This is a tale of two guitars meant for different styles of playing. Both have merits, but one stands above the other--and based on cost it should.

Both the Martin D-15 and the Guild GAD 30 Orchestra Models will set you back less than $1000. In the case of the Guild, significantly less; it lists at $899 and you can find it easily for less than $700. The D-15 lists at $1440, but you should be able to find it for just a hair under a grand.

My initial reaction to the Martin was; "Wow, what a fantastic guitar". It is a mahogany guitar and it has this simple, plain, and beautiful look to it. It feels light and fragile when you pick it up but after you fiddle around with it you notice pretty quick that it is well put together.

It is a very bright sounding guitar. The sort of instrument that will cut through the din if you are playing in a band. Matt Mercado of Supermercado pointed this benefit of a bright guitar to me in a recent interview (if you need a reason beyond personal taste). If you want something deep and rumbly, this is not for you. But it is so clean, so clear it is hard for me to imagine anyone not liking this guitar. It plays nice, too. I have played Martins where I felt they were a bit tough on my fingers (keep in mind I don't pick much so some Martins made more with that style in mind might bother me). This is a very versatile guitar and I imagine someone who finger-picks could love it too.

As I mentioned, the guitar body is all mahogany --top, back and sides. It has A-frame and X-bracing (the bracing is Sitka spruce). Some D-15s may be made of Sapele, a wood often substituted for mahogany. These woods are not inherently better or worse than one another from what I know, but I have not played a guitar made of each side by side.

This is a super guitar and a great deal.

My initial reaction the the GAD-30 was not as enthusiastic as it was to the D-15. Part of this might be that I was so impressed with another Guild I played, the GAD-50, that this one suffered. It is not a bad guitar at all. And keep in mind you will pay at least $300 less for this guitar.

Part of my problem with it is that it is an orchestra model, but the body seems a bit narrow and the sound doesn't seem as big as I think an OM should sound. Again, I have to note I am playing chords most of the time and not notes. My issues might be related to this. Because an orchestra model is not well suited to my "sittin' on the back porch" style of playing.

The way this guitar is set up might also be a problem for me. The action is very high. When you judge a guitar before buying one take this into account.

The GAD-30 looks nice and is well built. It is part of a series (Guild Acoustic Design) that is aimed at high quality and manageable cost. The cases for GAD guitars have a little tag saying "Made to be played," and that sentiment is something other guitar makes could emulate.

The GAD-30 has a Sitka spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides. The bracing is scalloped. You can get these guitars in three finishes (natural, antique burst and amber burst).

It is worth a look and if I sound down on it it might be as much a matter of style as substance.