What body size is the Martin 00-X2E Cocobolo?

It features a '00' body size, also known as Grand Concert, which is smaller and shallower than a Dreadnought for improved ergonomics.

Is the top of the 00-X2E Cocobolo solid wood?

Yes, it features a solid spruce top, which provides better resonance and tonal development over time compared to laminated tops.

What is the back and sides made of?

The back and sides are made from High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) with a printed cocobolo wood pattern for aesthetic appeal.

Does this guitar come with a pickup?

Yes, it is an electro-acoustic model equipped with integrated electronics for plugging into amplifiers or sound systems.

How does HPL affect the guitar's durability?

HPL is highly resistant to temperature and humidity changes, making this guitar more durable and less prone to cracking than all-solid wood guitars.

What finish is used on the 00-X2E?

The guitar features a satin finish, which offers a smooth, non-reflective look and a comfortable feel on the neck.

What is the 'comfort edge' on this model?

The fingerboard edges are gently bevelled or rounded off to ensure a smoother feel for the player's hand while moving along the neck.

Is this guitar suitable for beginners?

Yes, its smaller body size and refined string spacing make it very approachable for beginners, though its features also suit intermediate performers.

How does the sound compare to a Dreadnought?

The 00 size has less bass response than a Dreadnought but offers a more balanced, midrange-focused tone that is excellent for fingerpicking.

What is the typical price for the Martin 00-X2E Cocobolo?

In the UK market, this specific model typically retails for approximately £749.

What is the benefit of the thinner fingerboard?

The thinner profile reduces the overall bulk of the neck, making it easier to wrap the hand around and reducing physical strain during play.

Does the guitar have any decorative appointments?

Yes, it features an elegant abalone pattern rosette and a striking cocobolo wood pattern on the HPL back and sides.

Gear article

Martin 00-X2E Cocobolo Electro-Acoustic

The Martin 00-X2E Cocobolo is a compact, small-body electro-acoustic guitar belonging to Martin's remastered X Series. It features a solid spruce top, cocobolo-patterned high-pressure laminate (HPL) back and sides, and integrated electronics for stage use.

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Background and Design

The Martin 00-X2E Cocobolo represents a modern evolution of the brand's X Series, focusing on making the iconic Martin tone accessible and road-ready. The '00' designation refers to the Grand Concert body size, which is smaller and more compact than a traditional Dreadnought or 000 model. This makes the instrument particularly suitable for players who find larger guitars cumbersome.

Constructionally, the guitar utilizes a hybrid approach to materials. It features a solid spruce top for resonant acoustic projection, while the back and sides are constructed from High-Pressure Laminate (HPL). The HPL is finished with a striking cocobolo pattern, providing the aesthetic of exotic tonewoods while offering superior resistance to changes in temperature and humidity.

Playability and Comfort

A primary focus of the remastered X Series is ergonomic improvement. The 00-X2E features a thinner fingerboard compared to previous iterations, intended to reduce fatigue during long playing sessions. The fingerboard also includes a gently bevelled 'comfort edge,' which smooths the transition between the side and the top of the neck.

String spacing has been refined to provide a more intuitive feel for both fingerstyle players and strummers. The satin finish on the top and neck further enhances the tactile experience, preventing the 'sticky' feel often associated with high-gloss finishes in humid environments.

Hardware and Electronics

The 00-X2E Cocobolo is an electro-acoustic instrument, meaning it comes factory-fitted with an under-saddle pickup and preamp system. This allows the guitar to be plugged directly into an amplifier or PA system for live performances. The acoustic aesthetic is complemented by an elegant abalone pattern rosette surrounding the soundhole, giving the guitar a premium visual character that belies its mid-range price point.

Sound Character

The combination of a solid spruce top and a 00-sized body results in a balanced, focused tone. Solid spruce is known for its clarity and 'headroom,' allowing the guitar to respond dynamically to the player's touch. Because the body is smaller, the sound tends to be less bass-heavy than a Dreadnought, offering a more prominent midrange that sits well in a mix. The HPL back and sides contribute to a consistent, punchy sound that remains stable across different environments.

Market Comparisons

In the sub-£800 price bracket, the 00-X2E competes with several other electro-acoustic models. It is more compact than jumbo-style guitars like the Gretsch G5022CWFE Rancher Falcon or the Guild F-2512E, making it a better choice for travel or smaller players.

Compared to travel-specific models like the Martin LX1E or Yamaha APXT2, the 00-X2E offers a fuller sound due to its larger (though still compact) body. For those seeking traditional solid wood construction, alternatives like the Sigma DTC-28HE exist, but the Martin offers the specific brand heritage and the durability of HPL construction which is absent in many all-wood competitors.

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Frequently asked questions

What body size is the Martin 00-X2E Cocobolo?: It features a '00' body size, also known as Grand Concert, which is smaller and shallower than a Dreadnought for improved ergonomics.
Is the top of the 00-X2E Cocobolo solid wood?: Yes, it features a solid spruce top, which provides better resonance and tonal development over time compared to laminated tops.
What is the back and sides made of?: The back and sides are made from High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) with a printed cocobolo wood pattern for aesthetic appeal.
Does this guitar come with a pickup?: Yes, it is an electro-acoustic model equipped with integrated electronics for plugging into amplifiers or sound systems.
How does HPL affect the guitar's durability?: HPL is highly resistant to temperature and humidity changes, making this guitar more durable and less prone to cracking than all-solid wood guitars.
What finish is used on the 00-X2E?: The guitar features a satin finish, which offers a smooth, non-reflective look and a comfortable feel on the neck.
What is the 'comfort edge' on this model?: The fingerboard edges are gently bevelled or rounded off to ensure a smoother feel for the player's hand while moving along the neck.
Is this guitar suitable for beginners?: Yes, its smaller body size and refined string spacing make it very approachable for beginners, though its features also suit intermediate performers.
How does the sound compare to a Dreadnought?: The 00 size has less bass response than a Dreadnought but offers a more balanced, midrange-focused tone that is excellent for fingerpicking.
What is the typical price for the Martin 00-X2E Cocobolo?: In the UK market, this specific model typically retails for approximately £749.
What is the benefit of the thinner fingerboard?: The thinner profile reduces the overall bulk of the neck, making it easier to wrap the hand around and reducing physical strain during play.
Does the guitar have any decorative appointments?: Yes, it features an elegant abalone pattern rosette and a striking cocobolo wood pattern on the HPL back and sides.