[Trak Ratt]

Originally Posted by david riley

Just wanted to move this to two pages... what the hell he never bought the "real 911" after 2/3 years of discussions

OK maybe one more

[Mackliet]

Years ago, my guitar instructor told me that one big difference between higher quality classical and Spanish guitars and lower quality classical and Spanish guitars was the ability of the higher quality guitars to provide good volume at the top of the guitar (i.e., the high notes). By lower quality, I don't mean really inexpensive. At the time, the conversation was probably a comparison of something that was $5000 to something that was $1000.

One guitar to consider which, sadly, appears to have been recently discontinued, is the Gibson Chet Atkins CE/CEC. This was a solid body guitar with sound chambers and nylon strings. Sound was picked up by a transducer and there were individual volume controls for each string so that you could crank up the high notes as desired. I *think* that the lead guitarist for the Gypsy Kings played one of these at one time (at least). The SST was the steel string variant, also discontinued.

[turbo23dog]

So I guess those guitar kits at Wal-Mart are no go?...

[rs911t]

A couple of friends have, and speak highly of, Takamine acoustics. Only one drives a Volvo, but it's a sporty one.

[DonNewton]

Look here: http://www.carvin.com/

I guarantee that you will not find a better collection of guitars for the price. I did a drive by last year at the Rancho Bernardo (San Diego) store and bought an accoustic that rivals anything I played from Gibson, Taylor (all bow and genuflect now), or Martin. Out the door price (with hardshell case): $400.00. They (Carvin) build them themselves and there are no stores. Just factory stores. The day I was there J.J.Cale came in because he apparently is working up a signature guitar. . .Dunno. Do know that Joe Walsh (RB resident; shared an elevator at the Mirage in Las Vegas with him) plays a California Carved Top Carvin. . .Pretty cool.

Anyway, the Carvin makes a wonderful addition to my LP Deluxe, the E335 and the 1967 Strat that I've owned since 1974. . .I really sound old, huh?

[Cliff Claven]

why don't you just stop by the guitar store in dupont circle and talk to steve and ask him to show you a few options. his prices aren't the lowest but his selection is good quality and not many people know more about guitars than he does. if you describe for him what kind of sound you want he's likely to be able to pull one out for you that will be suitable.

or you could just cruise the classified til you find a good gurian.

[Rob in VA]

One word, Guitar Hero:
http://my.break.com/content/view.aspx?ContentID=421642

You can thank me later.

[Cliff Claven]

so what guitar are you getting?
i've got a very nice mid-70s D28 in my office if you want to try it out
but seriously you should look for a gurian

[TD in DC]

I am interviewing a few instructors before I make up my mind. Still considering whether to get a nylon or steel string guitar . . . .

[Cliff Claven]

why only one or the other? i've got a bunch--acoustics, electric, even a steel body resonator. one in the office and the others in different rooms in the house. nice ones too. they're zero maintenance and no property taxes or registration.

someday i'll have to learn how to play them....

how are you interviewing instructors?