I can agree with much of what you've said Jed. A lot of what people respect about Martins are their past - and we folkies do respect tradition. Let's face it - the majority of guitars built today are copies { and sometimes improvements } of designs that the Martin company pioneered. Having said that I think the biggest problem Martin has is that they try to be all things to all people. They've watered down the vision. And that's why I like my Collings so much. They make just a few models - and you can ask for some options after that to suit your needs.

I have a 1967 D-18 - I'm not sure that you ever had a chance to play it. But it has all the things I like about the old Martin company. Solid - built to last - and it can handle anything I throw at it. It was the first good guitar I ever owned - and it will be my last one too.