Even though I'm about to pay an arm and a leg for a new instrument I realise that some of the best ones can be down right inexpensive. We've all dreamed about going to a garage sale and finding a prewar Martin or a Loar mandolin for next to nothing. Has that ever happened to anyone here?

Recently a good friend was GIVEN a 1930's National guitar. Not a resonator - all wood - but a very sweet guitar. The owner was in his 80's and wanted it to go to a good home.

Back in the 70's I knew a guy with a wonderful O style Gibson that was beat all to hell. I asked him where he bought it and he told me that a few years earlier he spotted a kid about 8 or 9 walking down the street dragging it behind him. The little boy said he had found it by the railroad tracks and offered to sell it for $3.00 so he could go to the movies. My friend bought it and placed some ad's in the paper but never found the owner.

My personal best buy was a mountain dulcimer that I paid all of $30.00 for at the Saturday market in Eugene Oregon. It's plain to look at but has a great tone - I still enjoy playing it. If anyone should know a guy named Dave that sold mountain dulcimers in Eugene during the 70's I'd be interested to find out if he's still a builder.

Well those are some of my stories - how about yours ? Ever get a great deal on an instrument ? Do you still have it ? Lets salute those instruments that didn't break the bank.