As the owner of one of the SPD16-K2 Koa models, I have to say that the tone of most Martins is pretty special, although there are some dogs out there. But Lionels rant about Martins price and set-up costs is, in the very best light, a tad ignorant.

1. Martin builds many levels of guitars which, considering the prices for equivelent models from other makers, (Tylor, Guild, Younameit, etc.) are right in line for the product you get.

2. If you've had any experience playing a guitar, you know that you don't want to have your guitar set up until you've had it for a little while. After some forty years of playing, I do know that I want my Bass E higher than is "normal" and I really do not need a low action, since in doing a three finger jig pick, the trebles will ring off the frets. But as to the exact amount, I want to play it for a while, and even then I go slow in lowering the action, cause you can't really replace the material you've taken when you've gone too low.

3. If I had a nickel for each parlor player who comes to a jam with a "fast" or low action, and was never heard from again, I'd be a rich man.