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I'm partial to Martin acoustic guitars but that's because I've had a long history with them. I don't think you can go wrong with either Martin or Taylor...both are outstanding companies and make some of the very best factory guitars. Also you can't judge the entire line by one model.  You didn't mention your needs but both brands offer built in electronics...which can sometimes be a trade-off. I have a Martin GTE that sounds great both acoustically and plugged in...but doesn't have near the volume as some of the deeper bodied Martins. I also have a baby Taylor that's absolutely amazing for a small (child sized for my grandson) guitar. I think what I'm trying to say is go find several and play them them...then find the one that has the apprearance, sound, and playability that you like. My next acoustic guitar will probably be a Martin D-35...

A good exercise for rythym and pick control is to simply start at the top...low E string and do 1 downstroke...then proceed down each string to the High E. Do this slowly and make each note ring and count as you do this...when you can do this smoothly at the same rythym then try it with 2 downstrokes each...then maybe a downstroke and upstroke. Then do the same while playing scales...when you can do this smoothly and accurately then get a good seat and turn out the lights and do it in the dark! Sounds silly but after 45 years of playing, I do this regularly for discipline and control...then practice strumming with chords...downstrokes/upstrokes...remember that many chords do not require all strings being strummed...

If you listen to some bluegrass/flatpickers like Tony Rice and Jim Hurst you'll see an amazing ability to pick notes and strum chord very cleanly, accurately and at lightning speed. That's a result of lots of talent and a tremdous amount of practice....

Bootleger, could he have a Telecaster P/U?

I think it's about personal preference...some of the world's best and well known guitar players use Fender and Gibson and use them for a reason. There are many other brands out that are just as good or maybe better...Each has it's own sound and considering that there are hundreds of variations in the Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Pauls then it's amazing. Eddie Van Halen set the rock world afire with a home built guitar from scrap parts...I suspect that if you give him a Gibson, Fender, PRS or a Squire import...he would still be impressive...

Try 1 4 and 5 chord progressions in different keys....example A D E...C F G...D G A   eight notes first note is #1 then count four and that will be the #4 then the fifth will be #5...that will cover lots of country, Rock, Blues, Gospel...I hope this makes sense and helps...
abcdefgabcdefgabcdefgabcdef
123456781234567812345678

I'm not familar with your amp but after looking it up and seeing a picture I would try this...hope it works for you... Strat P/U front with volume maxed and no tone setting. Amp...Gain about 3/4 and set volume. Bass all the way and mid all the way with very little treble. Hopefully that will give you a deep blues tone with a little saturation with out getting a muddy sound. If too much saturation then back off the gain and add volume...

Bootleger hit the nail on the head...I'm partial to Martin guitars but that's due to long experience with them, excellent quality, and a sound that I like. One thing about the name brand guitars like the Martin, Gibson, Taylor, and some others is that they can also become an investment that gets betters with age...Most companies will have some options of body size, neck shape, sound electronics, and wood materials that can effect the playing style and tone that you are looking for...try lots of them and hope you find that special one...

<table border="0" align="center" width="90%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td class="SmallText"><b>bootleger wrote on Sat, 21 April 2007 02&#58;44</b></td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
Typical questions first.

#1, What type of sound are you going for?

#2, Which one are you more comfortable playing?

#3, Have you played them both?

#4, How much money are you willing to spend?

Ask yourself these questions and enjoy either one.

Bootlegger.

Bootlegger guitars.
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<font color="crimson"></font><b></b><i></i>Bootlegger has pegged it! I can't really add anything to what he's said. Everyone has opinions but he said it all...good luck and hope you find what you are looking for...

Write your own song expressing your love for her and then sing it in your best Barry White voice...

I think a Mexican made Fender Stratocaster would do nicely...well made, good sounding, durable, and very versatile guitars...or one of the many Strat clones out there...some made by great companies like Ibanez, Fernandes. Or if you like the Gibson types then some of the higher end Epiphone Les Pauls are great guitars...it all goes back to going to a music store and trying out as many as you can until you find "your" guitar...If you stay with the Strat or Les Paul then there's practically no end to the aftermarket goodies and upgrades if you decide on a different "sound" or want to hotrod your guitar.

[B][COLOR=crimson]I would suggest going to a music store and trying out several guitars...it's hard to buy an acoustic on EBAY and such without getting a chance to listen to it. Yamamha, Alvarez, Ibanez, makes some really great sounding guitars in your price range...if you do buy one that sounds a bit too "bright" for you then try different string sets...they can vary quite a bit in sound...I think it's always better to play them...or at least find someone who has one that you can try out and then find one on ebay...jg

<font color="crimson"><i><b>I'm always looking for an excuse to buy another guitar but I'm puzzled why your Ibanez doesn't work for you on bar chords. I would bet that if you took it to a good repair shop that someone could check and then set it up to be much easier to play...meanwhile keep finding excuses to justify that next purchase...</b></i></font>