".. 'last time I checked, Rolls Royce didn't make an economy model and they're still in business. "
--Actually they went bankrupt in the '70's and they were split off from Bentley and both divisions sold. I think Toyota owns the Rolls Royce car division. Volkswagen owns Bently. Or the other way around. THe RR aircraft engine business is still British.

Back to guitars: I own a Martin DXM. The neck and the bridge is wood. I think. Everything else is man-made. And I love it. It is what it is. It will never mellow with age. It will not increase in value (I suspect). But it is rough as a hockey puck and I can bring it into crowded rooms without fear of dings or dents. It is eay to play and does hasve an acceptable tone. And I could afford it.

Thanks you Martin compnay for decanting my guitar.