Hey Friend,
Ever notice just when you think you have enough to do, the Universe decides you need something else on your plate?
I got a text Thursday from my wife telling me the pool pump was coming on and off. When I got home, it was as I feared. The motor is failing, so it’s time for a new pump.
If we were still up North, it wouldn’t be that big a deal because the weather isn’t quite warm enough for things to start growing in the pool, but here in Florida, well let’s just say, my cement pond (remember The Beverly Hillbillies?) will be a lovely shade of deep forest green if I don’t get this taken care of, like now! Anyone know an easy way to calculate total dynamic head?
A few of you were pumped (ha, ha, no pun intended!) when I talked about Rickenbacker and Gretsch guitars last week, but Nancy kindly reminded me that not everyone is playing electric guitars. She rocks a Breedlove acoustic (which I’ve been fortunate enough to play - thanks, Nanc!), and she wanted me to speak to some of the various makes and models.
A tall order, given there are as many acoustic manufacturers as there are for electric guitars, but let’s see what we can do.
I currently have a Martin knock-off acoustic called an Aspen A-118, made by the International Music Corporation. I believe it is modeled after the Martin D-18. There’s not much information out there regarding Aspen guitars, but it’s held up quite well for nearly 30 years of me banging on it.
I’ve imagined myself upgrading to a “name brand” acoustic many times, but my other “loves" have been louder in the demand for my money, so my trusty Aspen continues to hold the acoustic spot in my stable of guitars.
I’ve tried a few of the pricier models out there, from Gibsons and Taylors, to Takamines and Washburns, and frankly, they’re all fine guitars. But when it comes to selecting one, the only real way to determine what’s best for you is to go and play them.
- How does the guitar feel in your hands?
- Is it comfortable?
- When you strum it, how does it sound to you?
- Does it satisfy your expectation of the sound you want out of a guitar?
Truth is, your ideal acoustic guitar will reveal itself to you. I’ve played $4000 acoustics that I didn’t think the sound was any better than my $200 Aspen. I’ve also played some very nice $2000 guitars that I would gladly have shelled out the cash to get.
For example, I didn’t really like the feel of the Gibson Hummingbird I played (over $2000), but a few of the $600 Taylors sounded really nice and I enjoyed the feel more. A lot of it comes down to the origin of the woods used to make the guitar and the tone qualities of said woods, so that certainly affects the sound and cost of the guitar.
Clearly there are many different factors to consider when you select a guitar, and a benefit of selecting a better known brand is that there is a reputation you can research, but when it comes down to it, your choice is going to be based on how the guitar works for you, not the guitar store or the manufacturer.
Like I said, you’ll know when the guitar is right, regardless of who makes it and how much it costs.
Peace~
Dave
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