Actually, you may be putting your finger on one of the fatal flaws of Western Civ there, amigo. Trumpets and their ancestors are traditionally the sounders of alarum and the rallying call to arms, the instruments of Mars and those who venerate the makers of war as the solution to difficult diplomatic issues. The Philisitines, the Israelites, the Mongols, Chinese, Greeks and Romans, the U.S. Cavalry, all brought out their shields and spears and sabers to the tune of the brass horn. Yes?

The guitar, now, is known for a different human art -- that of soft conversation and the promulgation of human affinity, comradeship, brotherhood, and yes, love between members of the species. Guitars softly sing, or when they get loud it is in support of songs like "We Shall Overcome". Guitars fuel the common jig and square dance, the pioneers reflective evening monologue and the cowboy's quiet time. They are about the quiet heroism that informs all men of good will and intelligence. The horns of war, contrariwise, are supporters of the banshee, the mongol, the Duke Nukems of the world, the shakers of swords and the rattlers of machinery, the instrument of choice for those who seek to overwhelm their kind rather than enlighten them.

In this life, you pays your money and you takes your choice. Me, I am a guitar player.

A