I agree there are many fine new guitars. Bought a Martin D-18GE earlier this year. Why? Because I liked the sound and I liked the name. When I bring it out, there is a mystique and people respond to it both visually and auditorily. Just like my Harley and my Boston Whaler. Are there better guitars, bikes and boats? Maybe, my personal opinion, it is in the eye of the beholder! Along with quality, the name does something for me. Does it make me a better guitar player, biker or boater? Probably not; but it makes me feel good about what I own and adds to the enjoyment of ownership.

Finally, I have never had anyone tell me my Martin sounds like a dud. They like to hear me sing and play. The instrument supports that, the rest is left up to me.

I believe Tony Rice could play any guitar and people would respond positively to his talent. While the rest of us would be scratching our heads and asking. " How did he make that plywood guitar sound like that?"