Well hey Paul
Here we are again.
I assume you have been over to Harmony Central and read the reviews on these instruments over there?
I just did.
Personally, I'm a Martin fan, Thats because I live near the ocean, and I am the original owner of a couple of Martins since 1969 and 1971. One of them was subjected to severe weather and humidity distress over many years of neglect. The neck seperated from the body at the upper bout, the spruce top cracked, the bridge came away, the frets lifted- in short it was a mess. I brought it to a reputable repair shop and they told me the cost of the restoration exceeded its value. But when I mentioned that I was the original owner, they reminded me of Martins lifetime warantee. I* contacted the factory, and shipped it back. Two months later I had a fully restored guitar at no charge other than shipping.
I just purchased a new Martin resonator guitar based on the fact that I really liked it for the money, and because of the above little anecdote.
But I think you should consider that playing bottleneck slide is a bit tough on a guitar. In my case I like heavy gauge strings, high action, bigh thick glass or brass slides, and I clunk on the neck and body a lot. A buddy of mine who is a pro player uses the more high-end Takamine guitars for touring. (>$1,000) I play them also. They come with great electronics, cut-aways, they sound really good acousticly too and you can beat the hell out of them. My friend plays in Texas and sometimes he has to leave his in the truck on hot days waiting to set up for the show. The necks are rock solid, but the don't say 'STEAL ME' Most importantly, they handle the stress of acoustic slide really well.
Anyway, you might want to post the same question over on the Acoustic Guitar Forum:
http://www.guitarseminars.com/cgi-bi...Forum&number=1
Your sure to get as many different answers as there are guitars, but everyone has their favorites.
It seems to me there are some really great acoustic guitar shops in Philly, but perhaps you should take a ride up to Mandolin Bros. in Staten Island one afternoon and spend a few hours playing guitars in their showroom. Its very educational.
I hope I've been helpful in some small way
Best of luck in your quest
barry
