I am shopping for my first new flattop steel-string acoustic guitar in almost 50 years. I haven't even owned a flattop steel-string acoustic guitar in probably 45 years, just electric guitars (and basses obviously)... but it's time to get my sit-around-the-campfire-pickin'-and-a-strummin'-folk-songs hat on once again. I've ... ... more

I recently played the Martin, and thought it was a very nice guitar. Looking at the photos of the two guitars in question, I like that the Yamaha comes with a hardshell case (I greatly prefer those, especially for an acoustic guitar). I have not checked out the Yamaha so no comments available on that one regarding anything ... ... more

I would go with the Yamaha based on their build quality and reputation for building acoustics that hit far above their price point. IMO they have always made up in quality what they lack in a name. Martin, Taylor and Gibson trade on their history and long artist relationships while Yamaha just quietly make great guitars ... ... more

Just to pick up on a point from this post. I'm struggling to equate a value to the electronics. I'm thinking it will be acoustic only for 99% of the time... but then what happens when that 1% rolls around? Borrow someone else's guitar? But another guitar with electronics? Maybe it better just to pay the extra this time. ... ... more