gnu

Have a friend who teaches at a music store that features S & P's. He thinks they are the cat's pajamas though I have no idea why. They sound like any number of mid-price Martin knock-offs to me, though I must admit I've never even remotely been interested in buying one so I've never played one with a "buyer's ear".

I did give a serious listen to some Larivees when I was OM shopping and was not that impressed. Wound up with a Santa Cruz instead. Have also heard from a repairman that Larivees seem to be more prone to minor weather-related buzzes and gremlins than most guitars.

It sounds like you may already have a nice guitar or two and are looking for a more expendable one. If so, have you considered Martin's 15 series (the all mahogany ones)? I think they're the best guitar value on the market. Nice sound, all solid woods, but cheap enough to bang around.

Cheers

bwl