I have a fine guitar which has many nicks put there by a friend. She plays in places where no one has ever thought to put a guard. I forgive her, but if anybody else asked to borrow a guitar, I would say, 'Sorry, this one is real fragile and the top's unusually soft. I can't lend it out.'

With pawnshops full of guitars, a person who wants to play can just get himself one.

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I solved the nick problem by putting Scotch Magic tape on the places she hits. It has been there three years with no damage. (The top has a matte finish.)