I've not had many Gibsons. My first real 12 was a Gibson built in 64 and I had to part with my Framus to buy it. See with the Framus you could also take batting practice, play squash, and use it as a sunshade on hot summer days. It was a tough decision but I had to have that Gibson. I could never get what I wanted out of it though...just too heavy a sound, a bit dull. I've often wanted that guitar back,knowing what I do now verus then.

Probably because of the Nashville influence, I've always been disturbed by the Gibson predilection for pickguards and how this affects sound. Certainly the models built for C&W players have had some outlandish things on them. By the way, I just heard of a tragic accident that happened late last night in one of the sequin mines...4 workers sparkled to death in an explosion.

There have been some legendary f-holes over the years and other fine guitars built by Gibson. But I think that when you get used to Martin style instruments (necks,fretboard length and radius,etc.) or Gibson style, the other isn't necessarily bad, but the difference in feel is significant, which a lot of people translate to "bad."

Had a college friend and fellow jug band picker with a B-25 that had a solid MOP fretboard. I need to look him up to see whatever happened to it. Might be a job for 'Paw and Cletus in it. HHMMMMMM

catspaw