chuckle, Rick ... that was exactly my thoughts on the little Ragtime, "OK if I'm going to wear out my performance guitar, let it be a cheaper one." but the thing held up beautifully for years! Much better than the 'so called' good one. Today, it's basically retired from performing, but it's still a fine guitar, and I think I spent almost as much on the case and the pick up as I did on the guitar!