[Telarkaster]

So I went to my local store to check out their recent delivery of Fenders. Turns out I was late, they sold like hotcakes. Disgruntled, I shoved off to another store to check out their acoustics.

There they were, all the Martins that I ever wanted: D-16 LSH (wide fretboard, Large Sound Hole) perfect for fingerpicking, the mellow D-35, ballsy D-18, the comfy vee necked D-18V, and my favourite, the D-28.

The D-28 really did it for me, I would try the others and come back to it to compare and I loved what I heard, and how I played on it. Every one was beautiful in its own right and I want each and every one of them, but I was in a D-28 mood today.

Then I spotted the HD-28. Oh dear. I had only read of these magical beasts, never actually played one before. I was curious to hear the difference. First of all, what a beaut of a guitar. I knew it was supposed to have more "bling" but I didn't think I would be that impressed with it. I played it nervously for a bit then went back to the D-28. All of the sudden I was hearing all kinds of weird overtones that I didn't notice before. The HD-28 sounded some much more focused. Now I understand what all the fuss was about.

The plan to finance the purchase one has begun. I'll start by taking back my empties to the supermarket tomorrow...

I put it back on the shelf next to the $6100 leather clad Elvis Presley model and went back on to the street to calm down...