Martin OMC-X1E Ultimate Acoustic Review

From years of experience in engineering comes the OMC-X1E acoustic from Martin guitars. This guitar is created from High-Pressure Laminate wood. This creates a warm, balanced sound and durable body.

Jet black in color, this guitar not only sounds great, but it also looks nice as well. Let’s explore some features of the Martin OMC-X1E.

Features

Let’s take a look at some key features of the Martin OMC-X1E guitar.

  • High pressure laminate body.
  • Jet black finish.
  • Performing artist profile neck.
  • Richlite finger board.
  • 25.4 inch scale with 20 frets.
  • Bold balanced sound.
  • Fishman’s electronics.
Martin OMC-X1E guitar.
Martin OMC-X1E Front.
OMC-X1E Score
Overall
4.2
  • Build Quality
  • Sound
  • Playability
  • Electronics

Who Is It For?

The Martin OMC-X1E guitar is a versatile and high-quality instrument. It’s designed for guitar players of all levels who value both sound and affordability.

It is absolutely an excellent option for singer-songwriters as well. This is because the cutaway design allows for easy access to higher frets.

The solid top and high-pressure laminate back and sides produce a rich and balanced tone. Making it suitable for a range of musical genres. The onboard Fishman electronics makes it an ideal choice for live performances.

The Martin OMC-X1E is a great choice for guitar players looking for a well-made, versatile, and affordable instrument. Beginners can now get into a Martin for a low price tag.

Sound Performance

Now to the important parts! How does this guitar sound compared to others at this price? Very good! This is an auditorium-sized model acoustic and being made from HPL, I was not sure what to expect. But once tuned up, it played wonderfully!

It projected well and created a ton of volume in the room. Thanks to the bracing, it did not seem too stiff or quiet. The resonance under the arm felt very big and bold, yet the mid-range cut well.

One thing is for sure, it’s a Martin, and they did not disappoint. The price is right, and the sound is even better! The video below will allow you to hear it for yourself. Check it out!

PROS

  • Materials and design.
  • Well-balanced sound.
  • Feels great and is fun to play.
  • Built In Fishman electronics.
  • Great looking jet black acoustic.
  • Martin engineering.

CONS

  • Some may not appreciate that it is made from laminate.

Body and Construction

The body on the OMC-X1E is made from HPL or high-pressure laminate mahogany. This gives the guitar a warm sound yet is very balanced overall. HPL is also a very tough material and is great in humid environments.

Martin’s own scalloped internal bracing gives this acoustic great projection while adding strength. Not only is this body tough, it also resists scratching well and sounds great!

The cutaway in the body is a nice feature as it lets you access the frets closer to the body. This extends the range of play, allowing you to use the fretboard throughout.

Another great feature of this body design and HPL wood type is the acoustic guitar’s weight. It is very light! This makes it great in many situations.

Martin OMC-X1E rear.

Neck

The neck on the OMC-X1E is also made of laminate. This is a black birch shaped into what Martin calls their performing artist’s profile.

This neck profile feels comfortable and is easy to play. Which was the intention of Martin engineering. We are happy to report that they nailed it!

The fingerboard is made from richlite. It contributes to easy playability, but it is also very durable. The fingerboard features 20 frets, which are all easily accessible thanks to the cut away in the body.

Overall, the neck is very comfortable and feels very durable. This is another great design by Martin for such an affordable Acoustic guitar.

Martin OMC-X1E neck.

Hardware

Martin is known for their quality acoustic guitars, this one is no exception. The hardware on the guitar is very good quality for the price point.

The tuners are a closed-gear design and hold tuning well. They feel great when using them and are quite smooth.

The nut and saddle are also made from higher-quality materials. The nut itself is made from Tusq and the saddle is black Corian. Both of these materials are durable, and it’s nice to see an acoustic at this price. Normally they are just plastic.

The guitar also features Fishman MX electronics on board. This will allow you to plug in and amplify the acoustic for maximum versatility.

Another sweet bonus is that the guitar comes with a gig bag! Leave it to Martin to really give their customers all that is needed in a modern acoustic!

Martin OMC-X1E guitar front.

Playability

The feel of the guitar is great! The performing artist’s neck profile is very comfortable, which is very fun to play. And because the guitar resonates as well as it does, it is inspiring to play!

The body size is also perfect. And because it’s so light, it is easy to get around and enjoy the music rather than try and balance a bulky guitar.

Be sure to also check out the higher-priced Martin SC-13E. This is also one amazing guitar if your budget allows for it.

Final Thoughts

The Martin guitar lines have always been high-priced and harder to get for some players. But because Martin makes such great guitars, they are always sought after.

Thanks to the engineering and new laminate wood technology, it’s now much easier to get into a Martin. What is cool about these lower-priced Martin guitars is that they have great sound!

The quality is still rock solid, and the hardware is all great stuff. While laminate stuff for some players is not going to fly, at this price point it is a must in order to own a Martin.

And now that we have had a chance to spend time with the Martin OMC-X1E, we are believers! The martin mojo is alive and well in this acoustic guitar. And what is even better, this guitar comes equipped with Fishman electronics.

A Martin acoustic with Fishman electronics for under $500? Amazing times we live in! This is one great guitar! If you can, get into one.