Well, since we're mentioning our various qualifications, one of my teachers (while attending the Cornish School of the Arts, a music conservatory among other things) was a former student of Aaron Shearer's, and I've taken master classes with Shearer himself, and with Pepe Romero. For teaching, I use Shearer's technique books (and selected others, such as Christopher Parkening's). And folk-wise, I've participated in workshops with a number of people, including Doc Watson. Several of my students are currently playing professionally. I still stick by what I said.

Okay, now that we've got that out of the way. . . .

For anyone who wants a travel guitar or a guitar that's real handy and easy to pack around, the GO guitar by Sam Radding in San Diego is the one. They look more like canoe paddles with strings than they do guitars, but for a small box, they're pretty darned amazing. I have a couple of them (both the GO-GW models—walnut rather than mahogany, slightly deeper body, fuller tone—one nylon-string, the other steel-string). I goof around on the steel-string (change of tone sometimes gives a new perspective when working out accompaniments), but I use the nylon-string the most. I've used it for a number of gigs and people sometimes ask me if it's a period instrument of some kind.

Like I say, they look kinda weird and un-guitar-like (certainly no weirder or more un-guitar-like that the Martin Backpacker), but they sound like real guitars. They cost a smidgen more than the Backpacker ($262.90 for the GO-GW), but they sound a heck of a lot better. Hand made to order, and Sam is a great guy to deal with. Takes a personal interest in each one. Also, get the gig back. It's outrageous! Padded like a sleeping bag!

I keep one within arm's reach almost all the time and grab it whenever the muse strikes me.

Here ya go.

Don Firth