[Huck]

To tell you the truth, I have been unimpressed by both Martins and Taylors. I am not an expert or anything, just an avid picker who's been playing guitar for over 20 years. I think it may be their price points.

I was shopping for acoustic dreadnoughts in the 1000-2000 dollar range. Fact is, for Taylor, that's their low end stuff. I think maybe you pay too much for the brand name. Taylor has 4000-6000 acoustics, which may be great, but I ain't paying that much for one.

Same with Martins. All I can say is I picked em up and played em and hated em. Laugh if you want, but in the end I got a Tacoma D-18 dreadnought for 900 bucks (it's all american, btw) and I love the sound, the feel, and the customer service at the factory. I love the guitar. It may not have the cache, or the resale value, but my ears liked it better than the expensive brands.

[bk1000]

"but my ears liked it better than the expensive brands"

And that's really what its all about. Some of the older Martins have a magical sound. Some sound average. I don't know if it a rule for each model or if much of it is in the hands of the luthier. I have been wanting a Martin for years. I'll get sooo close, and then buy another electric.
Two years ago I went to Madrid and got a sweet flamenco style guitar. Good price, excellent everything. Problem is my right hand. Some on this thread are comparing apples and oranges when comparing electrics to acoustics. The latter is more of an art to create while the former may be easily mass produced. I've seen American strats that were real dogs. Sorry about the long rambling reply, but this is the first guitat related thread I've seen on FR!

[Buffettbassman]

Guys...buy a high end Takamine....you'll never pick up another Martin or Taylor

[singletrack]

Nice choice.Tacomas are great. I was messing with their acoustic bass at the music store the other day and was impressed with the sound and value ( less than $600).I've had Larrame (sp?) guitars come highly recommended but I don't have any personal experience, so you might keep an eye peeled and tell me what you think.I'm playing a 1977 Takamine dreadnaught, one of the lawsuit guitars. The copies were so good that Martin sued and WON. Had the guitar for 25 yrs now and i still love it. Names are nice, but it always comes down to you and the guitar.