For me, personally, there's NOTHING like a Martin.(we've been here before Taylor fans)I think some Martins are better than others; the old ones sound better b/c they've aged of course; and I'm not so happy Martin started making some 'student' models. But overall, I think Martin makes an inspiring amazing guitar- I don't really know personally if every great Martin I heard hand made, but I DO know that when a certain performer I love (initials BS) switched from Martin to Taylor, he lost half the resonance I prized.

I surely think the higher end Martins are high priced, but I think they are WORTH the price- NOT overpriced- it's just like the difference between an Aston Martin (hehe) and a Hundai. A good Martin is warm, resonant, easy to play, beautiful to behold and even the scent of the wood has sustain.

Took me a LONG LONG time to finally own a Martin, but every time I strum mine (as one poster said, even with old strings) I am elated.