I recently acquired a very interesting guitar, a 1981 Martin M-38 Grand Orchestra. This guitar is not a dreadnought but has a shape more like a Guild Jumbo, except it's not so deep through the body. In other words, pronounced curves and a very wide lower bout, but shallower from front to back.

It has exceptional sound, and is in pristine condition. Got it from a local luthier, Larry Shannon, a guy who is always finding fine guitars here and there, as well as making them.

I may not have it too long, as the money situation is getting kind tight lately, but it's been a thrill to play it for a while, anyway. Will probably sell it this summer.

In the past I have owned a Martin D-28 (pretty good), a Shenandoah (less expensive and VERY good), and a D-35 (again, pretty darn good). All of those were eventually sold or traded for something else...and so it goes.

- LH