Here we go again...
I am still laughing at this line...." I wouldn't give a fig for 90% of the Martins I've played - mostly because they aren't what I'm looking for, but also because I find them overpriced and overhyped." Well, I guess someone ought to tell the thousands of famous Martin players to dump their junk before someone notices their tone stinks. If anybody wants to sell me a pre 70's Brazilian Martin I'm offering decent money before everyone figures out what dogs they are....Look, this is all about opinions & you are all entitled to yours, but I sense a bit of overkill here. The GADs are EXCELLENT values for the money. I've said this before, but I've owned several Westerly Guilds, Taylors, Santa Cruz's, Martins, Lowdens. Laravees, a Tacoma DR-38 & others I can't remember. Is the GAD as good as any of them? Not sure. Maybe not, but it ain't no slouch. Bottom line is that I really like the tone of this guitar. It's different from the others, of course, but I can't honestly say "better" or "worse". On one day I might like a Taylor on another a Collings and on another a J-45. I will state one opinion: As far as I'm concerned these are the best sounding $500 acoustic guitars on the market. Guild can be proud to have it's name on them. I don't see how that has any effect on any USA made Guild out there, but I do sens a bit of paranoia creeping in on some of these posts. "OMG, if Guild builds really good imported guitars, my 74 D-55 might be devalued or efven worse, offended"...C'mon guys, just let your ears, not your emotions form your opinions.