Gibson? Martin? Taylor?

Buy one of each, you know it makes sense.

I agree that you should play as many models as you can and see which one appeals to you the most. I'm partial to Martins but that's because I have a long history with them. I have a Martin 16 GTE that's a really nice acoustic electric. Doesn't have near the acoustic projection as other Martins, but I play it mostly in church while plugged in...has a great sound!

Taylors and Gibsons are also outstanding instruments. I can ever afford it then my next acoustic will be a Gibson CJ-165...played a couple and just fell in love with it.

My advice would be to not limit yourself to just the higher end guitars, Martin, Taylor etc... Look at some of the less expensive models that come up on this site. I own two Martins but on a dollar for value and playablitiy I really think my Seagull, at one tenth the price, is a better deal, not a better guitar but dollar for dollar a better deal.

The other advice I would give is to really look at getting an acoustic that has an electric hook up. If you are spending money on a high end guitar you may hesitate to put holes in it in the future. This, of course, depends on how you plan to use your guitar but in my case I have decided I need to use an amp at gigs but I refuse to drill any holes in Martin. I now have to decide whether to just mike the guitar or get another acoustic with a hook up on it.

as an aussie who plays a martin and larrivee - both excellent guitars with very different characteristics - I agree its essential to find and play the guitar that suits your style of playing.  As an alternative to american made guitars, there is an auussie maker called Maton who make great guitars but not nearly as expensive as martins, gibsons etc.  Tommy Emmanuelle plays Maton guitars.

I play my Old 1974 Takamine F310 alot, I take it outside,also my Takamine F385 12 string. But when I wanta get serious I get out My Martin 12X1 12 string, or my Martin 00C-16DB or my 414CE Taylor. All are good Guitars! Donnie!

You can go a pay $10,000.00 for the top of the line guitar and that will not make you play any better. Figure out your style of playing, set a dollar amount you want to spend (and can afford), don't get in a hurry, and try out everything you can get your hands on. There's good quality out there in most major brands and you would not go wrong with any of them. Pick out something that suits you and be happy. I can still play my $750.00 Takamine right next to a Martin and KNOW I'm getting just as good a sound.

Nela

I reckon you cant go wrong With a Taylor i just bought a 214 and its the bomb, love its slightly jangly sound and the neck and fretboard are silky smooth.

well i think the guys r absoulty rite...you gotta buy somthin yu r comfotable with....it dosent matter wat guitar yu buy...dont see the big names....i use pluto acoustic guitar...which has recently come in to the world of guitars....i even dont know how many of yu have even heard of that name!!

I always look in many pawn shops for an acoustic guitar. There are lots to try out because guitars are a frequently pawned item.
I would prefer a beat up guitar that plays well to a pretty looking one.
I found a Kent classical guitar for my sister that looked new and played like a dream. Kent is usually a dog but this one was really special. Sometimes even an offbrand guitar has it together.