The new "Cheaper" Martins are indeed great tools. Something of such quality but without the risk when taking them on the road, leaving them out in your shop, letting beginners learn on a quality instrument. My playing partner just bought the "Jumbo" from their "road series" and it's a wonderful instrument. Having said all that and even adding that one of the finest instruments I've ever played is the OM28VR (versatile and GORGEOUS). Please check the value in the solid wood guitars offered by Larivee. Their dreadnoughts are decidedly ugly (I think they ought to offer a sunburst version to mask the harsh lines) their other guitars are the very picture of taste, proportion, PLAYABILITY, craftsmanship, and they only improve with age. WHAT A VALUE!