Starting to really like the sound of the Larrivee, especially strings 3, 4, 5, and 6. No sparkling treble but the bass has character. Can only play for a minute and a half without stopping right now. I can do 1/2 hour sessions, but can't play complete songs yet. I'm working on it.

I got my recording software working last night for the first time on the $100 computer. I had not been able to get a signal in to this point. It had to do with the compression ratios not being activated. I knew it was something buried deep inside Windows, not Sonar itself or my mikes or my sound card. By the time I staightened it out I was too tired to record anything. Will try to actually put some music down tonight. The real work comes when I crank up my keyboard on a song called 'Harold's Club.' I envision horns, drums, etc. Can't wait.

Finally brought home the Larrivee. I definately like the sound, mellow bass, but the action is high (knuckle deep in strings). I have played a number of tunes but the action is prohibitive up the neck. I'm taking it to Guitar Center and let their guy set it up. I feel sure that this guitar is a stepping stone. It'll hold me for now but I'm definitely setting my sights on a higher level. When you've played something like the Santa Cruz VJ, you just ain't gonna settle.

Yesterday I went to get my Larrivee but Jeff wasn't working. I'll wait till he's back tomorrow. I did play a Washburn Cheyenne yesterday for about $800. Played pretty good, better at least, than the corresponding Alverez's. Washburn makes some very interesting models. My favorite is the Cherokee which has feathers on the 3rd, 5th, 7th and 12th frets! Great headstock inlay too. I think they are all solid wood, just that they play a little dead, no brightness in there at all. Good woody thump, just no light. Kind of like a Martin D-15 without the high end. If I'm going to spend a grand, I'll either dick around on the price and go up to $1300 (try to get'em down to $1100) or something...maybe go used. I'll never forget the day I bought the Taylor 410! It was just like in the advertisements. I fell in love with that guitar and I was going to get it, no matter what. It was priced at $1200 (2002) and I walked away paying a thousand.