Every time I hear Sandy play that Laskin guitar I remember that incident in Hartford when we folk legacy types presented it to him. Got news for you my friend, even I get choked up!! You have done so much for folk music, that guitar really is a small token of our esteem.

In 1956, I bought a Gibson J-45 new. Had it for years. Then, decided I wanted a Martin hd 28. It had a killer bass and all. One day I walked into BUCKDANCERS CHOICE in Portland Maine, and the owner, Phineas Martin, handed me a Taylor 810, insisted I try it. Love at first sound! Bought it one the spot. Gibson went under the bed, and the only time it came out was when Dave Mallett dropped by. He always loved that old J45. I told him it was his when I was through with it. Sold the Martin. It couldn't hold a candle to the Taylor.

One day, Dave, (Inch by Inch, row by row) called, said he was coming by, could we do lunch. I met him at a restaurant, handed him the Gibson. He looked at me oddly, said "Why are you giving me this?" I said "'cause I want to make sure you get it." He said "Are you ok?' I replied sure, I'm fine, why?" He said "OH good, I was afraid you got a bad pap smear!!"

So, when I met the Taylor, I sold my Martin and gave away my old Gibson. The kicker here is, the Taylor was used, and I paid $850.00 with a new hardshell case.

The only guitar I have been more impressed with is a Santa Cruz coca bola.