I may have been lucky, but my Martin DM12 plays (and sounds) the pants off any other 12 I have ever owned or played (including Eko Ranger, Gibson B45-12, Takamine, Yamaha, Washburn, Guild, Maton and Martin D28-12). Mine is a factory 2nd (!) but after 3 years, I have found no shortcoming, and it only cost me around GBP600 including HSC.

Play as many as you can, don't rush the purchase and keep an open mind, you can often find unexpected bargains.

Trying to remember what make George Papavgeris (El Greko)'s new 12 is, because that's a nice guitar to play.

Alan