I've played a Martin 00017 for about 32 years,an old mahogany body with the best sound in the world, until last summer that is, when I found a Tony Rice Santa Cruz at a major discount (divorce) price. I couldn't put it down what a great sound. My first gig about 2 weeks later had the sound man complaining that it was too loud-could I please back the mike away from the guitar? My Martin is now permanantly in open tuning,slide is where it sounds best (great silde thread). I also spent two years looking for the perfect (for me) 12 string and purchased a Taylor 750 and I've been in love with it ever since.