modoc_333

Fishman. much more balanced and full sound. The Fender tries so hard to cut out distortion that they just cut out too much in the mids and bass (b/c those frequencies distort the easiest). Fender is just so much top end and sounds empty. The Fishman sounds much more natural. -Keith

most people don't understand what REAL old Gibson sounds like. it's not like modern guitars (even reissues) would make you think. I don't mean quality. I mean type of sound. it really is a different thing. most people are so used to modern guitars that they actually don't like 20s and 30s Gibsons. that being said, the 1928 L-1 Tribute is hands down the closest thing Gibson makes these days to an actual old Gibson. Amazing guitars. I wish I could justify buying one today. -Keith

price is a factor, and everyone wants a deal.... but it's not a guitar pedal. it's a wooden, handmade guitar. They are all different and if it costs me 5% more to get THE one that speaks to me, then I pay it. I hear such a difference between different individuals within the same model. I just couldn't order one because it cost a little less. WAY too much variation. I have played dogs and gems made the same day with sequential serial numbers. Keith

J45 and D28 are great... but AJ all the way. It just does everything with a little bit more of everything! -Keith

Brand new D'Addario. either EJ16 or EJ17 depending on the guitar. I love them brand new. I just deal with it when they break in.... and hate it when they go dead. -Keith

crazy stuff. I am 36 years old. I will see a time in my life where people are amazed that I was able to buy NEW guitars made out of ANY of the traditional tonewoods... at least for anything less the cost of a car. -Keith

they are the same. specs have changed over the years such as bubinga vs hog but they are the same guitar. Marketing. Keith

Easily my AJ. It's the loudest acoustic guitar I have ever heard... any brand, any vintage. With one exception: one particular pre-war D45 that Martin has in their museum. But only that 1 prewar. not others. Keith

in 2006 they used Fishman. Not LR Baggs. That came later. The Fishman unit didn't have a volume control. This was part of the reason they switched to LR Baggs. Part Keith

obviously there is a limit, but i will overlook a cosmetic flaw if the guitar is THE one. What was the flaw? -Keith

Y'all make me feel so loved! Haha! I'm not leaving the board though. I really appreciate all of your well wishes. I really do look forward to the new approach. It's a rough thing sometimes when your passion becomes your job. It will be nice to get back to just loving guitars and not having them tied to work. And I will always have my opinions... Haha! Keith

Thank you everyone! Yes, it's a little bitter-sweet. but it will be good. It will be nice to separate my hobby from job after all of these years. I am off to work a "stiff" job. Banking. Haha. It's the other end of the spectrum in so many ways but it's still all about learning what you need to know, being good with people, and doing it right. It should be good. It will also allow my wife and I to pursue some things that we have been wanting to do. That's exciting itself! Keith

Well, the time has come! After 11 years of the guitar/ music industry I will be moving on after tomorrow. This Friday is my last day working at the store. It is simply time to move on professionally. I have enjoyed some wonderful things in this industry. I have played a D18 owned by Hank Williams, met Stevie Wonder, and spent time training in some of the best musical instrument companies in the world. Of course I have met some great people. It's time for me to return to just being a player and enthusiast though.... and a regular customer again! Haha. I have enjoyed helping some of the folks here buy some new guitars and I have been happy to give some insider info/ insight sometimes. Now it's going to be fun to be on the other side again.... and gripe about dealers! Haha Keith

This! I LOVE a good AJ! Keith

Same exact model as my Penny. With a little love to fix the issues with the bridge doctor, she should be a fine guitar! It's a shame that she isn't still sporting her original black tuner buttons though. Keith