Martin Ed Sheeran LX-1E Plus Custom Left Hand 2013 - Sapele

Martin Ed Sheeran Signature “+” LX1E – 2013 – Sapele Top Left Hand

Here’s a lovely example of the original left handed Martin Ed Sheeran “+” Signature LX1E, the little guitar that became such an important part of Ed’s early career and helped establish the LX1E as one of the most recognisable compact acoustic electrics around.

This is the 2013 “+” version, now discontinued and becoming increasingly sought after by players and collectors alike. These early Ed Sheeran models have a real charm of their own and represent an important part of the history of one of Martin’s most successful artist collaborations.

The factory specification is particularly interesting. The LX1E features Martin’s Modified 0-14 Fret body, with a solid Sapele top, HPL back and sides, X-bracing and a 23" scale length. The neck is a Modified Low Oval profile with a 1 11/16" nut width, joined at the 14th fret, with a Richlite fingerboard and bridge. The electronics are Fishman Isys T, giving the guitar a very capable amplified voice. The original specification also included the distinctive Ed Sheeran “+” artwork and detailing.

The Sapele top gives these guitars a particularly pleasing acoustic character. There is a lovely balance between warmth and clarity, with a strong midrange and enough top-end definition to keep the guitar articulate. For a compact instrument, they have an impressively mature voice, working particularly well for songwriting, strumming and fingerstyle playing.

The 23" scale and compact Modified 0 body make the LX1E exceptionally comfortable to play, with a wonderfully easy feel under the fingers. Contemporary testing of the original Ed Sheeran LX1E praised its solid construction, neat finish, playability and impressive amplified performance.

Our example is in excellent condition and has a lovely, easy-playing action with plenty of good fret life remaining. It has been fully inspected in our workshop and everything is functioning exactly as it should. The guitar has a lovely balanced acoustic tone and is ready to go straight to a new home.

It also comes with a very good-quality semi-rigid Yamaha case which fits the LX1E particularly well, offering considerably more protection than the original soft gig bag.

These early Ed Sheeran Martins are no longer in production, and clean examples of the original 2013 models are becoming increasingly difficult to find. They remain hugely appealing little guitars in their own right, quite apart from the Ed Sheeran connection.

A great little Martin with a big personality — easy to play, wonderfully portable, beautifully balanced acoustically and ready for its next chapter.

A lovely example of a now-discontinued piece of Martin and Ed Sheeran history.