Tom, if you're going to do praise music and you want maximum flexibility at a descent price, look at the Ibanez Montage. This is the hybred based on a very successful new acoustic body. It has a conventional piezo pick-up, with a handy on-board tuner. Plus, it has a magnetic pick-up, two outs (some put the piezo thru a separate acoustic amplifier) and pretty effective on-board effects, including some distortion, phase and others. They were introduced at the last NAMM and are on back-order at many stores and on-line places.

I'm waiting for mine. Do a Google search. A Strat is nice, but you'll never get anything but a single-coil sound out of it. If you're just wanting a "player", get the Mexican Strat at $449.00. Sounds as good as any of the pure single coil Strats.

I'd definately get the Montage for what you want to do. It's the most appropriate and versatile one at a reasonable price. Can't wait to get mine.

Good luck!


Russ

Jim, I was just thinking of trying to get to your part of the country. I just started a new house job last week. I'll move to the patio in early May, and may rotate between the patio and the lounge. I play about 5-6 jobs a week, but all but 2 are for horse farms, the state government, a university, etc. The new house job would be a good place to get together.

I'm looking at your card and will give you a call next week to visit.


Be well,


Russ

Tom, There are many round hole guitars on the market, you need to look for your price range and what appeals to you.

I place a value on what Russ posts but I tried the Montage and I found it gimmicky and with low quality. I have a 314 Taylor and love it – but I am coming from a Big Band and jazz background. For church music a humbucker or single coil pickup is being used mostly for lead. Churches are looking for an acoustic sound – check this out with the Christian stations on TV.

John C.

John, look at the Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin. Inexpensive, but really interesting for someone from your background. I'd have issues with the Montage, too, compared to a Taylor anything.

For the price and versatility, I like the Montage. For about double the price, I like my new Parker 10 as a good value hybred, but that's a different animal if your frame of reference is an import Strat or a $500.00 ($399.00 plus case) Epiphone Dot.

Lots of favorable Montage reviews. Different strokes, I guess. I'll let you guys know what I think when I get mine in a few weeks. Rob Woods, a friend and former drummer in a group I worked with now works for Ibanez. He has promised me one in March.

Man, I love guitars!

R.

Russ, I will take a look at the Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin, I hear their guitars are good, thanks. One day you and I will have to post the guitars that we have owned and played. Not as a contest but just to share.

John C.

John, we could do that via personal email. I have only traded or sold/given away 10 or so. The rest, including the first $14.95 Silvertone, I still have.

Tt's a sickness.

Be very glad to swap "war stories" anytime.


Russ