Tell us about *your* favorite brand - how did you get there?

As I relax this Sunday morning with my coffee, and see that our little corner of Digg sorts itself out, I wonder what your favorite brand of acoustic guitar is. We don't have a poll feature yet, but I'm interested to hear your guitar evolution.

My first acoustic was a no-name nylon Japanese cheapo that didn't last long. It was all electrics through high school, with a Fender acoustic (no idea what model) tossed in for the rare occasions I wanted to strum one.

In my 20's and 30's I began to really appreciate playing without any electronics or effects, so I expanded my acoustic horizons. When buying my first "better" acoustic, I went with a Blueridge BR-40 (sitka top, laminated mahogany back/sides). More recently, I explored the new Martin hybrids, so I got a Martin SC-13E, which plays phenomenally. I even got the Martin SC-28E version. Such a great hybrid. After having played Alvarez/Yairi instruments that I would borrow from friends, I eventually got one of their old-growth mahogany OMs, the FYM-60HD (original FST2 braced version). It's just a phenomenal guitar. Adi top, old-growth solid mahogany back/sides, hand-formed mahogany neck - just a.great instrument. And because I'm half-Japanese (lived there as a boy - mom was Japanese), I really wanted their OM made of indigenous Japanese tonewood - their FYM88KR - German spruce top, solid kihada back/sides. Kihada is an indigenous Japanese hardwood - often used for Japanese furniture. Yairi used kihada with the most beautiful flame, and that is apparently quite rare. I love the sound. And my last acquisition is by far my most expensive. It's a Santa Cruz OM Grand. Just a phenomenal instrument - Adi top, East Indian rosewood back/sides, koa binding. It's hands down the most articulate and clear sounding guitar I own (although the Yairi's are very close).

So of the guitars I own, do I have a favorite? Not really - they sound different enough that I use them for different applications. I'd have to say I'm not much of a Martin guy. If I had to pick, I'm more of a Yairi guy, I suppose. But of course, I'd be a Santa Cruz guy if I could actually afford more than one.

Anyway, just rambling as I drink my coffee this morning. What is YOUR favorite acoustic brand or buiilder? There are so many excellent builders these days - Bourgeois, Atkin, Gallagher, Froggy Bottom, Collings, Larivvee, Yamaha, Taylor, Gibson, Martin - how to choose?!?

What is the brand that is YOUR favorite? I'm interested to hear it.

Cheers, all. Hope your weekend is going well.