Now I know this will be controversial, but I prefer a mahogany model to the accepted Rosewood. The words may not be louder, but they have a "sweeter" meaning. Now let's face it, you're not going to become Shakepeare just because you have a pre-war HB, but if you practice two hours a day, buy all the books that were written with the same model, get yourself a writing coach....well you COULD become as good as the Earl of Oxford.

Now nobody's mentioned erasers. I strongly advise "Gummo Supremos". Yep you're right they are named after the "Talented" Marx Brother.

Whether to wear finger picks or not? Some decisions are entirely personal.

Rick