My first real good guitar was a Gibson B-25 that I got in 1964. I still have it. It is a bit worn, but it has character and still is sweet plying. I have a Taylor 410 which has a nice, big and warm sound. I have a Washburn banjo. It is an Asian made banjo and I enjoy plunking around on it. I really love some of the old modal tunings, (g,C,G,C,E) is a lot of fun to hammer around with. About four years ago I kept finding myself in the compahy of some serious bluegrass people. Before any of us knew it we were performing. I had the only mandolin, a Flatiron flat top that was real loud and screaming and I knew my way around its fret board, but really was not very 'bluegrass literate'. I believe I was more obnoxious than the banjo! I soon moved up to a Flatiron A-5 Artist model, (it was brand new and I got a great deal on it.) I have fallen in love with the instrument. I was really forced to learn to play bluegrass. It has been wonderful musical discipline. My solos and licks aren't real heavy on the traditional side yet, and some died in the wool purists look askance at me when I don't pick 'em out like Monroe used to. I can only say that I wish I could! The most fun has been discovering the chunk, the variety of chord forms, and being the 'snare drum' of the band, working off of our bass player.