Guitar playing audiophiles, Martin or Taylor?

I currently have 5 acoustic guitars, and have had owned many over the past 40 years. Agree with all comments regarding it being personal taste, and also that the variations between guitars of the same model can often be on the same scale as differences between different models / brands.

@coffee_nudge nailed it regarding lower-priced Martins.

Play a bunch of different guitars to see which ones "feel" right (how the fretboard and neck feel, and how comfortable your playing arm is draped over the guitar). And if you are just beginning and can’t yet play very well, bring someone who plays along with you so you can hear how the different guitars sound.

I personally prefer Martin over Taylor in the higher price points, but agree with many that the Taylor can be better value at the non-stratospheric end of the price spectrum. And definitely do not get a Martin just because everyone else has one.

My current favorites in my collection are my Lowden (hand-made in Ireland) and my Martin (mass produced in Nazareth)...

Neil Young is the current owner of Hank Williams' 1941 Martin D-28.

@bdp24

As you’re no doubt aware, Neil played a D45 live around the time of Harvest.

I recall an interview with Ry Cooder in which he described his D45 as a "piece of junk-- only good for playing slide".

For the record, I’ve owned two Martins and liked them both a lot. I might still play a Martin if they offered more models with the neck carve/nut width I prefer. 

Yes, guitars ARE very personal. My go-to brand (except for a 12 string) is Martin ... fuller, warmer, and more pleasing tonally to me than Taylor. I have a D-18v, a D-28, and an HD-28vs slothead. These are amazing guitars and have different characteristics from each other. For a 12 string, I have an older Guild JF-30-12 (double truss rod) made in Westerly, Rhode Island ... when I hit the first chord on it in the music store, the skies opened up and the angelic chorus from Heaven began to sing. I bought it in a heartbeat.

@rlb61 

I can relate to your enjoyment of hi-end acoustics. I have a Boucher BG52GM, which I prefer to Martins as it is still warm but clearer in the bass without emasculating the bass like so many guitar makers do who describe their instruments as "balanced". 

The OP's wife will be shopping at a much less exalted price point. The question will be whether she can find an inexpensive guitar that she finds comfortable and sounds good to her. 

@sscot1961 

So, did your wife find a guitar?????????