Wow... lots of food for thought here--thanks! The guitar does have some sentimental value, as I helped my uncle to choose it. He was 87 years old and taking guitar lessons... in between creating lovely paintings and courting his 92-year-old lady friend. I want to be him when I grow up, if I ever do.

Think I'll just decide that it's worth it to pay whatever fees I need to... and with that armadillo-like Taylor case, I'm sure that damage would be unlikely. Thanks, everyone!

Briagha