I concur, Spike. (Just some background information) I owned a couple of guitars through my teen age years (Fender and an Ovation), but they had been purchased second hand. When I was in the service and could afford to buy my own toys, I saved specifically for, and purchased, my first (as I thought) "real" guitar, a D-28 Martin. It was a great guitar I have to admit; however, it did NOT make me a better player. The guitar, along with every other thing that was of value to me was lost in a fire in '81. I had decided to purchase another Martin, but, quite by accident, I mistakenly picked up a Sigma sitting next to a Martin. I played it and thoroughly enjoyed it. I hadn't realized that I wasn't playing a Martin until the owner came back to me and said, "For a knock-off, they're pretty good, aren't they?" I looked at him like he had three heads or something. (It should be obvious to you now that I am not a professional.) I know I play well, but the only person I've ever entended on entertaining was myself. It hit me right then and there that, if I couldn't tell the differance between this and a guitar that cost $2000 more, why should I pay that? I played a few of the Sigmas and ended up purchasing the DR-18. Everyone that has heard me play it (Mostly family) thinks its a great sounding guitar. I think so too. ...just some imput from a non-professional who enjoys playing.