Hot or Not? Incoming Birthday NGD!

[MonkeyZero]

I have been given permission to go pick out a "forever" acoustic for my birthday (Oct 2nd).
I played a Martin D18, Martin D16E, Taylor 224dlxce and one other Martin that has to be some special edition because I can't find it online anywhere. It has brushed nickel tuners, what we think is a cedar top and Mutenye back and sides with a flat grey binding. Beautiful guitar. They are all so similar I can't decide. The Taylor is not as bright as most Taylors which I like. It's all Koa so that seemed to tame it a bit.
I like the 16E because it's a dreadnought body with a 000 depth. Very comfortable to play but I don't mind a full dreadnought.

What else should I be looking at? I like Spruce and Rosewood, Spruce and Mahogany or anything that's going to give me a deep, rich tone. I play mostly modern music (Pumpkins, Radiohead) but I do enjoy Simon and Garfunkel, CCR, Crosby Stills and Nash, etc.

Any thoughts?
Budget is $2500 or less. And I need to be able to play it before buying. I don't roll with online ordering for an acoustic.

 

[Help!I'maRock!]

My only thoughts are buy the one you connect with. Forget about specs. Make sure the neck angle is good and has lots of saddle, though that’s less important with Taylor, due to the bolt on/shim system. Setup is super important because it affects the overall dynamic range of the instrument. And don’t necessarily discount the ugly ones. Sometimes they’re cannons.

 

[Gary Blanchard]

Yep, don't get hung up on brand. Go for what feels and sounds right to you. If you get a chance, check out the Guild guitars as well.

 

[Tig]

Yes, go by pure sound and feel. You'll find one that rings/sings like an angel.

 

[Dogsinplastic]

Yep, don't get hung up on brand. Go for what feels and sounds right to you. If you get a chance, check out the Guild guitars as well.

This is the way to go.

Try some Gibsons and even the Yamaha Red Labels if available...they're all solid woods and the 5s are made in Japan. The best solid wood Taks and Yairis are also made in Japan and are generally as good as their American counterparts. Larrivee is also an excellent North American brand. From Taylor, if you're looking at Dreads, check out the Grand Pacific models. FYI, everything from Taylor below the 300 series is Mexican made and generally uses laminates, which may or may not matter.

At $2,500 your options are quite open

 

[MonkeyZero]

I bought it! Martin D16E. 2017. Custom Shop Designed. If my research is correct these were only made in 2017. American Sitka Spruce top. American Sycamore back and sides. Ebony fret board and bridge. Bone nut. Tusk bridge saddle and pins with mother of pearl inlay. 1.75 nut. Schaller satin pearl (think pewter) open tuners. Satin pearl binding. Orange stripe rosette and outline. I've never seen a guitar like it and it plays beautifully. Super mellow.
Dreadnought body, 000 depth.
I'm very happy.

 

[MonkeyZero]

Fishman Matrix VT Enhanced electronics. All sound hole controlled. The enhanced pickup allows for more body percussion sounds.

 

[Bob411]

HNGD