Good point about resale value. Just heard something yesterday that caught me by surprise, even though it's logical and I should have clicked into it a long time ago. The 12th fret, our local pro shop was selling a 1959 Gibson J-50 for 3200 bucks (that's 150 in U.S. dollars...no, just kidding, it's about 2500 U.S.) I asked what my much beloved and long gone Epiphone Texan would fetch now, and they said "about 1500". What? says I, it's the same guitar, but with a slightly classier pedigree. "Not since Epiphone sold their name to the Orient 30 years ago, said the owner". "to the buying public of today, Epiphone just means a generic import." Same of course with Washburn, and to a certain extent, Fender. Even though they've entered the "cheaper" market, Martin have still managed to keep their 'snob appeal."

By the way Catspaw, Reg, Reg, and Reg, have all taken their pregnant wives to the supermarket. I guess you probably know why.