Mac may be accused of being 'cheap' by using local back-up bands - however, Bill Clifton fixed me and my buddies to back Mac for a couple of weeks touring here in England in the '70s. We had the experience of working with a master bluegrass legend, lots of fun, and oh, yes, he played a Martin D-35 that he borrowed from Bill. Roger Knowles ( late of Natchez Trace ) My 2 cents on the subject.