Dangeed, ol' bobert going to have to weigh in on this one. I've got 8 or 9 guitars, including Fender and a Gibson acounstics and I like my 1964 D-18 best for performing solo. The tone is full and allows me a lot more flexibility with my vocals. I'm not trying to cover the short comings of the instrument. Hey, nothing against anyones personal choice. I just like the sound and SPIRIT of my old Martin. I've been playing it in open G recently and sliding it and it still sounds good. What can I say....Bobert