The CEO 4 is fantastic. I just recently bought one. I have a 14 year old HD-28 and I like it "maybe" even better than the HD-28. It is mahogany back and sides with an adirondack spruce top. I think the top is the reason it sounds so well. It seems more balanced than the 28 --not as "thumpy" on the Bass side, yet it has plenty of bass.

When I went to buy it the dealer had a 10 year old D-18 which I took and laid them both side by side on the floor and had a friend just play the open strings through--everyone in the store was amazed at how much better the CEO 4 sounded compared to the D-18, and I am an 18 fan. If you can get one in the $1500 range you have a great deal and a great Martin guitar.