Road trip to The Music Emporium just outside Boston. For my two cents is hard to beat a good D-18 in that price range. Or possibly a nice used D-28 at the upper range. Best of luck!

You do road trips. Being located between NYC & Boston you have more options than most. :up:

My other problem is, I seem to be busy all the time. Sneaking away for a day to guitar shop is low on the family list of priorities.

I guess the only remaining solution is to establish relationships with Martin dealers via telephone and spend some time determining which has both the guitar you want and seems to best understand your guitar desires. Of course most dealers would be able to order a guitar for you, but there's no substitute for someone at the dealership already having the guitar in-hand.

I was going to say D-18 or J-45. Find somewhere that has both and compare. You can find used ones in your price range, and new ones for not much more.

If you can't find time to go play them, find a place with a good return policy and order both and have them send to you. Play them for a few weeks (or whatever the dealer allows) and keep the one you like best. Or maybe just keep both!

The local GC has both so I was able to play them side by side. Based on those two examples, the j45 edges out the D18 for me. The Js neck - a slim taper? - was more comfortable. The D18 seemed to have more of an open grained finish which I dont like.
I already have a Martin, although it's a 000. It would be nice to have something completely different.

I dread shopping too...mostly with my wife though...

Swampy,

I don't know where you are in Southern New England, but it is a pretty small place :)

Whole Tone Guitars in Glastonbury, CT always has a good selection of acoustics in stock, including lots of Martins. Nice shop.

Martel Music in Plainville, CT has fewer but they do seem to come across some interesting used pieces.

I've not been to Acoustic Music in Guilford, CT but I hear very good things about them.

They all seem to list new and used inventory on their websites.

Happy hunting. My 2 cents, if I wanted a dread at your price point I'd be looking for a used D-35. I've played a few and they were wonderful.

You won’t get to play it, but a J45 from Chicago Music Exchange is an option.
Their return policy is pretty liberal and you can get a good deal.

another vote for the music Emporiim. good selection and competitive pricing

Dude, I dread shopping too. Buy Mrs. Fly is very insistent that I come. Apparently, she needs help with the heavy stuff.

I dread shopping as well.

I recommend trying a Guild D40 before you commit to a used Martin or Gibson. You may be one of the folks that prefers Guild.

Hi Swampyankee!
Like you I do not get much chance to go Guitar gawking.
I have scheduled off for my birthday later this month to go to Lexington (the big city for me) and try out the guitars. My main desire is to try a Taylor 327. You may want to try one of those before you close you wish list completely.
Good hunting.
whvick