Well now, having spent the last two hours reading the original thread (very good stuff!) I have to admit, I'm one of "those" guys...a Taylor picker. I fell in love with the sound of the 514C -- Mahogany back and sides, cedar top. Warm tone and responsive, incredible sustain. A truely great finger pickers instrument. I use Daddario phos-bronze lights, had it built with the broader neck option which fits my large hands. I did have a Fishman Matrix under-the-saddle pick up put in as I play the occassional large venue and can't stand still in front of a mic. I also have a Guild JF4-D...a big, heavy guitar, but easy to play.

I learned on a 1950's vintage Martin classical guitar, now in my brothers hands -- love the Martins for flat-picking, blugrass, Celtic dance tunes, etc., but for my reinforced finger nails...give me a Taylor every time.