For what it's worth, I just spent 3 weeks helping my friend pick a d28 martin ( i.e. I had to play them and tell him which one!!) a guitar I've been meaning to buy for the last 25years. I had at the same time to put in my 1979 SIGMA DM2 in to a very special local luthier to be "fettled" for the first time in it's life. - Result was , the "God" of guitar work said he had never heard an instrument sound as good for years ( he looks after very very expensive top end stuff for famous people ) and he desperately wanted one. I told him about the martin I wanted and his words struck a bell - "It aint what it says on the headstock, it's the sound and how it suits you" - Very true I think. He also told me I would have to spend a GREAT DEAL of money to buy a vintage martin to match the sound. This man makes guitars ( acoustic ) and mandolins etc so he should know!!!! I sometimes wonder if people need a "confidence thing" and buy the name because they feel it will make them play better. Oh yes, the d28?? Nah thanks, my sigma really does sound as good, so I'll spend the £1500 on the wife and get lots of points!!!
TTFN

Spike