Acoustic Guitar Community
Menu
  • Home
  • Equipments
    • Guitar Pedals
  • Play Guitar
    • Chords and Tabs
  • Artist
  • Contact Us
Menu
Guitar DRS 2 Review

Guitar DRS 2 Review

Posted on May 30, 2020May 28, 2020 by lesley

Who said having a great guitar that combines the best of the two styles for guitarists is difficult? 

The Acoustic Electric Guitar Martin DRS2 it a perfect proof that it’s not. While it could only hold its ground as an acoustic guitar, it does not. Its electrical capacity makes it a versatile unit.

Most of all, the guitar received a lot of positive reviews. Many users praised it for its excellent playability and sound.

In the heart of guitarists everywhere the word Martin strikes powerful chords. With its remarkable history of producing good guitars … And in the music world it is well known that you have to pay a costly rate to get a premium quality.   

So the concern is, for the cost, is this guitar really a worthwhile investment?

Does it stay true to its claim that it is a solid acoustic-electric guitar? Or is it just one of those high-priced guitars that end up performing like cheap guitars?

Yeah, we’re about to discover that.

Martin DRS2’s Specifications

  • Dimensions: 9.2 x 47.2 x 20.5 inches.
  • Bridge: Black Richlite.
  • Neck: Rust Stratabond Fingerboard; Black Richlite.
  • Weight: 22.1 pounds.
  • Orientation: Right or left handed.
  • Saddle and Nut: White Tusq and White Corian.
  • Neck Shape: Modified low oval.
  • Electronics: Fishman.
  • Tuners: Chrome.
  • Finish: Satin.
  • Number of Strings: 6

Overall Guitar Construct Review

The Body Part

Martin DRS2 The body part

First of all, We want to thank Martin for such an excellent work on this instrument’s craftsmanship. Their DRS2 is a perfect example of the quality production of the brand. It comes with a range of fantastic features to suit your musical needs.

Every aspect of the DRS2 just shouts ‘premium.’

The DRS2 has full solid-wood structures. This material is same as higher-end guitars. You invest a bargain price, yet you gain excellent performance.

And what’s the big thing with sturdy spruce, why are so many guitar manufacturers love it?

Sitka spruce creates a really rich and descriptive sound with high volumes which in most tonewoods is unparalleled. It makes a wonderful dynamic sound of the Sitka spruce guitar!

And so it sounds so precise and simple to Martin DRS2. As well as the response contrasts well with far more costly guitars. Martin now picks another fantastic tonewood to back a Sitka Spruce guitar. Solid Mahogany Sapele on both sides and behind.

So, what will you get by mixing a solid spruce of Sitka with a solid sapele? Perfection, or at least anything really similar to it.

On the opposite,, the top, back and sides of the guitar feature A-frame ‘X-1’ Bracing, which is part of the ‘A’ bracing, mortise and tenon (and bolt) neck block… That ensures that the X bracing is not fastidiously scalloped and the dovetail is typically cut and balanced. Okay, that’s not exactly a critique, but it does help to understand why higher-end guitars are lots more expensive.

It’s why this guitar sounds so clear and accurate. And even low end answer is comparable to other pricey guitars.

The Neck

It’s a new trend to make your guitars slimmer and so you’re seeing a lot of guitars with slim neck these days.

The DRS2 embraces this pattern and retains a very compact, tapered, ergonomic design for a fully  comfortable feel.

The neck is a regular 25.4 inch made of selected hardwood and has a satin finish. It is also built of multilaminated strata for extra stability and resilience.

Martin settles down after having used more standard woods for back, side and top, with Richlite fingerboard, which is the More environmentally friendly source material.

I gotta say Martin’s design standard is undeniable.

The overall look of the guitar is further reduced by a black rich fretboard. As a result, you’re experiencing greater playability. In addition, the fingerboard is fitted with 20 frets and 28 dot inlays in white color.

Martin DRS2 the neck

The Strings

As an optional bonus, the strings are reaffirmed using a collection of chrome-enclosed tuner machines. It comes complete with the Fishman Sonitone electronics system. You don’t have to waste a lot of time messing around just to get the right pitch. This lightweight, plug-in electronics makes it much easier to achieve a great sound. Just plug in, and you’re able to get free.

The Hardware Of This Guitar

DRS2 is an electronic-acoustic instrument. So, yeah, there’s some technology to see for us too … The Sonitone of the Fishman is Martin’s electronic choice and sounds fantastic and features very intuitive tone as well as volume controls.

But what is really interesting is that the acoustic nature of the DRS 2 is not in every way impeded by this complex network of electronics.

Let’s have a little mess throughout the acoustics unit… The DRS2 contains 6 chromium-sealed tuners. They do an outstanding job of precisely tuning and keeping the guitar in touch.

The guitar’s bridge, same as the fretboard, built from Richlite, with white corain nozzles, Tusq saddles and six pre-strung Martins strings.. Within the sound hole there are two volume and tone control keys. Controls are designed to allow easy access

And yes, the hardshell case contains a decent quality to preserve this guitar nice and groovy for a looooong time.

Martin DRS2’s Playability Is Incomparable

Who doesn’t like a extremely playable guitar?

And Martin DRS2 delivers more than it does in this segment.

 As a consequence, it boasts a smoother transition from acoustic to electrical guitar. This suits well, too, and its operation is very easy to handle. This guitar plays like a true companion to guitar players of all sizes.

And to be honest, finding an inexpensive guitar that is already in place is almost impossible. Nonetheless, one such unusual example is here – Martin DRS2.

In reality, Martin uses its Plek system to set every guitar. And here’s a hint, you’d have a lot to pay yourself for that. 

How Does Martin DRS2 Sound?

Sounds awesome to the DRS2! All right, maybe not like his brothers, the D18 or the D15M. But it’s more than intelligible for this cost.

The electronics of the guitar add to the overall sound quality. They deliver a naturally louder and clearer sound that enhances your tones.

Sapele is known for its clear, enthralling tone compared to rosewood, for example (and mahogany for that matter), and combined with other spec choices, the ultimate impression is a vibrant guitar with a stoically fresh American voice.

The sapele guitar sides make for a deadly focused midrange with a broad sustain. It also adds the perfect amount of crispness to the tone of the guitar.

Martin DRS2 the strings

Strong bass, shimmering trebles, a spectacular dip in the middle: this is a Martin dread for sure. Low action will help you connect quickly-it’s good to pick and strum lightly-but bashers want a higher touch to really let those strings vibrate absolutely without the noise of the fret.

This guitar creates a standard modern, high-quality piezo tone when plugged in, with enough tone control range to be perfectly mid-scooped and hi-fi for strummers, or more mid-range for single-note accents. They work together perfectly to offer a well-balanced sound.

You may be sorry for the lack of mid-shaped bells or whistles, but the truth for a lot of occasional plug-ins is that they (we) really don’t use or appreciate all that material. Just set it up in the middle and let the sound engineer deal with it. No soundman, huh? Well, you can’t go a long way with only two knobs!

Now, time to find out the pros and cons of this models.

Martin DRS2 Review

Martin DRS2’s Playability Is Incomparable

Without a doubt, this bad boy is not a cheap instrument, but a mid-priced model. It offers a great deal of value at a fair price.

Pros

  • Sound is good for both acoustics and electrical applications.
  • Very inexpensive for what you’re going to get.
  • Arrives with a hardshell case to shield the guitar from external influences.
  • EQ is simple and the guitar can be tuned using electronics.
  • The bridge structure includes a white tusq bench.
  • Strong quality building with outstanding craftsmanship.
  • Made from solid wood that gives a wonderful sound.
  • Awesome Playability.

Things we don’t like

  • The stratabond material used in the neck is little heavy. The effect is a slight heaviness of the neck of the guitar. You’re bound to feel the weight particularly when you use the guitar while you’re standing.
  • The price can be very high for people on a tight budget.

Who Will Love Martin DRS2?

If you’re talking about spending a lot of money, Martin DRS2 is the guitar to go for. It is designed for price-sensitive matches. Of course, for those who are looking for a rich yet classic Martin sound at a fair price. This is also a travel-friendly, portable guitar due to its strong construction. And it’s not too picky when it comes to the type of music.

At a width of 1,69 inch on the nut, this guitar provides an simple playing experience. It’s easy for strumming, and it’s a perfect option for beginners. The tone is vibrant and articulate. That’s why it fits incredibly well in live show environments. Judging by its versatility, it caters even to strong finger-style matches.

Above all, it’s the perfect guitar update for players who want to make creative progress. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not suitable for professional players. Intermediate players, on the contrary, are the intended market for this instrument. Actually, it can withstand just about anything that a gigging musician might throw at it.

Verdict

My opinion, this is Martin’s outstanding guitar at a relatively affordable price.

It’s a fact that this guitar has captured the hearts of many beginners and skilled players.

Perhaps it won’t be dead gorgeous. However, the quality of handicraft in which this model is made is quite obvious.

And when it comes to sound quality, it won’t fail you. It’s got the symbol of Martin’s bright and clear sound.

All things considered, the DRS2 has outstanding acoustics, good electrics and a fantastic sound.

Being flexible, it caters to the needs of a wide variety of teams. It may be a little bit more expensive, but you’re going to get a lot of bang for your back.

Martin did a amazing job in making a fine guitar around  $1000? Comment bellow!

3 thoughts on “Guitar DRS 2 Review”

  1. Ante says:
    July 4, 2020 at 4:48 am

    Hi, I’m in Australia and want to buy new guitar. I tried to see on YouTube comparison between this guitars but It’s always one expensive guitar mostly Martin against less expensive one. They will be nice if we have comparison in this range.
    My choices are Blueridge BR-160CE ($1999), 140 ($1500), MARTIN DCRSG ROAD SERIES ($1999), MARTIN DCPA4 ($2199) GUILD D-150CE NAT WESTERLY OR YAMAHA A5R ($1999)? I can’t try this guitars because COVID situation, any advice or experience? Playing mainly fingerpicking blues or strumming some punk stuff, thanks.
    P.S. I got one good advice is about Bluridge, I’m not interest in re-selling guitar jut in sound.

    Reply
    1. lesley says:
      July 24, 2020 at 7:53 am

      Hello Ante,

      Sorry for the late reply. I’ve got a chance to try the Blueridge BR-160 and 140, so here’s a comparison: the BR140 is a solid wood mahogany guitar and the BR160 is an East Indian rosewood body with a Sitka spruce cover.

      To my ear, rosewood guitars sound a lot more complex, with more overtones than their mahogany counterparts. In the low-frequency component, they also appear to be just a little heavier. If you get a chance, try playing Martin HD-28 and that’s going to give you a similar sound experience. They are fine all-around guitars that can manage rhythm strumming very well, as well as lead lines.

      You might want to add Taylor 100 and 200 series, Seagull S6 and Breedlove to your list. High quality builds, sound, and play great.

      Reply
  2. Gustavo Woltmann says:
    October 21, 2020 at 3:21 am

    For the reason, it’s hard to pick just one guitar to recommend over another. What we have done with this round-up, however, is pick a selection from some of the best brands around. Fender, Gibson, PRS and Ibanez are all represented here.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Pages

  • Advertise with us
  • Our Resources

Lesley Homenick

Lesley has been in love with music since she was in high school. She started this blog as the place to learn the most precise and comprehensive details about the world of guitar!

After playing guitar for more than 5 years, Lesley became passionate about helping people select the instrument most appropriate for them.

She is pleased to share her industry expertise here at Acoustic Guitar Community.

Recent Posts

  • Difference Between Guitar And Ukulele Sound – Every Music Player Needs To Know
  • 9 Best Acoustic Album to Own on Vinyl
  • Guitar DRS 2 Review
  • Learning Guitar Vs Piano – Which One Suits You Best?
  • Best Reverb Pedal For Acoustic Guitar: Top 5 Options For Guitarist

About

  • About Us
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
©2020 Acoustic Guitar Community