I am not very big on gear, so when I do buy I usually just play ground until I find something I like the sound of. I usually know the general type I want -> electric, classical, acoustic, etc - but beyond that I go in with an open mind. [br][br]Recently I picked up a Gretsch at a store in New Orleans that restores instruments. It was a great deal and knew the guy so got a discount on top of it. I'm in loooove with the tone.