Martin X Series DX1AE 12-String Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar - Natural / Mahogany HPL (Fishman Electronics / As-Is Project)

The Martin X Series DX1AE 12-string acoustic-electric guitar features a non-cutaway dreadnought body with a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany-grained High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) back and sides. It is equipped with a factory-installed Fishman Sonitone active soundhole preamp system, a multi-ply rosette, a tortoiseshell pickguard, and an aftermarket internal bridge doctor/belly reducer device.

Specifications & Technical Setup

Brand: Martin.
Model: X Series DX1AE 12-String.
Body Style: Non-Cutaway 12-String Dreadnought.
Top: Solid Sitka Spruce.
Back & Sides: Mahogany-Pattern High-Pressure Laminate (HPL).
Finish: Hand-rubbed natural satin top.
Neck: Rust Birch laminate neck with Performing Artist profile.
Fingerboard: FSC Certified Richlite with white dot inlays and 20 frets.
Scale Length: 25.4".
Nut Width: 1-7/8".
Bridge: Richlite 12-string bridge with compensated Tusq saddle.
Modifications / Additions: Internal bridge doctor / belly reducer installed to support the bridge and lower bout.
Electronics: Factory Fishman Sonitone active soundhole pickup system (rotary Volume and Tone controls).
Tuners: Chrome enclosed die-cast tuning machines.
Pickguard: Faux tortoiseshell.
Strings: Newly restrung with fresh D'Addario Extra Light (.009–.045) 12-string acoustic strings.
Action Measurements (12th Fret): Bass side: 9/64" (approx. 3.57 mm) | Treble side: 7/64" (approx. 2.78 mm).

Condition & Playability Note (Sold As-Is)

Cosmetics: The guitar is in clean overall cosmetic shape with minimal playwear, displaying only a few light handling dings and small surface indentations across the spruce top. The mahogany HPL back, sides, and laminate neck are in very good cosmetic condition with no cracks or splits.

Structure & Setup: The bridge remains firmly seated to the soundboard with no lifting or separation. However, the solid spruce top exhibits noticeable soundboard bellying behind the bridge plate. An internal belly reducer device has been installed to help stabilize the soundboard. The neck angle and top lift result in action that sits higher than factory specifications—measuring 9/64" on the low E/bass course and 7/64" on the high E/treble course at the 12th fret. While there is a slight amount of exposed saddle height remaining for minor adjustment, returning this instrument to factory low action would require top heat/flattening work or a neck reset. The instrument plays comfortably in the first position/cowboy chord range, but action gets progressively stiffer up the fingerboard. The guitar is being offered strictly AS-IS for repair, project, or open-chord/slide use.

Electronics: The factory-installed Fishman Sonitone electronics are tested and fully functional, producing clean, balanced amplified output across all 12 strings with smooth rotary controls.

Freshly restrung with .009–.045 extra-light strings, bench-checked, fully described, and sold as-is.