Funny, I was about to post a similar thread. What were Martins like in the 70's? I know Fender and Gibson electrics weren't great, but I know next to nothing about Martin acoustics from that period.

I'm also looking at treating myself to a Martin and have a budget of about £1800. Had a play of several at Westside's store in London on Saturday and the one I liked the most (within my price range at least) was the GPCPA4 Rosewood model. I tried a new D28 but actually wasn't that taken by it - lovely guitar, just not for me. The OOO28 was gorgeous, but too expensive and I would want to add a pickup. So I'm thinking that I should get what I can afford now and in a couple of years I can get my dream Martin (either an OMJM or a OOO28EC).

That said, I have seen ads here and there for 1970s Martins within my budget...