My late grandfather was a famous bluegrass picker. He always played Martins. The guitar I remember most of his was a D-35 and I'm pretty sure he probably had a D-28 and D-18 stashed under his bed too. So to me, my entire life, when someone said "Guitar" it meant Martin.
When he died, it was understood that the grand kids would get the instruments. Since I am the oldest, I figured I would get my pick of the litter. When the funeral was over, we returned home and found that all the instruments were gone. I'm not sure where they went, but I still have the hope in the back of my mind that one of his Martins will make it way to me some day.
Fast forward to the present day where I am a semi-professional musician and I just bought my first "real" guitar--a Taylor 314ce. I played a bunch of Martins during the shopping process, but I decided if I was going to be spending my own money on a tool for my business, I was going to get a Taylor. What swayed me was the NT neck, and believe it or not, the Wood and Steel Magazine, which I have been getting from my local music store for the past several years. I have really learned to appreciate Taylor's technology and the way they do business.
I would still love to have a Martin, but I'm still looking to inherit one. At this point, since I'm spending my own money, I'm going with the Taylor all the way.