MG, Martins aren't famous for their classics now, but there was a time (about the time you were in diapers) when, if you couldn't afford to shuck out $700 to $1,000 for a Herman Hauser, a José Ramirez, or a Manuel Velazquez, you could count on a Martin classic to be a darn nice instrument. My first classic was a Martin 00-28-G, with a spruce soundboard, beautiful Brazilian rosewood back and sides, and an ebony fingerboard. $225 with hard-shell case (all prices have changed a bit since). Very good sound and nice to play. My Oribé is a better instrument by far, but I often wish I still had the Martin. It was a very good "living-room guitar."

D-Models seem to be favored by bluegrass and country musicians, and with good reason. If you're playing in, say, a bluegrass group, they work well for rhythm or laying down a strong bass. But they're kind of specialized:   bass heavy and light in the trebles. I wouldn't want to use one for accompanying solo voice, which is what I do most of the time.

Thanks for the reminder. I haven't had a corned beef sandwich in a long time. White bread and mayonnaise? Don't be ridiculous!

Don Firth