I just traded in a Takamine that I bought in 1980 for $60 for a Martin DR - Rosewood Dreadnought - and I suffered a pang or two.
I could have kept ol' Faithful, but I realized I wouldn't play it - once I held the Martin in my arms, there was no question in my heart or mind or whatever part of you it is that decides who and what to love. Better that old Faithful should have a little work done on him and go on to bring joy to some other new or poor aspiring musician, than sit at home, bereft and neglected...