Very good post, JP.

I really question the idea that a kid who buys a cheapo learner level Martin is going to be enticed into buying a D-28 after he gets his chops together. Suckering someone into buying a piece of crap does not produce brand loyalty. It seems to me that he's more likely to reject Martin's high-end guitars because his perception of their product line has been tainted. The kid who learns to play on a cheap Martin is probably gonna buy a Taylor when he gets ready for a real guitar.

Bruce