The Martin 00-X2E Cocobolo is one of those guitars that makes a whole lot of sense the minute you pick it up. Its compact 00-14-fret body is comfortable, approachable, and easy to handle, while the solid spruce top gives it the clear, lively response we expect from a Martin. Add the Cocobolo-pattern HPL back and sides, Martin's modern playability features, and built-in E-1 electronics, and you've got a guitar that's equally at home on the couch, in the studio, or plugged into a PA on stage. The 00-X2E includes a Martin softshell case.
The neck is built from select hardwood and features Martin's Performing Artist profile with a High-Performance Taper. The 1 3/4" nut width gives fingerstyle players plenty of room to work, while the 24.9" scale length makes the guitar feel relaxed and comfortable without sacrificing the familiar Martin experience. The select hardwood fingerboard has a slightly thinner profile with a gently beveled comfort edge, 20 frets, and Style 28 faux-abalone pattern inlays. Martin also Plek'd the fingerboard, giving the 00-X2E a very precise playing surface right out of the box.
The 00-X2E's compact Grand Concert body is built around a solid spruce top with scalloped X-bracing and Cocobolo-pattern high-pressure laminate back and sides. And yes, we should be clear about that: the back and sides are HPL, not solid cocobolo. That's actually one of the strengths of this guitar. You get the striking look of cocobolo along with a body that's considerably less fussy about being dragged around to gigs, rehearsals, campfires, and wherever else guitars tend to end up. The spruce top provides clear trebles and a warm bass response, while the smaller 00 body keeps the overall voice balanced and focused. The hand-rubbed satin finish, faux tortoise pickguard, and abalone-pattern rosette give it plenty of visual appeal without getting carried away.
The electronics are Martin's E-1 system, giving you a built-in chromatic tuner along with onboard volume, tone, and phase controls. That's a particularly useful setup for a guitar like this because the 00-X2E is built to be portable and versatile. Unplugged, the compact body gives you a comfortable, articulate acoustic voice; plugged in, the E-1 system gets you ready for the stage without having to add a pickup or external tuner. The modernized Sloped Belly bridge, White TUSQ saddle, and select hardwood bridge round out a straightforward setup designed for good response and comfortable playing.
If you're looking for a Martin that is easy to live with, easy to play, and ready to go just about anywhere, the 00-X2E Cocobolo is a really smart choice. Come play one—you may be surprised just how much Martin character comes out of this compact little guitar.
