I was privileged to once own a Martin D-28, circa 1967. It had the great, booming sound you expect from a Martin Dreadnaught. I loved it dearly, but my wife and new baby twice as much. Hard times forced me to sell it. Times are far better, and have been for many years. My current love, however, is a Taylor. It gives me much the same sound quality but I find the fingerboard/neck easier to navigate, and with less pressure. It IS a subjective thing - my age and all, but works for me. Truth to tell, I spend more time with my Takamine classic these days and my son spends more time with the Taylor than I do.

I wish I had the budget to experiment with Larrivee, Seagull, Guild, etc., etc., ad nauseum. My next purchase, though, may well be a Loriente classic.