Singer-songwriter Dirk Schwenk told us about his Martin love.
Dirk Schwenk: I am definitely a KISS principle musician. I don't like worrying about gear failing; I don't like worrying about user error. I also don't like gigging with gear that I can't afford to break or lose - because I break and lose stuff.
My current plug-in acoustic is my absolute favorite I've ever had. It's not sexy or a collector's piece but it stays in tune, sounds great and I never worry about it getting stolen. It is the Martin DX1RAE, made in Mexico with Martin's HPL wood back and sides and the Stratabond neck.
Mine is the unfinished solid spruce top, which gives it the warmer tone I like. I replaced the Fishman electronics with the LR Baggs Lyric acoustic microphone system (Sturgill said to!), but other than that, it's what came out of the box. I've got a few other acoustics, but my next purchase will be another DX1RAE so I have a back up. It's just a super solid, affordable workhorse.
Dirk Schwenk's album Bring That Back is out now.
Photo by Ahren Buccheister
