yeah, the pre Fender models were are the best. i had a first year one that was just beautiful. of course an SP2 fell on it at a gig and broke the headstock off but the split went down behind the nut, missing the fingerboard so i got her fixed up and she still sounds amazing. but yes, you could say i definitely love mine, otherwise i would have thrown it in the trash.
I'ved owned quite a few, the one that stuck is a DR-38 that was an artist relations guitar for Gary "Bisquit" Davis; he toured it pretty extensively behind Dolly Parton. Incredible guitar.
I own a real low serial number Road King, the dreadnought sized Chief. It has the most comfortable neck ever. I get compliments everywhere on its tone.
The singer from my old band and I went to weekly open mics for a long time and every night a random person would say how blown away they were. Not bad for $500 accoustic. Its one of the few guitars that I will keep forever.
I've got a pre-fender DM-18 that has been kept over a Gibson Hummingbird, Taylor 615, and a Martin HD-28V. Not that those other guitars sounded bad, they just didn't sound any better than the Tacoma.
I have a Tacoma DM-1812 12-String and have no complaints whatsoever. It sounds and plays great and has a build quality shoulder to shoulder with my D-41 or 914-C. Highly recommended! :BEER
Don't know a whole lot about its bigger brothers, as I haven't played 'em much, but my P-28 Papoose is one of the best gear purchases I ever made. It sounds so fine alongside another guitar and records so well.
I am looking for a mahogany dread for bluegrass. Thinking DM14; do you think it would have the cut and projection needed for jams in comparison to Martins and Blueridges?