Martin proves that he is no pro. I am a working musician, and have played with some of the best. While I agree that there are certain brands that have a distinctive sound and a reputation for quality, any player worth his/her salt will tell you to never mind the name and go for the sound. This is why, in a blind test at Mandolin Brothers some years ago, a Yamaha was chosen for sound and action over the better names. Virtually every real pro that I have worked with, that had tried the Seagull brand, indicated that it is an amazing value for the money. The service is great, and they stand behind their product. The woods are hand selected, and the emphasis is on the sound. My working instruments are a vintage Guild 12 string, a Larrivee D-05, and a Freshwater Irish bouzouki. These are all wonderful instruments, and the Larrivee is an exceptional pickers axe. None of them have the warmth of tone, nor is their action any better than my Seagull was. I have played many Martins, and for the most part really enjoyed them. I owned several vintage Gibsons, and felt they deserved their reputation. None of them played any better than the Seagull. And the Seagulls sound (the most important factor) would stand with any of them.

Martin should go back to spending his money on toys that he doesn't seem to understand. But they probably look nice in his living room. I wonder if he is smart enough to keep 'em humidified and let real players play them once in a while.

Mick