Martin Unveils DXM Dreadnought
 July 10, 1998 C. F. Martin & Co. is proud to introduce the first in a series of patented new acoustic guitar designs, the bodies of which are constructed with high pressure laminated materials. With a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $599, the DXM model provides exceptional value for guitarists who want Martin's high quality construction, ease of play, and commitment to tone.
The DXM is not intended to replace traditional tonewoods, but rather to provide an extremely viable high quality acoustic guitar alternative in a price range never before addressed by the Martin Guitar Company. With ever dwindling wood resources, the DXM also provides an alternative to guitars constructed with more traditional tonewoods. Tonally, the DXM has surprising volume and projection while retaining the warmth and resonance for which Martin instruments have always been prized.
"The DXM is a natural evolution for the company," stated Chairman and CEO Christian F. Martin, IV. "Several years ago we realized that we needed to learn how to work with laminates. The DXM is the result of years of research. With the introduction of this guitar, we are able to offer a fine sounding and affordable instrument that combines the benefits of the new laminate material with some of our traditional materials, and our hallmark craftsmanship."
At the heart of the unique top bracing pattern is Martin's famous X-pattern, but the left and right quadrants of the X are reinforced with triangular panels of solid spruce. An unusual split bridge support plate utilizes half mahogany (on the treble side) and half East Indian rosewood (on the bass side). The specific configuration of these solid tonewoods on the interior of the top have a dramatic and positive effect upon the tonal characteristics of the instrument.
The top, back and sides of the DXM model are constructed of a wood-fiber derivative material laminated under high pressure. The outer surface is permanently treated with a mar resistant coating which serves as the instrument's semi-gloss finish. The rosette is Martin's famous herringbone pattern in black and gold, and a tortoise colored pickguard adorns the top.
The neck on the DXM model is constructed of solid genuine mahogany and features Martin's comfortable and fast low profile with a traditional 1 11/16" width at the nut. The fingerboard is without inlay except for the necessary side position dots. Tuning machines are chrome enclosed with chrome buttons.
Martin's legendary logo is tastefully placed on the mahogany grained mar resistant headplate. The DXM bridge includes Martin's new compensated saddle. The model is strung with Martin's widely acclaimed and long lasting "SP" strings. A hardshell case and electronics are optional features with the DXM.
As with all of the company's acoustic guitars, the DXM carries Martin's limited lifetime warranty to the original owner. The instrument incorporates two distinct patents: one that involves the exclusive and proprietary use of high pressure laminates for use on acoustic guitars and second patent that protects Martin's unique neck-to-body geometry and cantilevered A-frame top bracing pattern. A third patent covering the unusual interior bracing system is pending.
Martin Guitar dealers will begin to take orders for DXM model immediately, although due to extremely heavy demand for Martin instruments, this new and exciting model will not begin to appear in stores until the fall of 1998.
Specifications:
- TOP: High Pressure Laminate (Spruce) with Black & Gold Herringbone Decal Rosette
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TOP BRACING: Patented "A-Frame" Bracing Above Soundhole
Unique DX-Bracing with Scalloped X-braces, Patent Pending
Featuring Split Bridge Plate (50% Mahagony/50% East Indian Rosewood)
Plus Two Triangular Solid Spruce Panels on Lateral Sides of X Brace
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BACK: One Piece High Pressure Laminate (Mahogany)
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SIDES: High Pressure Laminate (Mahogany)
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NECK: Solid Genuine Mahogany
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NECK SHAPE: Low Profile with Adjustable Rod
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HEADPLATE: High Pressure Laminate (Mahogany) with Silk Screened Martin Logo in Mar-Resistant Gold
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FINGERBOARD: Morado (Bolivian "Rosewood") Inlaid with Side Dots
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BRIDGE: East Indian Rosewood With Ramps (Same As D-1 Style)
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FINISH: No Finish Required On Body Satin Finish On Neck
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BINDING: None
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BRIDGE & END PINS: White With Tortoise Dots
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SADDLE & NUT: Corian Nut, Compensated Micarta Saddle
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PICKGUARD: Tortoise Color
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# OF FRETS CLEAR: 14
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# OF FRETS TOTAL: 20
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TOTAL LENGTH: 40 1/2"
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BODY LENGTH: 20"
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BODY WIDTH: 15 5/8"
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BODY DEPTH: 4 7/8"
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NECK WIDTH AT NUT: 1 11/16" (2 1/8" Bridge Spacing)
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SCALE LENGTH: 25.4" Long Scale
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TUNING MACHINES: Chrome Enclosed with Chrome Buttons
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STRINGS: Martin SP-3100 Light Gauge Bronze Wound
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INTERIOR LABEL: Paper Label Identifying Made In USA Origin & Patent Numbers
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OTHER OPTIONS: Left-handed At No Additional Charge
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CASE: Available at Additional Cost
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AVAILABILITY: Stock Model As Of 1998 Version
For more information, visit their web site at www.mguitar.com. | 
