Welcome back, fellow guitar enthusiasts! Today, I’m diving deep into what might just be one of the most controversial guitars Martin has ever produced—the Martin DJr-10E StreetLegend. This guitar has sparked a lot of debate in the community, and I’m here to dissect it piece by piece. From its unique reliced burst finish to its modern sound profile, I’m excited to share my thoughts with you. So, if you’ve been curious about this guitar and whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash, stick around!
The Controversy Behind the Design
Right off the bat, let’s address the elephant in the room: the reliced burst finish. Some love it, some hate it, but one thing’s for sure—this finish is a bold statement. It’s designed to give the appearance of an aged guitar, but as I’ve learned through my experience, it’s not just about looks. It’s about sound, feel, and how it fits into the modern musician’s toolkit.
As I play this guitar, I can’t help but feel that it’s a mix of old and new. The relic finish gives it character, while the rest of the guitar feels brand new. It’s a puzzling combination, but it’s one that intrigues me. Is this a clever marketing ploy, or does it genuinely enhance the playing experience? Let’s find out.
Sound Tests: Mic’d, DI, and Amped
To really get to the heart of this guitar, I’m going to test it in three different ways: mic’d up, through a direct input (DI), and plugged into my Orange acoustic amp. Each method reveals different qualities of the guitar’s sound, so let’s get started!
Mic’d Acoustic Sound Test
For the mic’d test, I used the Lewitt LCT 140 Air, a small condenser mic that captures the nuances of the guitar beautifully. I positioned it about six inches away from the guitar. My first impressions were that it had a very bright and produced sound. The clarity and note separation were impressive, which is somewhat unusual for a Martin guitar, traditionally known for its warmer tones.
This guitar leans more towards a modern sound rather than the vintage tones associated with models like the D-28 or D-18. It’s clear that this guitar is built for the modern musician, and it feels modern too. While the front sports that relic finish, the rest of the guitar is brand new and pristine.
DI Sound Test
Next, I plugged it into the DI to see how it performs in that setup. I added a bit of reverb but held off on any EQ adjustments to keep things raw. The sound through the DI was different; it still had that piezo character but felt more versatile. It’s important to note that while I enjoyed this sound, I was aware of the inherent limitations of a DI setup. It’s a good option for live performances, but typically, you’d want to EQ this sound for the best results.
Amped Sound Test
Finally, I plugged it into my Orange acoustic amp. This is where the guitar really came alive. The sound was vibrant and engaging, and I found myself getting lost in the groove. The tonal range was impressive, and while I noticed some lacking in bass, it’s important to remember that this guitar is more parlor-sized than dreadnought. It’s lightweight and very playable, making it perfect for those long jam sessions.
Strumming vs. Fingerpicking
When it comes to playing styles, this guitar seems to favor fingerpicking over heavy strumming. While it can handle strumming, I found that it shines with more delicate playing. The note separation and clarity really come through when you take your time with each note. I also noticed that my heavy-handed strumming could overpower the guitar, which made me realize it’s better suited for a lighter touch.
Under the Hood: Specs & Tuner
Now, let’s take a closer look at what’s happening under the hood. The specs of this guitar are quite interesting. The top is made of solid spruce, while the back and sides are constructed from sapele, giving it a mahogany-like feel. The neck is a select hardwood that feels smooth and comfortable in hand, and the bridge is made of FSC-certified rich light.
One of the standout features for me is the angled tuner. It’s positioned perfectly for the player, and you don’t have to awkwardly look down at the body of the guitar. This small detail really enhances the playing experience, making tuning not just easier but more intuitive.
Weight and Feel
In terms of weight, this guitar comes in at about 1.8 kilos or roughly four pounds. It’s lightweight and easy to handle, which is a big plus for those who might be using it for extended playing sessions. The feel of the guitar is very smooth, with a satin finish that’s pleasant to the touch. There’s no gloss to it, which adds to the vintage vibe while still feeling brand new.
The Price Point: Is It Worth It?
Now let’s talk about the price point. This guitar sits in a competitive range, and I can see some people questioning whether it’s worth the investment. My take? If you’re looking for a Martin that stands out, has a modern sound, and offers a unique playing experience, then yes, this guitar is highly recommended. If the reliced finish doesn’t appeal to you, there are other models in the Junior Series that might be more up your alley.
Final Thoughts
To wrap things up, the Martin DJr-10E StreetLegend is not just another guitar; it’s a bold move by Martin that’s designed to cater to modern musicians. Whether you love or hate the relic finish, there’s no denying that this guitar has a lot to offer in terms of sound and playability. For those looking for something that combines the heritage of Martin with a contemporary flair, this could be your new go-to instrument.
So, what do you think? Are you on board with the relic vibe, or do you prefer a more traditional look? Leave your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out the links in the description for where to get your own Martin DJr-10E StreetLegend. Until next time, keep strumming!