I see way back in Apr 99, Rick was recommending smaller guitars for smaller (or larger-in-places) people. The first guitar I bought was a Guild D-4. Big sucker, but I liked the "voice" it had. I still do. To me, aside from a mechanical problem, it sounds at least as good as some really expensive guitars.

Perhaps some of you saw my postings from Rick's where I threatened to steal his Martin 00-18? I played the guitar the whole time I visited, and I just loved it. When I came home, the Guild felt very uncomfortable, as if I were sprawled over it. The angles both of my hands connected with the strings felt awkward. I wound up buying a Martin 00-17, which is just perfect. I can relax while playing, instead of reaching, and I don't get guitar dents in various places. The mahogany guitar has a stong and gorgeous voice, but since I can better reach the strings, I have a much greater chance of bringing that voice out.