Peter,

I own both Martin and Taylor guitars. Both are great guitars but understand that Taylor has a 1-3/4" neck and Martin has a 1-11/16" neck, (at the nut). This may not seem like much, but it can make a difference in the playability.

Both are great guitars, but make sure you like the wider neck of a Taylor.

Martin still has a better acoustic sound, and that's up to the person listening, but that's my opinion.

I really wouldn't consider another brand than these two.

Bob

Bob
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http://soundcloud.com/bobcflatpicke/music-in-the-mountains