Kendall had a point, actually, even if he's also wrong.

The much-touted Martin quality-control did not seem very consistent in the 70's. My own '73 O-18 NEVER had correct intonation until a brilliant restoration/setup specialist totally--and invisibly--rerouted the saddle slot in 1993. It should never have left the factory like that, and had other defects as well! But now it's a lovely guitar and a family heirloom (cause my family kicked my ass when I tried to sell it off a few years ago).

I am confident that any 50's Martin, and probably any 70's Martin, that "sounds like shit" could sound great after the same specialist got ahold of it.

W-O