I played the Martin MTV Special (with "Unplugged" inlayed down the fretboard) at lunch. I still really like this guitar. It's been sitting at the Atlanta Guitar Center for 18 months and still no takers. It's priced well, $1600, has the deep rumbling Martin bass, and sparkley treble. The split combination rosewood/mahogony back and sides makes for a great look and sound.

After being run out of the Martin room by a novice who interuppted my delicate fingerwork with hesitant strums on a DMX, I spied a 1970 Gibson J-50 Natural Deluxe. This is actually what came to be known as the Southern Jumbo. It has a solid Gibson sound that so many players adore. Me, I like a little more life in my guitars. I was ready to walk out when I thought to myself that I had not played a really upper level Taylor lately. I took a 30th anniversary 614 off the wall and I had truthfully forgotten how wonderful the Taylors sound. This guitar was ALIVE! The notes jumped and hopped out of the guitar with a life of their own. What a wonderful instrument!

Playing the Cruz
I played a Santa Cruz dreadnaught at lunch, $3000. I'm always surprised at the light weight of the Cruz. It literally floats on air. Must be lots of very scalloped braces under that spruce top. It plays like a dream, action like butter, your entire body is married to it, wrapped around the neck and shoulders like a lover. Sweet music is the result, crisp treble, bright midrange and very warm bass. Always a treat to play the Cruz.

Music on the Cheap!
Well, I finally did it! Went and actually bought a guitar. Well, not exactly...I put it on layaway. It's a Larivee D-02. They don't make the 02 anymore because they lost money on it. It's the least expensive solid wood, dove-tailed, X-braced guitar ever made. The color of the South American Mahogony is that beautiful tan color (same as the D-03). The fret work is a little rough but the bass booms and the treble is crisp. Midrange sings like a sparrow. Cost of only $400 at Guitar Center and I just couldn't pass it up. It'll be in my hands in another four weeks.