I wouldn't part with my oo-21 for any money.

But what isn't being said here is that one guitar in the hands of one player will sound different in the hands of another.

Case in point: I have played Big Bill Broonzy's guitar on numerous occasions at the Old Town School. No way am I going to make it sound like Big Bill did it.

OTOH I make my guitar sound the way I play it and others have played it and not sounded the same. Some of them don't like it for themselves which is perfectly understandable.

The guitar is such a personal instrument that to try to standardize it is to miss the boat.

Martin Guitars are expensive because of their long reputation. Nowadays, there are makers who are just as good but it really comes down to the player.

Also, body type has a lot to do with it, size of hands, approach to the instrument....all the personal variables. The discussion here is almost a red-herring.

The guitar that works for you is worth what you pay for it.

Frank Hamilton