I play an old Epiphone that I bought in a pawn shop in 1975 for $65. It needed repair since the top was coming up on one side of the lower bout, so I fixed it. It isn't the best guitar I have ever played, but it sounds pretty good. I have made mods to it over the years and it probably sounds better today than any other similar Epiphone model you will find. Most guitarists are amazed at how good it does sound. I have other electric guitars which I haven't played much in the past few years because I have gotten so into acoustic music, including a Telecaster, an ES345, and Ibanez Artist, and an old Les Paul Junior which was my first electric.

My heart's desire is a Martin 000-28VS or equivalent with the slotted peghead 12 fret to the body neck. To me it is the penultimate design for the steel string acoustic guitar, especially for fingerpickers. There are several boutique builders of this model and I would be happy with one of those. In fact the best sounding ones I think I have ever played were made by Collings. My friend recently bought a Collings of this model that is incredible.

When I describe this guitar I always feel a little like Ralphie describing his coveted Red Ryder 200 shot Range rifle.

[This message has been edited by swainja (edited 10-23-2006).]

Jack
http://www.myspace.com/jackswainsongs