Thankyou folks all for hints and tips. Since I last logged on I broke a string. Guess the store left the same set on for ever, oh well. Replacing strings can be a pain.

The store did not have the exact set recommended but the nearest one - 7 bucks - Marquis Lights would be fine. It is and sounds even better with fatter strings on the bass end. Maker says one can fit any Martin with up to medium gauge. So the unsuited Marquis are no problemo. I don't like the heavier action but the sound is better.

Murray! Thank You for the link and I am sorry that your experience with a DM was not as you expected. As I already said not once but several times I have never played a Martin that I liked untill this one and when I did play it I did not realize it was a Martin till I looked and read the name off the headstock. My experience with them was that I could not get them to sing for me, at least the way I wanted them to. This one does! Also this box reminds me of one of the best sounding acoustic boxes I heard on stage - Everet - of Atlanta Ga.

I do not think that a good Guitar has to be any particular make - but I do know that one can pick up a box and be very very impressed - it does not have to be a famous maker it could be local maker who does not have national exposure.

I do think one can find a great box by any maker if there is lots of time to search and be objective. That is how I got the Fender I used have. It was a rare bird but I bet there are more like it.

Bringing in cash for gigs, it matters not what you do it on. I recall playing a Korean Banjo in a folk band. We got a good following. Folks did not say 'oh look at the Banjo Make' They mostly said 'who's round is it, this is a great night out!'