I got a shop worn tw173 for about 60% of retail. The nearest equivalent cheaper Martin would have cost me 6 or 7 times as much.
I had played one a few years earlier and have tried lots if other parlours at that price point since - but none had matched it. it's cedar topped and solid mahog back, with lam sides. Specced by Uk company and made in China I believe.
Everyone that plays that guitar is blown away by it - the setup, the sound and the playability. Side by side comparison against a (well setup) Marin I guess it might not be quite as good although I haven't played a new Martin in the shop that plays as well. Sound wise it'd be close as well but without a Martin being there to compare A/B against - it's easily forgotten with the fun being had (unless one has OCD)...
Another plus point also was the ding factor - wasn't too worried having it out the case with a toddler running about. I sold my J45 shortly after and it's now my main guitar...
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