Peter (Midchuck),

If I'm not mistaken ~ that is, if I'm not confusing you with another Peter with another pseudonym ~ didn't you used to own one of those "lawsuit Takamines" that looked too much like a Martin D-18?

If so, I'm sorry you let it go. I've often fantasized about taking it off your hands someday, if the price was right-enough and I happened to be traveling in the North Country at a time that I had some disposable income available.

I only own the one instrument, a real D-18, vintage 1969. I've considered having a pickup installed, and at least one of our local technicians refuses to "desecrate" my lovely and valuable instrument in such a way. He advises me to just buy another cheaper guitar, either an electric-acoustic (from his stock, of course) or a straight acoustic into which he would more willingly install an under-saddle pickup.

Sure, it's just one man's opinion, but I find his argument at least somewhat persuasive. A nice "fake" D-18 with a pickup in it would be an interesting option for me. I guess I won't be getting one from you now, however.