Martin DM, most of time and like Mudlark I sing a bit, and like many singers, my playing ability stopped when I could accompany myself on most of the songs I wanted to sing (sad but true). Again like Mudlark an old 60's folkie I sing pretty well whatever, from 60's folk to a little rock (I belive much of the best rock will be folk music some day) a little blues some country and western. But in my opinion you should play whatever sounds best to you. Be it a 200 dollar fender a 3000 dollar martin or taylor or a 50 dollar no name you pick up in a yard sale.