Colin,

The left-handed guitarist is shown in a VERY early picture - with LD playing that 0-17 and looking very young indeed. It could well be someone who's name would mean nothing to us now. He's playing a cheap flat-top - not, I'd say, an American guitar.

I meant that the picture of the Abbott was on the back cover of the Bear Family book - I expressed myself badly.

I agree about Lonnie's lack of knowledge about guitars; I bet Big Bill Broonzy's 000-28 was the motivation for him wanting one rather than any acoustic preferences. Back then several of his 'influence' would have played a Martin, and very likely an 'Auditorium' model, too. Josh White had one, as did Burl Ives - they were quite high-profile back then.

Thank goodness someone else agrees with me about that LD Signature model - it's ghastly!!! I lost count of the times that Lonnie would mutter - 'It's time they GAVE me a guitar - I must have sold thousands for them!'. Well - he finally got his wish, and I'm pleased that he lived long enough to see that through. (They still look dreadful! To be fair, Keith Sellers and I are in agreement on the subject!) I generally HATE any sort of 'signature' guitar, but I am such a fan of Donegan, I might have been tempted by one IF it had been closer to a standard 000-28 with some very subtle adornment.

So - he considered an 'M', did he? I'd love to hear more about that if you don't mind. I love those, and am always on the lookout for a post-'94 example (I must have an adjustable truss-rod).

Somewhere in my notes I do have the serial number of his 1967 '28 - I'll dig it up and post it; I know it was close to the number of a D28 I bought new in London (also a '67, but now long-gone....)

It's good to chat with someone who's almost as nuts as me about this subject - I thought it was only me and Keith who even cared!

RR