Hi JAB. I'm really sorry you got burned. I'm pretty cynical about things like E-Bay, but not because I think anyone's trying to rip anyone off. (I'm sure it happens occasionally) It's just that an instrument really has to feel "a part of you" before you can be really happy with it. Now I know this is corny but there's a "courting process" I think. I've just seen a wonderful hand -made Rizsanyi 14 fret parlor guitar at one of the shops here in Toronto. I played it for an hour on Monday, an hour on Tuesday, and since I teach Wednesdays and Thursdays, I won't see it until tomorrow. I'll play it again and if it really "speaks to me" or "speaks for me" I'm seriously gonna think about buying it. If the vibes are right and the feeling continues, I may get it the day before I leave for the States on tour (next Friday). If someone else comes along and grabs it in the meantime...well that's what was meant to be. This "courting" process is part of the fun for me, so I could never buy something sight unseen. Better luck next time.

Rick