... just a quick update to this thread ... I looked in at the GC website and saw that they had a "contact GC" page with addressees at Customer Servce and Product Selection. So I told 'em what I think (constructively). I don't suppose it'll make a differnce - but who knows.

... as another update to this discussion; I've been going to a local Dallas shop (recently under new ownership) and have found it to be a great place; plenty of quality instruments - acoustic guitars by Collings, Martin, Bourgeois, and Gibson. They carry Deering (my favorite) banjos, and have a few mandos, and electrics. The place is called Charlie's Guitar Shop and is worth a visit, if you're ever in Dallas.