Okay BK, I'll fess up first...Many moons ago in the music store where I worked parttime, we had a tipple, and yes it was a Martin...and no, we never sold it. Years later I'd just stop in to BS and the thing was still there. And it was still being referred to by the official company name...The Fuckin'Thing. Swear to God, it got that name because that was what the "lookers" called it! I hate to be extremely vulgar, but it was the TRUTH!!! Customers would ask, "What is THAT fuckin' thing?"-- (a Tipple) -- "What does the fuckin' thing sound like?" (You hand it to them, tuned like a uke)--"This fuckin' thing sounds like shit." --(well,uh...) -- "What do you do with the fuckin' thing?" (Dunno)-- "Why would somebody want one of these fuckin' things?" --(Dunno) -- "How many of these fuckin' things have you sold?" -- (none) -- "Can you play the fuckin' thing?" --(sorta'...you play "Crazy Words, Crazy Tune"...It was all any of us knew) -- "Hey, Far Out Man! That's a weird fuckin' thing alright." --(Yeah) -- "I gotta' bring So & So in to see that fuckin' thing." -- (Great)--------

Outside of that "usage" I have NEVER seen one played or used anywhere. And to the best of my knowledge, the "Fuckin' Thing" was NEVER sold. I saw it in the store in 1980 or 81 and Jim sold out soon thereafter. Probably took it with him..........

catspaw...who apologizes for the verbage but it was just that way!!!