The Martin D-41 is nothing short of an incredible instrument. I played several of Martin's D-series guitars (D-28, HD-28, HD-35), a couple of their OM models (John Mayer and Eric Clapton signature models), as well as higher-end instruments from Taylor (model # slips my mind), Gibson (Advanced Jumbo), and a midrange Breedlove. Each of those instruments were great examples of what an acoustic 6-string can be, but once I played the D-41, I knew that my search for a keepsake-quality guitar was over. And I'll try to explain just how this guitar topped all other for my tastes.