Pierre Bensusan's guitar sure sounds great but its a very old model. I have tried a few newer Lowdens that don't compare to that guitar. I have owned both Martins and Lowdens. I still have two Martins. It is futile to compare Martins and Lowdens though because the sound characteristic is totally different. If you want that American guitar sound you won't get it from a Lowden and vice versa. But it does make an interesting discussion!