I've taken the Martin tour many times over the years and it's always interesting but this last time...a year ago...seemed way less "homey" and more big factory/hi-tech. They've really expanded and even hire minorities like tatooed,pierced,and multi-colored hair folks. Years ago it seemed like all the guys were George Jones in the 70's types and had that redneck look.....which I don't mind....good ol' boys buildin good ol' toys. Not just the boys either,lots of mom's and grannys too.

Martin may have gone past the tipping point though trying to be all things to all string(s) players. They keep getting closer on the GE and authentic I guess but the neck profiles and neck finishes still don't feel right to me.

Just picked up the Neil Young Live At Massey Hall 1971 DVD/CD and remember why I love Martin D guitars. Was anybody cooler than Neil choppin away at his D-45? As a teenager in the 70's I used to get the Martin catalogues and stare holes through those pages while listening to Harvest and 4 Way Street. They had the one issue with the D-41 and D-45 in front of a silver Rolls and the 00-21 and 00-45 in autmnal foilage against a big oak or maple tree. Some of the best guitar pics ever. Heck, I look at those pics now and still want a 00-21 and D-45.Those were the days....