The DC AURA is one of the best-kept secrets in the acoustic-electric market today.This is a superior instrument and value, even if it didn't come with the Fishman Aura system installed.Indian rosewood back, spruce top, flawless abalone eye-candy and great action - married to a tone best described as Martin-mellow from day one. I can't wait to hear how this guitar breaks in and ages, as it's tone is comparable to several vintage Martin's I also considered in the price range.It is definitely a 'looker', but what players will dig is the wonderful sound.As a primarily electric (strat) player, I really appreciate the neck radius, and especially the uniformly easy action, all the way up the neck. Martin is really making a great 'out of the box' product here. I'm picky, and didn't tweak a thing.The guitar, minus electronics, compares very favorably in tone, action, fit and finish with competitors products.What puts everything over the top is the new Fishman Aura system. I've been dealing with amplified acoustics, and the related compromises, for over 30 years now, and NOTHING I've touched has had the tonal versatility and downright practicality of the Aura. I really don't care which mic and what placement is 'modeled'. What I like is having a variety of quickly recalled tonal options (they are arranged usefully too, getting 'darker' at higher settings), all of which maintain the instrument's character, and are very evenly balanced across the range. VERY responsive to dynamics.The anti-feedback circuit is very welcome, and does it's magic w/o damaging the selected 'sound', neat trick. Tuner is quick and easy, but I still refer to the trusty Conn for fine focus.Martin has a real price/performance winner with this instrument, and it is well worth a test drive before you shell out in the under $3k market.Personally, I'm pleasantly surprised, this matches up nicely against more expensive instruments, and that means you won't be afraid to use it as a gigging tool. Sam

This is a beautiful guitar. The playability is amazing, that pure warm Martin sound melts my ears. The other reasons I like it, is cause its unique, the inlays make it look different. Once I plugged it in, and saw what an aura pickup was all about, I was blown away. I'm 100% satisfied... its a beauty!

I love this guitar. Warm tone right from the start. Responds well to your playing dynamics plugged or unplugged. Really good projection for this size guitar. Simply a beautiful, elegant-looking instrument. Plug this thing into a sound system and you will be blown away. We have an inexpensive sound system at my chuch. The day I bought this I plugged it in and listened as the worship leader played through old James Taylor tunes. We didn't even touch the EQ. Wow. Surprisingly, this guitar responds just as well to finger picking as it does to hard strumming. Single note lead lines cut through the mix even with a full band. Also, I play often with a worship leader who plays a Taylor 714CE and I find that the two guitars really compliment each other quite well. Very different tones that blend so well. It's also comfortable to play standing or sitting. Great deal for a guitar that should be getting more attention. And the jealous stares I get from other musicians when I pull this baby out of its case is an added bonus! LOL.