I do know that if my average student started with any Martin, I wouldn't fix so many guitars and the instrument would serve them better than what most start with these days.

As for whether the first brand dictates future buying, lots of folks start with a crapola Yamaha and end up with a good Yamaha around here 'cause that's what's available, or they just have a soft spot for their first regardless of brand. Not in my case, I never again got a Suzuki acoustic or a Kent electric!

Peace, Mooh.