I got my first guitar in 1950. A Gene Autry model (wish I had it now) and I have owned some of the best, Guild, Martin D-28 a Mossman a Gibson j-45 (1956) and, when I encountered a Taylor 810, I sold the Martin, gave away the Gibson, and believe it or not, I will put my Taylor up against the best Martin you can drag out. I also have a hand made 12 string built by Nick Apollonio of Rockport Maine, and, in my not so humble opinion, it is the best sounding 12 string I have ever heard. It also plays like butter.