Two entries here: firstly, my brother found me a Mugen twelve-string for £2 at a car-boot sale. It’s an early Japanese Martin copy, and after a new set of strings and a cog for the tuners, I really cannot imagine that the Martin would sound or play any better.

Secondly, not the cheapest, but I found a Martin D18 at the back of a music shop. It was covered with dust, had professionally repaired damage to the back, and showed signs that someone had opened a can of beer too close to it (at least, I hope that’s what it was!) It sounded completely dead, but I took a chance and bought it as it was half the price of a ‘respectable ’ one. Luckily a set of new strings and a set-up brought it to life, and it has been much admired ever since.