marcus2

I missed the last 2 tours because I was out of town for work. Those were the only tours I missed since 1984. Sadly, I will miss one, too. Even as a huge fan, the ticket prices (even non-VIP) are getting a bit high when all is considered (I know, I know, their shows are great).

That's a great point. My first acoustic was a Taylor, and it was suggested to me. I was in the 'big' music store in Indy, prior to GC/MARS, looking at Gibsons and Martins. Sales guy asks if I'd considered Taylor; I'd never heard of them, he explains what they're about. I checked them out and wind up taking home a 710 (7s were simply less-ornate 8s back then). Prior, I'd been looking at a Gibson (model I don't recall); it sounded glorious but played terrible. The Taylor sounded as good and played like an electric with really heavy strings. And it was about 65% of the Gibson price. If not for the sales guy, I'd have never picked it up. Did that happen to be Guitarworks in Greenwood? The guys that worked there in the mid-late 90's were cool.

All the best to everyone there.

As far as prices of Hamers go, it will be very interesting to see what happens. Supply is now fixed, and may decline if/when some are no longer playable. My big wonder is what will happen to demand? Will we all become even more ardent supporters of Hamer or will we stay about where we are. Many members here also like other brands, so I guess only time will tell. The market is a very dynamic environment. Marc

It is, indeed, sad. But if we are to look for a silver lining, let me ask this of Greg. One thing that I always appreciated about Greg's presence here was his incredible knowledge about building/repairing and his ability to promote the 'underdog' for lack of a better word. So, Greg, who are the other smaller shops that impress you? Marc

If you decide to pursue purchasing one, I have a minty Newport Pro with OHSC that I am open to selling. Feel free to send me a PM if you want to discuss it. Cheers, Marc

OUt of curiosity, did you consider recording any of your Petrucci's for their piezo sounds? Cool tune and nice playing. Marc

Let me get some pictures for you. I have a nice one. I'll send more info tomorrow. Marc

Way. Too. Cool. Vai comes off as a pretty down to earth guy. I hope your son had a great time. Marc

Wow. The different worlds we line in. I have a great friend who is selling his house in Milwaukee, WI. He and his wife are selling so that they can tour the world for 15 months. It's priced at $129,900. $35K is a hell of a down payment...on a house! I'll never live in the world buyers of that guitar do. Kind of OK with that, now that I think about it.

Way. Too. Cool. Marc

There was one big upside to VH3 being what it was: demand fell so much that I was able to score 2nd row tickets easily and *finally* got to watch Eddie play classic songs up close. From that perspective, the lead singer was a secondary concern.

The difference is that MP actually cares about communicating with his fans.

+1 on the Reflex. I own it and it is a *very* responsive guitar. Try it out. Marc

Truly amazing work. That's too cool. Marc