HOOH HAW!! Congrats Marty and Tinker! Some of us here probably feel like drug dealers gettin' a couple of new folks hooked on the hard stuff!

Marty, re your Doc Watson quest: I've read a couple of discouraging (but basically honest) comments to the effect that you WON'T BE Doc Watson, but if I recall from your initial post you were quite prepared for that, and of course again and again it's been written here that you only want to "do justice to his songs...NOT be a clone". Well I stick to my original premise that (if you're telling us the truth about your existing skills) and you're willing to INVEST (you've made a good start with the CDs and guitar) in this music, you most certainly WILL do justice to his music.

Glad to hear about the Shubb capo. The very popular Kaysers can tend to put guitars out of tune, 'cause they only have one tension.

Faswillie's one word: STRINGS, thing is spot on as well. Get to know what strings feel right to you. This is of course all part of becoming a "guitar nurd". Moonjen and others have lots of experience with trying different guages and brands. My faves are Masterclass 56-12 on my 0-18, Masterclass 58-12 on my D-35. but I went through dozens of brands and guages to come up with those combinations.....starting to confuse you again aren't I? Just ignore me, I get passionate about string guages, baseball, and politics.

Tinker, forgive me for not getting back to your PM sooner, I've been running around like a chicken with it's head cut off this week. Will answer your good questions later today.

Rick