I'm seriously thinking of picking up a used Guild flattop, probably on my next "in-laws" trip to New England. Saw a pretty nice one for $400 US, a plain natural dreadnaught with a nice mellow feel, and a gorgeous cutaway for $700 (too much). Whereas here at Steve's which has generally pretty decent prices they're all $1200-1700 Cdn now.

The apparent robustness and quality appeals to me, and that they're a little down from the top of the snob appeal scale seems to be reflected in the prices.

I bought my daughter a $100 80's Harmony guitar last year, which was probably pretty mean of me. It's an only adequate, not very easy to finger plywood-topped beast. However I'm happy to report that her calluses are coming along very nicely, we're almost through the initial torture-test period of guitar initiation. Pretty soon I'll get her a better one (hmmmm...perhaps a half share in a Guild would interest her ;)= ) and make her fingers happy. The poor kid needs some encouragement.

Rick, while no guitar has ever told me to vaccuum, mature or earn income, I have frequently been instructed by one to "put me back in the case", "go to bed", and "lay off the booze" ...

Bill