On a more serious note than my previous post, here's why I have the guitars I have.

The Martin - a composite, electro-acoustic, cutaway guitar with a spruce face and HPL back and sides, and fitted with a Baggs iBeam. Great for amplified small band work and, because of its clarity and even tone across the spectrum,excellent for recording.

My Ian Chisholm 00 model. A small-bodied guitar, 12th fret to the body The instrument facilitates complex fingerpicking and, like all Ian's guitars, has tremendous projection.

Ian Chisholm mid-jumbo. The massive bass response and huge projection makes this ideal for sessions and for accompaniment in duos and trios.

Ian Chisholm tenor guitar - for a mix of folk, jazz and lyrical lead work. Beautiful, clear tone which lends itself to vibrato and great for improvisation because of its viola tuning.

G&L ASAT solid body (Tele shape) fitted with P90 p/ups - for serious electric work, and played in every band I've been in since 1987 - rock'n roll, funk'n soul - and now the ceilidh band.

All different - all with a purpose.