So I'm mindlessly scanning the classifieds on my (soon to be former) employer's internet server and I see a Norman guitar for sale. I call, I visit, I buy. Solid cedar top dreadnought with cherry back and sides, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, absolutely lovely shape except for one top ding, and only two years old if the local shop is right about the serial number.

I'm sure it was only offered for sale because the setup was atrocious. String height was 5/16" at the 12th fret, nut slots were too wide, and the saddle was indented under the strings (common on these things). Twenty minutes was all it took to make it very playable, and in a week or two I'll replace the nut and saddle with bone, or maybe Tusq. In the meantime it's more than servicable.

Best hundred dollars (Cdn) I've spent in a long time, especially on a guitar. These Seagull, S&P, Norman et al are great bang for the buck, particularly used, but you've heard THAT here before.

In the next couple of weeks I expect to receive a guitar-bouzouki to help cure my MAS.

So, how are YOU dealing with instrument acquisition syndrome? How often do you need a fix? Do you trade or hoard? What's new this year to lust after?

Is this group therapy helpful?

Peace, Mooh.