I was playing at a local benefit concert recently and a local music prof made a point of coming over and telling me that I had one of the most beautiful and rich sounding guitars he'd ever heard. Not bad for $300, that's what I paid for my '76 D-25M with hardshell case brand new, right about 30 years ago.
She sounded sweet then, and she sounds sweet still. At the same music store that day, I played Gibsons and Martins, but they were $500 and $600+, and frankly I liked the Guild best because it blew the others away on sound, and the woods and workmanship on the Guild appeared nicer too. The Guild was heavier and just appeared like it was going to fit my lifestyle better, I needed a guitar I could take to campfires and not have to worry about it. 30 years of history tell me I made the right choice that day.
But that is merely a snapshot of what was happening in 1976. There are many many Martins and Gibsons I would love to own that are from other eras.
Right now I'm most impressed with Martins, but they don't exacxtly give those darn things away, do they? I also love the Collings I've played, but they not cheap either.
In my humble opinion, Gibson has been having quality problems the last couple years and I'd stay away from them for awhile.
And as nice as some of the Taylors look and sound, I agree they're overpriced, and of 5 friends who have Taylors, all 5 have had some serious problems, mostly having to do with top cracks.
The new Guilds from Tacoma are looking and sounding real nice