strummed forcefully.
Important Note on String Gauge: The Little Martin LXMe is designed for medium gauge strings. While I experimented with lighter gauge strings, the optimal sound and performance were definitely achieved with mediums. This is a factor to consider if you typically prefer lighter strings.
In conclusion, for players seeking a “little martin guitar” that offers superior tuning stability, intonation, and a surprisingly full sound for its size, especially when compared to other small guitars like the Baby Taylor, the Martin LXMe is an excellent choice. Its robust construction and quality components make it a reliable and enjoyable instrument for travel, practice, or even performance.
