hi

I agree with your point about what other people hear.
I used to p[lay a Martin D-18 and thought it had a great sound.

Unfortunately it got badly damaged in a road accident and I had to replace it quickly.

I couldn't afford a comparable Martin at the time and so after much looking and testing I bought a Yamaha FG-360.

I didn't think it compared with my Martin but I got used to it.

Because I had changed instruments I asked around at various gigs and not one person said that they could detect or notice any difference in sound quality.

I could but I experiment with different strings and I have to say that the mixture of Yamaha with Martin strings does make a big different to my own ears.

So it satisfies me and the others clearly can't tell any difference so why pay the extra money ???

One other point about the differences in some of the opinions about the quality of Martins' sound.

I have found that certain players sound better on different guitars...and buying a Martin is not going to make the buyer sound any more like his particular "idol".

I once bought a Guild when I was going through my John Denver phase...didn't work !!! lol

I now thrash away on my Yamaha and it satisfies me and as the people out there don't appear to be able to tell....so I'm a happy bunny.

happy playing

John