I always promised myself that, when I became seriously rich,(i.e. no worries about the mortgage) I would by myself a Martin.(I would tell you the reason why but it might sound like name dropping) So, when the day came, I went down to the music store and played every guitar they had including several Martins - the result, I bought a Landola. A jumbo, much larger than I had planned and very blonde. The reason was (and is) it is so easy to play and sounds really nice - a bit trebly for some maybe but I play with a Lowden guitarist and that is bassy so we hit the whole spectrum.

Oh, and it is about £300 cheaper than the Martin and comes with Fishman pickups and pre-amp built in. I also play a Freshwater mandolin and the tale there is similar in that I played all the Guilds etc in the shop and the Freshwater had such a mellow tone and delivered really well that I couldn't resist.